Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
This chapter starts the day after from the last chapter.
Fluffometer: I was advised by a reviewer to get a new meter since it broke from overuse in the last chapter. So here ya go –a new one...it might break again though.
A/N: Soo yeah...I have no excuse for being late this time around. Lack of motivation? It can't be since I'm still madly in love with this couple. Just sooo lazy... *grumble * But I made it! Another chapter! Woohoo...review please peoples! I need them.
WATASHI NO KOKORO
Chapter 51
(I dedicate Linkin Park's "In Between" just for this specific scene.)
His forehead marred by a collection of small horizontal grooves when light openly streamed in through the hospital window. Tempted to grab Shinsou and do something about the birds...like stab the loud disturbing things.
"Sonofabitch..." Ichimaru groaned, quite familiar with the aftereffects of what seven bottles of sake can do. Well at least that's when he lost count –after the seventh bottle, or was it the sixth? Tcheh. "Stupid."
He raked his hands into his pale hair and pulled it back tightly as if to relieve the pounding in his head. His eyes opened, the thin slits widened while flashes of his memory came to mind...
Gin remembered being trapped inside a cocoon of ice, and that was right before everything faded to blackness. He could only guess that a severe case of hypothermia had set in soon after, making him pass out. Well-versed of the taicho's formidable ice/snow type zanpakuto, the strongest of it's kind and not his first encounter either.
A corner of his lips slanted upwards, albeit a little wan. The young taicho didn't think twice on who to unleash his wrath on. I just made it too easy for him –considering our turbulent history. He shut his eyes and sighed...wishing he's back to frozen actually, to numb the throbbing headache.
Yare, yare...I don't know what you were trying to prove last night you idiot. Because in reality, you've just made matters worse...
"Gin?"
She was standing by the foot of his bed, still dressed in her black and pink kimono from last night. "Rangi-chan...?"
"Gin..."
"Has anyone come in here...to check on me?" Hoping that no one hasn't given her the diagnosis just yet; that he's in fact only suffering from a bad case of a hangover –and some mild frostbite.
"No. Not yet...why? Are you in pain? I'll get someone–"
"No... At least not at the moment." He exaggeratedly winced and quickly milked her concern. "But... see these wires here?"
Crystal blue eyes guiltily welling up as she watched his hand twisting itself in the said object. She nodded.
"It's attached to my heart. Hitsugaya-taicho had frozen the vessels all around it beyond repair. So this machine, is the only thing that keeps it from beatin'. The only thing that keeps me alive." Subjecting to theatrics, his forte.
"...I am so sorry." Her fists on her chest, owning full responsibility for his injury.
"...but it's not the only thing that would keep me alive. Rangi-chan, I need to know that ya still care for me like how ya did back then..."
"What do you mean?"
"I just need to know or I'll unplug these wires if you don't tell me the truth." He threatened, tugging the wires to show her that he's got a good grip on them.
"Now Gin, don't be irrational. You're probably still drunk and aren't thinking right–"
"The hell I am. Scream for help and I'll wrench everythin' off even before they can save me."
"I won't yell for help! But just calm down will you? And le-let go of those wires."
"Tell me Rangi-chan or this is it."
On the edge of hysterics, she appeased him. "Okay! Fine! I still care about you."
He tugged on it tighter. "You're just saying that."
"But I do! I saved you when Aizen left you for dead, didn't I?"
"Saving a comrade in arms during battle –that's not what I wanted to hear." Already pulling one of the wires, the machine attached to it started to beep.
"I care for you, even if you don't deserve it. There, happy now?"
"Yeah..." The warmth that crept up his heart was compelling...though he did not let go of the wires just yet. He was feeling lucky. "And I want to have the same chances that that 69-lovin' pansy has with you...however far ahead he is already."
"Hisagi hasn't gotten in my pants, stupid."
"Well, I want a date on weekends. And I do your division's damned paperwork so I'm entitled to some weeknights as well."
"Okay fine. But please just let go of those things, Gin."
"What things?"
