Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
This starts where the last chapter left off.
Enjoy!
A/N: I'm a week late! Not I'm-pregnant-by-Hitsugaya kinda late, but the bad kind of late. The one that I should be punished for! So sorry, school had been hectic. Please review, it's my motivation!
WATASHI NO KOKORO
Chapter 48
Little Thieves
...
His white haori removed as it now hung on the foot of the hospital bed.
The captain's face is intent and careful; feeling clumsy all of a sudden.
"Oi."
"It's okay, Toushiro. I felt awkward too, holding them at first...there. Support his neck and head...just like that. See?" Momo smiled, heading across to the other side of the room. Content to leave the father and son for the time being as she's a little eager to feed Kokone –her first attempt, remembering Kama-san's instructions.
"Oi, wait."
"Hmm?"
"Why...is he looking at me like that? He seems pissed."
Hinamori peered at her son to see what Toushiro was talking about. One of her brows raised, "Shiro-chan. That's the exact same look you always carry around."
He wasn't amused. "Maybe you should feed him first."
Momo laughed. "Well, you did just wake him up... Hey Zennyu-chan, show him the smile that stole all the girls' hearts in the room. Come on!" She prodded.
The baby averted his serious brown eyes from the person that was uncomfortably holding him, to the familiar and beautiful face. Instinctively drawn to her melodious voice. Toushiro felt the boy's instant change of demeanor.
The tiny corner of his lips curled up as he focused on his mother. Making that same distinct sound that his sister makes, almost like a purr. His little arm coming out from under the white wrap to reach for Momo.
"That's the one." Hinamori breathed. Stuck, once again, from the pure adoration of her son.
The baby's soft tuft of white hair covered his perfectly shaped head; curling slightly just behind the ears. A cherub is the first thing that comes to mind. My angel, my Zennyu-chan...she snapped out of it to look up. "He's beautiful isn't he?"
"His eyes, they're yours." Toushiro agreed, starting to get the hang of holding the baby in his arms.
"Just the color and maybe his lips. But other than that... Hmm..." Tilting her head to the side, studying the boy's face closer to see what else they have in common.
Kokone made a noise –not to be ignored. She was still in the crib, bundled in a light pink blanket all set and ready to be fed. "I have to feed your sister first, okay? Then you're next." Leaning down to softly nuzzle Zennyu's head before attending to his twin.
Momo carefully picked up Kokone and sat on the comfortable arm chair by the window. "And you...are just absolutely gorgeous! Wait until your Aunt Rangiku sees you." She took a moment, positioning the baby before untying the ribbon on the front of her gown with one hand. "Now please be patient with me Kone-chan, for it's my first time..."
Toushiro looked away, somewhat feeling intrusive to be observing the private moment. Reverting his attention back to his son who was now scowling at him. He scowled back.
"What? You don't know who I am?"
The boy blinked and resumed his pissed-off expression except that his bottom lip started to disappear as his mouth turned into an upside-down 'u'... Taking in a deep unsteady breath while his eyes now shimmered with imminent tears. Hitsugaya sensed the baby's reiatsu hitch before he wailed. The sound wasn't loud, it was small and forlorn –it was gut-wrenching.
The taicho felt desperate to immediately console the child. "Oi. Oi, it's okay. It's alright –"
And he wasn't the only one who was uncomfortable to hear the baby cry. "Shiro-chan, why is he crying?" She asked her husband, who had his back towards her. Kokone had already latched on, avidly sucking away and drifting off to sleep.
"It's fine, don't get up Momo, I got it." I think...
Toushiro adjusted his arms and focused his reiatsu in one hand, releasing some of the blue glow from his fingertips as he stroked his son's tiny head. "Shh...it's me. See?"
Zennyu choked back his sobs, still biting back his bottom lip and hiccuped while his tear-clouded eyes continued to study the white-haired stranger. He now perceived the familiar reiatsu; reassured as he associated it with the face. The baby sighed, and gurgled something in acknowledgment.
"Ahh...there we go." Hitsugaya exhaled and whispered in relief.
"What happened Toushiro?"
"I was instructed to mask it. That's why he couldn't recognize me."
"Kama-san was just being extra cautious. It's not like you're in your bankai form, Shiro-chan. It's okay not to mask it because if you've noticed, the twins' reiatsu are very resilient; countering our own."
"I see." Too focused on not dropping Zennyu earlier to notice anything at all.
…
...
An hour later...
"Lunch is served." Momo sighed dreamily as she tucked a dozing Zennyu on the bed, right next to his sister who was also fast asleep. She smiled; proud of herself...then held in a giggle when she looked at Toushiro.
He was sitting down on the bed in front of his daughter with his elbows propped, holding his chin while his other hand gently touched and measured one of Kokone's exposed foot. Absorbed as if it's some complex mathematical problem that resulted in something so...small.