"Those wires attached to your striving heart."
"Oh, ya mean these? They're just attached to my toes. Ya see, they're slightly frostbitten so each end of these wires would send out little jolts to get the sensation back in them–"
*SLAP!*
There were some 4th squad members that heard the loud sound, looking over their shoulders to where it came from. The unit floor is for people who aren't really seriously injured, so it wasn't a cause for alarm.
"Ahhh... fuck that hurt. Ittai..." As he buried his face in the pillow, for it still stung. "Whats with all the hitting Rangi-chan? Geeez."
"Oh sorry." She choked on a giggle. Seeing him hiss 'ittai' reminded her of their childhood days when she'd start a wrestling match and she'd always be the victor. Or he just let her win perhaps...but either way, it felt good to win.
All that excitement from the night before had exhausted her nerves, unaware that she'd left her guard down. Rangiku came closer now, feeling like she deserved an open examination of the man that's a shadow of a boy that she once knew.
A drastic change from his pretense of being that villainous jerk who loomed Sereitei just but a few years ago. Gawd, did he play the part or what? Sending an unpleasant shiver down her spine. Still can't quite grasp that this is the same person...
"It's still me Rangi-chan."
Matsumoto swallowed the lump in her throat, remnants of her deteriorating pride. "Yes. So it seems..."
…
…
…
…
…
…
A few months later...
It was an hour past lunch time when Toushiro came back to the office to find his wife on the yellow couch with their daughter sitting on her lap.
"Where's Zennyu?"
"Huh? Oh. With Rangiku in the nursery..." she said half-attentive as she holds the Sereitei Journal with her right hand, continuing to read.
Hitsugaya kissed the top of Momo's head and ruffled Kokone's hair before going to his desk to prepare some time-sensitive documents. He was engrossed for the next thirty minutes, not minding the adorable baby sounds that the little girl was making as she plays with a rattle. He would look up to smile at her once in a while, and she'd get so excited every time she catches her father's attention; kicking her chubby legs.
His wife in the meantime was so absorbed behind the newspaper, not noticing that Kokone had dropped the rattle and was now focused on her mother's ring. Her turquoise eyes were wide, entranced at the sparkly object as she slowly bows her head down to have a taste. Drooling all over Hinamori's hand.
"Er...Momo." No answer.
"Oi, Momo." Still no answer.
Hitsugaya got up and went over by the couch to pick up the dropped toy, he sat on the floor and handed it back to the baby. Kokone stopped what she was doing to happily smile at her father. He reached to remove the Sereitei Journal from Hinamori's grasp. "Oi," only to be met with a set of troubled brown eyes. "What's wrong?"
"How come I didn't know anything about this?"
"About what?"
"This reigai invasion!"
Because I made sure you didn't. "It has passed, Hinamori. No need to worry yourself over it."
"And why don't they deliver the newspaper anymore? I had to call Ise-san to send one over."
Toushiro just shrugged. Playing ignorant as he brought the baby's hand to his lips, kissing it as if she's already a lady.
He's right, it has indeed passed. Momo loudly sighed and laid down on the couch, resting her head on a pillow. And she lifted Kokone just right above her, singing the french nursery rhyme. This twin's particular favorite...
Alouette, gentille Alouette,
Alouette je te plumerai.
Alouette, gentille Alouette,
Alouette je te plumerai...
Toushiro just stayed where he was and watched the mother and daughter interact. Glad to see Hinamori's mood instantly changed as she pushes the baby up high, then would quickly bring her down for kisses. Becoming deeply engaged in this simple game of rhyme and tickles as both would burst out in a fitful of laughter.
…
It was well into an hour. Toushiro was back behind his desk when Momo interrupted the silence. Her voice just above a whisper since Kokone was fast asleep on her chest.
"Shiro-chan..." Addressing his bowed head while he meticulously fills out a page in front of him. She's already quite aware that eye contact during this conversation is impossible at this point.
"Yes, Momo."