Momo quietly settled next to him and glided her hand in through his soft white hair. Loving the silky texture before ruffling it. He sat up and was caught off guard to see her face so close.
"Hey, Shiro-chan."
"Hey. Bed-wetter." She wrinkled her nose at the nickname and stuck her tongue out.
"Ah sorry, my mistake. You're not the only one. There's the three of you now."
Momo laughed, but stopped when Zennyu's arm moved at the sudden sound. She pressed a forefinger against her mouth. "Shh, baka Shiro! Joking all the time." Reaching to adjust the twins' blankets. Although becoming entranced once again, just looking at her babies...
Toushiro nudged her with his shoulder. "What are you thinking about?"
"...I can't help but somehow feel wary, like I have to ask permission from Oba-saan if I can keep them."
He chuckled. "You can only keep one."
"Mou...that's tough. Oh I know Shiro-chan, we each can take one home!" She played along, placing her arms around his neck; their faces just inches apart.
His hands rested on her small waist. "Hmm...but these here aren't guinea pigs. Not sure if she'll allow it."
"She was okay with that snake you brought home once..." Although it had to go when it slid inside Hinamori's pants during dinner time and she inadvertently flipped the table over.
"And if I remembered correctly, you would have me bring in some more of those furry things when the old woman was occupied. You kept a total of twenty at some point."
She snorted. "You remembered wrong. I didn't have you do anything!"
"Is that so?"
"You thought they were cute too."
"I thought they stunk."
It was quiet for a moment before they burst out in suppressed laughter. Recalling how Oba-saan had to give them both a good scrubbing in the soaking tub to get the smell out.
She was still giggling when Toushiro kissed her, passionately. She was so pliant; grabbing the front of his shirt in case he let's go.
"Happy anniversary, Momo." He whispered against her lips.
That got her to stop, while he continued on to softly kiss her cheeks and forehead. "How terrible. I completely forgot, Toushiro."
"Huh. While I didn't even get you a flower." Disgusted at his incompetence as a husband.
"Hm. It's fine. I guess we've been a little preoccupied. And we can save a flower or two." Already aware of the congratulatory bouquets to come.
"I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you next year...or next month." Leaning his head down to nuzzle her neck, resuming their much needed make-out session.
"Yes...mmm... That'd be nice."
The doors abruptly slid open as the mid-wife came in. "Three-hour family time is up! Hitsugaya, kindly keep your hands to yourself...thank you. Now, your visitors have been duly instructed and have been waiting to see the babies. Are you ready to welcome them?"
"Ah...hai?" Momo confirmed. While the taicho made a grunting noise as he stood up and reached for his haori; swiftly putting it on. Hinamori kneeled on the bed and fixed his kosode, habitually dusting his broad shoulders before checking in on the twins. Gently smoothing out their hairs as they laid next to each other still blissfully asleep.
"Put a robe on, love." He reminded her.
"Oh yes, I almost forgot." Slightly blushing at her state of undress. Toushiro was putting on Momo's tabi when Matsumoto ran in holding a large pink gift basket.
"Is it true?"
"Yes, Rangiku. I'm so sorry, I couldn't tell you!" Knowing that her friend wouldn't have kept such a secret from her taicho.
"It's okay. As long as you all are fine!" Rangiku tightly hugged Momo, not caring that she had pushed the captain to the side.
Then quickly forgot about everything else when she opened her eyes and saw them. Her loud intake of breath sounded as if she witnessed something tragic, that had Momo and Toushiro looking at her questioningly, waiting for her to exhale.
"Can I touch them?" Rangiku asked in a small voice, careful not to squeal while she pointed at the twins.
"Of course." Hinamori eagerly nodded. Though the captain had to add a word of caution.
"But don't wake them up –"
"Oi, finally! Geeez, we've been waiting for hours!" Renji boomed as he followed behind Rukia, who had her hands together; just itching to see all the cuteness.
"O-ho! Congratulations Hitsugaya-taicho, Hitsugaya-fukutaicho! You lucky dog you!" Cheered Ukitake and Kyoraku who were both holding pink and white bouquets, the latter with a couple hidden bottles of sake in his pocket.
The babies started to cry from all the noise.
Unohana walked past everyone to gently pick up and sooth Kokone; the louder of the two. "Tsk tsk! My, my you idiots. Look what you've done, startling the twins like this! Come here, my precious baby." She crooned.
"Rangiku-san, come, hold Zennyu-chan." Momo was actually glad to have everyone see the babies awake, so they would be able to see the other big difference in the features other than their hair color.
"Me? Really? But I might drop him."
Momo assured. "No you won't."
Toushiro averted his attention from a conversation with Shunsui and Jushiro to look over his shoulder. "Watch it, Matsumoto."