She focused on the baby girl's hair, lightly twisting the soft strands with her finger. "I talked to Abarai-kun during the Kuchiki New Year's party...about my position as lieutenant."
"…"
"It seems he's just waiting for me to decide when I should return to work...and I think it's about time that I do." And she waited for his reaction out of the corner of her eyes. He didn't skip a beat and just continued to write.
"The twins are barely just learning to crawl, Hinamori. Don't you think it's too early?"
"Well, no. Geez Shiro-chan, you act like I'll leave and never come back or something."
"When you get sent on missions, what then?"
"They've weaned off breast milk so really, the maids can feed–"
"Tch. Hinamori, now isn't really the time to talk about this."
Momo had to bite her tongue. There will never be a right time... She almost said in a huff. It was quiet for awhile as she thought about another approach but then just gave up. For now. She slowly stood, careful not to disturb the baby's sleep in her arms and left the office without a word.
…
…
…
Around 9:15 that night...
Hitsugaya was sitting up reading, leaning against the headboard when the book in his hand was snatched and unceremoniously flung onto the floor. Replaced by his wife, enticingly dressed in her red silk 'nightie' and perched bestride his lap.
She waited as his dark green eyes slowly roved upwards before she unclipped her long hair, tilting her head and letting it sexily cascade down her back. Momo purposely put on a light layer of makeup and did her hair to have that dramatic effect. Her long lashes now much more emphasized as she gazed at him from behind the soft curls that half-covered her face.
"I have a proposition, Toushiro."
His tongue was already leaving a hot trail on her collarbone, sending a cool shiver down her body when he breathed over it. "...And what's that?"
"Hmm...ano...that you can have me like this...every night. All pretty and dolled up...if only you agree with me going back to work." Surprised at herself for finding the words as Toushiro now had his hands under the silk, his thumbs lightly skimming over the contours of her breasts.
"And what makes you think...that I can't have you every night if I so please, without a proposition?" He said against her throat, at the same time sliding a hand inside her matching lace underwear.
Momo had to clench her teeth together to hold in a sound as his fingers started to stroke her wet spot. Her breaths becoming unsteady. "...But not pretty...like this."
Hitsugaya took his time, making sure she's absolutely hot and ready before he stopped and pulled her in closer by the waist; their foreheads almost touching. He wanted her to see his sincerity despite the raging lust in his loins. "You must be so blind not to see how much I want you, baka..." Lowering her so she can feel him pulsating against her, just aching to be released. "Because I care naught of these trifle things. In fact I prefer you not put the effort –it's a waste of time. For I will have you. Every night."
Momo couldn't seem to say anything before his lips delivered the mind-numbing kiss. Unsure of what she had gotten herself into...
…
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…
Four hours later.
Toushiro woke up to the sound, finding it unusual since Hinamori would be awake at the slightest fluctuation of the babies' reiatsu.
He touched her arm to check. "Momo..."
She sleepily grumbled. "Uhh...I'm on my way."
"Stay love. I'll go." A small smile was on his lips when he kissed her temple, knowing that he went a little overboard trying to prove how much he wanted her –with or without all that damned makeup. Ridiculous. He got up, donning on his gray sleeping robe from the closet and headed to the nursery.
The room was already illuminated by a soft night lamp. He came in slowly as not to startle the upset baby, peeking over the crib to see his son crying. His sobs got worse when he saw that it wasn't his mother.
"Zennyu. Oi, it's okay love. Come here...shhh..." Toushiro hushed, rubbing the boy's tiny back. "It's alright. It's going to be okay." Relieved to feel the sobs quieted down to hiccups.
He went to the small refrigerator that contained the baby bottles, taking one out that had Zennyu personally engraved on its surface. Toushiro grabbed a bib from a drawer and sat on the rocking chair, familiar with the routine. Only that this is done at a different hour. The baby was aware of it too, curiously looking at his father as the bib was being placed under his chin.
"Yeah, it's finally my turn." Answering the boy's unvoiced question. Realizing that he needs to help out with these late night feedings, and really wouldn't mind it at all.
Toushiro smiled when Zennyu contentedly sighed, his lips latched unto the nipple and began to voraciously suck. Chubby little hands reached up to pat his father's face –a gesture of thanks...
The captain leaned in to softly kiss his forehead as the infant's brown eyes were already half-lidded; falling back to sleep.
…
…
Momo moved and turned over –sensing something out of the ordinary. She sat up and peered at the clock...
Kyaah! I'm late feeding the twins!
She hurriedly dressed and used shunpo to get to the nursery yet only to be stopped in her tracks. She carefully came closer not wanting to disturb the most perfect scene. The captain was on the chair and had both babies facing down on his chest, holding them securely. All three were sound asleep...
...
…
Toushiro's eyes fluttered open when he felt warm lips pressed against his, their faces just mere centimeters apart.
"Hey." Momo whispered in greeting, nuzzling his nose.
He cleared his throat. "I fell asleep."
"Hmm I see that...do you mind if I put them back now?" She continued in a hush.
"No...here, take this one..."
Momo picked up Kokone first, kissing her daughter's head before setting her down in the crib. Toushiro was right behind her, placing Zennyu in his crib.
They held hands after closing the nursery doors and leisurely walked back to their bedroom. Without letting go, he gestured for her to enter first. Momo paused.
"Thank you, Shiro-chan."
Toushiro kissed the back of her hand. "You're welcome, Bed-wetter. Now, let's go back to sleep. It's way past our bedtime." Lightly smacking her derriere as she proceeded into the door.
…
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...
The sun shines brighter during these early spring mornings hence making it easy, as she hugs a pillow, to watch him dress.
He just came out of the shower with a towel loosely wrapped around his lower torso. He stood in front of the mirror combing back his damp hair when he noticed Momo in the reflection. She was admiring the view.
"Can I help you with something?" He asked, amused.
"Huh?"
"Go back to sleep, baka. The twins aren't awake yet."
"I know..."
"But?"
"I like what I see." She grinned.
He rolled his eyes before removing the towel from around his waist and draped it over his nape. Unaware of the gleam that got brighter in his wife's gaze. Momo snapped out of it when he finally put on his undergarments and hakama. It took her awhile to formulate her thoughts before focusing on his perfectly muscled back, her expression a little defiant.
"...I'd really like to take back my seat as Abarai's lieutenant, Shiro-chan."
He wasn't surprised but just slightly annoyed at the turn of subject. The captain silently resumed his morning routine.
"Did you hear me, Toushiro?"
"It's been almost four years since you've held a sword in battle, Hinamori. How do you know you're ready?"
"Four years of being out of the game just makes me even more ready to be out there again!"
She sat up now, her hair disheveled and using one of the bedsheets to cover her naked body. Reminding Toushiro of an unruly child in the midst of a tantrum. He shrugged on his haori and stood by the bed right in front of her, cradling her agitated face and urged her up to kneel. "You are not ready. The children are not ready...I am not ready. Take that into consideration and don't be rash in the decisions you make." He kissed her then, relieved to feel her warm reiatsu recede. He pulled away, skimming his thumb over her swollen lips and remembered why they're swollen to begin with...He smiled.
Momo's brown eyes remained narrow, however. "Meanwhile, you can just decide on your own and turn Gin-san into a popsicle... I don't think he was ready for that, if you ask me." She muttered.
"Oi, that was three months ago. You still have that hanging over my head? Geez...although you have to admit that it worked out well. Matsumoto visited him every day in the hospital."
One of her dark brows raised. "Since when did you become a matchmaker, taicho?"
"Right. I'll see you later, baka."
She snagged the front of his haori. "Mou...I just don't see why you can have all this freedom. Meanwhile..."
"I have to go love."
She heavily sighed, smoothing out the creases on his shoulders and gave him a soft peck on the tip of the nose. "See you later, Shiro-chan."
...
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…
Momo finished with the babies' morning routine, eager as she now slid the office doors open to peek at her friend. Who was busy daydreaming while facing the window.
"Rangiku-san."