"Ready, Rangiku-san? Here he comes..." Handing her the white-haired cherub. "This is your Auntie Rangiku. Don't give her a hard time okay?" Securing the child in her friend's arm.
"Eto...he's tiny. Just like his daddy." Matsumoto had to purposely point out, satisfied if that invisible vein behind her taicho's head should appear. But then added, "And just as adorable. Owahh...look at those brown eyes!"
The little boy cooed; comfortable against all the 'cushion', resulting in "awwws" from the female crowd.
"I'm next!" Rukia couldn't hold her excitement.
Yachiru was jumping, raising her hand. "Then me after, Unohana-taicho!"
"Then me after Kuchiki-san." Ise interjected.
"Count me next."
Everyone stopped to stare at the doorway, where the hero in white stood holding Inoue's hand. He hadn't visited Soul Society in months due to his limiting reiatsu. He placed a hand over his nape, uncomfortable from all the attention.
"Ah. Hey everybody. What? I like babies too. Geeez."
"Ichigo!"
"Kurosaki."
The orange-haired boy had to make way when Byakuya, Hisagi and Komamura entered. Then he along with Orihime also followed suit, and proceeded to meld in through the welcoming crowd.
...
...
...
Three days later...
Toushiro was looking out the hospital window, admiring the season as the powdery flakes descended calmly from the skies.
"Are you ready, Shiro-chan?"
"Ah. You all set?"
"Hai."
He turned to fully face her and couldn't be any more content to see Momo standing there, holding the double carrier like a basket. Matsumoto had styled her hair into an elegant chignon and dressed her in one of her fine kimonos; black with the white embroidery and with a beautifully accented red and white obi. Marking today as a special occasion.
"It seems I'm under-dressed."
She smiled. "You always look handsome, Toushiro."
He took the carrier from her hands and held her face. "And you, are just stunning..." Letting his fingers linger over the flawless skin. "Let's go home, Momo."
"Hai. Let's." Finally.
….
….
Rangiku's eyes narrowed. She stood back and peered at the room from a perspective, a knit in between her brows as she sees something out of place. Ayah! Walking over to one of the two cribs and bent over to meticulously arrange the nude pink bedding...
He leaned on the door frame and admired the view for a moment before clearing his throat. "Always a perfectionist when it comes to unnecessary details."
Recalling her flawlessly applied makeup on their date last night and how she manages to easily dodge his personal questions. It's been their fifth date and still no progress. Nor does it help either that her alcohol tolerance is unmatched. She kept everything so...superficial around him.
Eh...? "What are you doing here, Gin?"
"I was in the office finishing on some paperwork. Only thing I'm good for these days."
She was now focused on the giant plushie chappy doll in one corner of the large room, paying half her attention to the former-taicho. "...Are you complaining?"
"I'm just tired that's all."
"Then leave it for me. I'm just getting everything ready before they get here. Thanks for your help, Gin." Gesturing with her hand for him to go away. He didn't budge. She was getting a little irritated. Did he expect another date? "What?"
"You couldn't have forgotten about us."
"...There was never an us. Now if you don't mind, I'm busy."
"Momo-san mentioned that ya still talk about our days growing up–"
"And so what?" She looked over her shoulder; surprised to find him so close holding a golden lock of her hair. Ichimaru took advantage of the slight stagger to touch her cheek. Her blue eyes turned soft as they met his jade before moving away; pretending to fix a lamp shade...
"It's like a story that I've read somewhere once. Just mere characters in a book." She sighed. "From the way I see it, those days are long gone."
Ichimaru held her arm, careful not to squeeze it too hard. He wanted to shake some sense into her as the words hurt. He wanted to make sure she hears what he has to say as his lips almost touched her ear. "I'm not giving up Rangiku. I already apologized but ya seem to not wanna hear it. I'm not in the least bit discouraged by this...act."
"Give up on what?" She shrugged his hand off and moved away to face the window. "I'm not making you give up on anything, Gin. But whatever your plans are, please don't let them include me. You seemed to have done just fine with that, so quit wasting your time and just forget about us. There's no use in going back for I already moved on and learned from my past mistakes."
"And I'm tryin' to make amends for mine. Rangiku–"
"Matsumoto fukutaicho. They're here!" The young maid excitedly announced, interrupting the tense atmosphere that encompassed the room, then quickly running back to welcome the captain and his wife.
The golden blonde's eyes slowly brimmed with tears as she watched, from the nursery window, the division gates open. Her taicho holding a carrier and Momo following behind. A dome-shaped reiatsu barrier surrounding them to ward off the cold.
All the officers and staff were lined by the entrance, ready to greet and congratulate the group. It was a most poignant scene to behold.
"Now if you'll excuse me Ichimaru, I have to go. For my family has arrived."
….
….
A/N: Please review. Chapter 49 on its way!