...
"Oi, Rangiku-san!"
"Hah...? Oh hey, Momo-chan. Is it tea time already?"
"No...eto...wondering if you can keep watch of the twins. I have to go...somewhere."
"Of course. I'll be there..."
"...Are you okay, Rangiku?"
"Hmm? Oh yes, everything is fine...where are you going?" Curious now as her young friend looked like she's in a hurry, not even bothering to enter the office. "Going to meet with your secret lover, perhaps?"
"Ack. Rangiku, no!" She blushed profusely, the idea of it alone was horrifying. "I'm actually on my way to find Toushiro."
Matsumoto dismissed her with her hand. "Like I said, your lover. Fine fine, get out of here. It's group training with the taicho today so he's in one of the dojos, the one with the reiatsu inhibitor."
"Hai, thank you. And don't forget about the babies, they're asleep at the moment."
"Yeesh Momo-chan! I know. Go already. As if Kokone's fussy reiatsu alone doesn't make the hair on my arms stand from a mile away. Tsk! You guys need to do something about that..." Tapping a stack of reports while she addressed the empty space.
…
…
Hinamori was just in time as she followed, tail-gating the last five lower seated officers going into the room. She made sure to sit towards the back, behind some of the taller shinigami. Looking down and doing a once over of herself; making sure her ponytail is neat and intact. She felt a little awkward at first when she donned on her black shihakuso that morning. Uncanny, how it made her feel...powerful somehow.
The excitement and anticipation was contagious, eavesdropping on some of the conversations from the thirty or more officers in the room.
"Yeah, he tapped my left leg last week after he dropped me on my ass...said I need to be more swift with it. I had an injury there once, must not have healed correctly..."
"It's fucking crazy mate, how quick he is. Never let your guard down is all I can say. And consider yourself lucky that reiatsu isn't necessary in today's training." One of the officers thumped the newbie's back after giving him the advice.
..."I got him though, that one time–"
"Eheh. You mean before you lost that fuckin' tooth?"
..."You think he'll take his shirt off again?" A girl playfully asked, just audible enough so the other girls around her can hear.
"I hope so..." Another one sighed before they broke into a chorus of smothered giggles.
"Oi, he's here!" …
Everyone's backs became rim rod straight and the droning sound came to a sudden halt five minutes before the captain came into the large spacious room. He was already without his shirt and haori, some of the girls bowed their heads to hide their smiles and pink cheeks. Momo couldn't help rolling her eyes.
She was very careful, however, to stay concealed just enough where she can still see him.
He walked directly to where the bokken sticks hung on the corner, picking one out with no heed. He placed it under his arm as he straightened the white wraps on his wrists meanwhile slowly scanning the seated crowd. An eyebrow cocked. Aware that the division had lost some of its members during the reigai invasion, thus needing them to be immediately replaced.
"It seems we have more than a few new faces..."
Momo completely hid herself just in case. She heard some clearing of the throats and coughs among the group before peeking again. Toushiro now stood in the center, with a blindfold obscuring the piercing eyes.
"I'll take it easy on you today...consider this a welcome to the new recruits." Flipping the bokken up in the air and briskly catching it, already in his offensive stance. His hand urging for someone to come forward. "Come one or come all. It's all the same to me."
There were some smirks, their confidence given a little boost to be offered this advantage. Although members with seniority were reluctant and grumbling. "We've seen this before. He'll hit harder now than without that fucking thing! Yare, yare...whatever. Let's get this shit over with."
While Momo on the other hand couldn't have it even more perfect as she giddily awaits her turn...
It didn't matter if they're male or female, they all went down the same way –dropping like flies. There would be a couple of good fights that lasted approximately ten minutes, but that's it. Momo had to cringe when the taicho kicked the man on the neck, completely caught off guard when the weapon was dislodged off his hand. Consequently slamming him back against the wall and adding more to its decoration of cracks.
Not that she's never seen such a scene but it just seemed different to see her husband so...violent. When he's the complete opposite around her and even more so to the children...
She was alerted when the girl in front looked from over her shoulder. Her expression was worried, contemplating to either go before or after Momo since there were only a few females left. Hinamori stood up, making the decision easy for her. She tidied up her uniform and grabbed the wooden stick by one of the unconscious shinigami who was kindly dragged to the side by his comrades.
"Hai, I'll go then." ...
Hitsugaya had just straightened up after finishing with his last opponent and prepared for the next brave soul. He secured the blindfold while he waited.
Someone remembered her face. "Is that...?" ...The question was left hanging by the hush that befell the air. Toushiro recognized the silence as a person of a higher caliber in fighting skills taking the stand. Everyone now eager to see him break a sweat.
He welcomed it. And since today isn't the day for reiatsu-flaunting Toushiro ran the names in his head on who could it be, names of officers who proved impressive from the last training. He couldn't single it out nor does he care at this point; just anticipating to get a decent fight.
"Ah. Quit wasting time and let's go." He impatiently said.
The first strike was promising enough. Their spar lasted past ten minutes. She blocked almost all his blows and even received some of her countered attacks; though she was very cautious not to be fighting so close. He knew it was a girl from the swish of her hair, the graceful yet debilitating hits. And confirmed it from the first grunt that escaped her lips just seconds ago (however hard she was trying to suppress it.) Her movements were similar to Soifon-taicho's and Yourichi-san's and even...Momo's? Toushiro's thoughts were diverted when he found an opening. His smile was smug as he delivered an elbow to her chin. Satisfied when he heard her jaws clamp and felt the impact of her backside hitting hard on the floor. There were gasps from the women.
But his opponent didn't stay down just yet, clutching on to her bokken. Swinging it deftly and twirling it in her hand. She took a moment to catch her breath and lunged at him. Unable to contain her challenging cry as her adrenaline now pushed, overcome by her combative instincts.
"Hinamori...?" Uttered the captain.
Hitsugaya took off the blindfold just before she came at him. The aquamarine eyes were wide, zoning in on the blood that dribbled down her mouth. Though he was unable to say anything else when she continued to pommel, urging him to fight back. Toushiro took the defensive, still unbalanced to find his wife in this environment.
"Growl Haineko!"
The gray smoke surrounded Momo, disintegrating her weapon and stopping the one-sided fight. "Tsk. My, my officers...can't you see that your taicho is being attacked? ...And this woman here doesn't even belong in our division –a trespasser!" The fukutaicho entered, making light of things.
The captain dropped the bokken, reaching for his wife. No one could really see what's going on as he hovered over Hinamori, wiping her bloodied face. "Fucking baka. Just baka. What were you thinking baka?...Shit..." Berating her under his breath. Toushiro had vowed never to see her hurt in any way and now this...
"I shink ..I bit off a peesh of my songue..." She sheepishly grinned, her teeth tinted in blood as the dark red liquid continued to ooze down her chin.
He fished out some of those white bandages from his pocket and clamped it on her injured mouth. Restraining to shake her at the same time. He grimaced when the cloth got soaked with the excessive bleeding. "So fucking stupid Hinamori –stupid...someone call the healers!" He ordered in between admonishing.
"Hai, taicho." Said one of his officers, limping out of the dojo to do the task.
"Owaaah! Is that the baby?" One of the female shinigami asked in amazement at the dark-haired chibi in Rangiku's arm. "It is a baby!" Indeed, a rare sight in Sereitei.
"Oh yes. This here is our Kone-chan, the other one is still asleep..." Both the fukutaicho and the infant basked in the spotlight when a crowd started to form around them...
Meanwhile Hitsugaya saw the healer arrive. "Follow me." He instructed his wife. And those were the last words he'd spoken to her for the rest of the day.
...
..
A/N: Sorry so abrupt...That was one of the nursery rhymes my granny use to sing to us while growing up. Also had to learn the whole thing when my sisters and I were sent to a boarding/convent school ran by french nuns. Mon Dieu... *shivered at the flash of memory* :) Please review.