Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. 05/22/2012 update.
Fluffometer: Mild. This meter is back! I had to look for it, fucking thing was hiding somewhere. It said it felt useless because of some character build up bs from the last chapters. Hehe.
A/N: I dedicate Ed Sheeran's Give me Love for the first and last scenes. I just watched him in concert, he was the opener for Snow Patrol. Sigh...such beautiful voices. I know it may not seem like it but I'm getting closer to the end. :) Please read and review.
PART II: WATASHI NO KOKORO
CHAPTER 56
...
A scant pile of documents was stacked to the side and already marked as finished. Because somehow the 10th Division was blessed with a slow day in the office; even with a missing fukutaicho at that.
The aquamarines were presently fixed, peeking from behind his arms which were rested on the uncluttered desk. Taking in this simple pleasure of being able to see his wife, not only in his dreams.
The captain hid a smile while he pressed a button and zoomed in some more...
Momo was on the bed, flat on her back with an arm behind her head. Her eyes were closed as she nipped on the pencil's eraser, trying to memorize a cello piece and even hummed the notes once in a while. The small slender fingers now pressed and plucked at invisible strings.
Toushiro finally interrupted. "What are you trying to play?"
"Prelude to Bach's cello suite number 1."
"I see. On what scale?"
"G-major. Are you familiar with the piece, tensai?"
"Yes."
She turned to fully face him, her eyes wide and eager, "Would you like to see me play it?"
"I can watch you just breathe, love." I'll watch you do anything.
Momo's lips quirked, her heart fluttering. "I'm a novice at this Shiro-chan, so don't laugh."
"Just play, Bed-wetter."
"Hai."
And Hitsugaya watched as she excitedly scrambled out of bed wearing only his white dress-shirt (her favorite version of a pajama nowadays). She pushed an ottoman moments later towards his field of vision, nibbling on her bottom lip as she tries to decide where to put it then disappeared again only to come back dragging the large instrument. Accidentally almost poking her eye out with the cello's bow when she sat down.
"Ittai..." She winced while rubbing her cheek.
Toushiro glanced up at the heavens, thanking the overworked kami that's in charge of his wife's safety.
Although he never thought that a bulky cello could make anything look sexy, but with Momo –it did. Closely observing as her porcelain thighs parted to accommodate the large instrument. Then stretching her arms out to hike up the long sleeves, gracefully poised as she takes a deep breath before slanting the bow inches above the strings.
"Are you ready?" She inquired.
He nodded once, and so she began... and was quite proud of herself when she only came across a few mistakes before reaching the last chord of the Prelude. There was a pause, waiting until the last note ebbed and became silent.
..."Well?"
"That was exceptional." Indeed, it was.
"You're highly biased, taicho."
"Regardless, I'm still impressed." Momo blushed from the compliment and was modestly smiling. It was quickly replaced however, when she remembered something.
"Mou, when will they be back?" Referring to Unohana-taicho borrowing the children for the afternoon.
"Soon." He assured, and was so moved by her performance that he didn't want to change the subject just yet. And actually would like to hear her play it again. "You've only had the class twice, if I'm not mistaken."
"Yes. I've kept myself busy."
"So it seems. And how did you get that thing in there?" The cello was almost her size; not liking the idea of Momo hauling anything heavy across town.
"A friend gave me a ride home. Then Takeharu-kun helped me get it in the apartment
"And who's that?"
"He's the bellhop." Absorbed now in twisting the instrument's tuning pegs.
"He drives you home?" Not quite understanding.
Momo laughed. "No, Shiro-chan. A classmate offered to drop me off–"
Matsumoto barged in pushing the stroller, with balloons tied to the front of the babies' seats. "Taaaaicho! They're back, and look what they got from Ukitake!"
Momo gasped right when she heard Rangiku and jumped towards the computer. Delightfully waiting as Toushiro pivoted the screen so she can see the twins.
"Momo-chaan, is that you? Aaah!"
Hitsugaya got up and walked over to kiss each infant on the top of the head before leaving the office. Giving the ladies some private time to catch up.
…
…
...
A few days later...
There she goes again. Inihara took notice when she turned to study his profile. Being it the second time, within the last twenty minutes that she had done so.
It was during break-time when he reasoned, saying he needed to compare music notes with Hinamori. Expectantly brushing off his friends' shocked yet amused faces when he opted to stay behind in the classroom to spend his lunch. They took turns playfully giving him knuckles on the head and ruffling his hair on their way out. He finally pushed them all off and told them to mind their own fucking businesses.
Momo was unaware that she was doing it as her eyes involuntarily roved, still not used to seeing the similarities in the fine features. That hair and glasses... the smile...and even the tone of his voice.
His eyes however, remind me of sapphires...
"She's waving at you."
Startled, Momo just realized he was now looking at her. "I'm sorry, what?"
"Kurosaki." Subtly pointing his pencil at the front of the class.
"Oh. Hey, Yuzu-chan!" Momo waved back. The younger girl gave her a knowing smile as she did a quick glance at the person sitting right next to Hinamori before turning back around, listening in on a discussion that her friends were having.
"You know each other?" He asked just when Momo was about to bury her nose in a book.
"Hm. We both used to go to Karakura High."
"One of my friends is crazy about the girl, but her older brother has quite a reputation."
"Really?" Her brows amusedly raised.
"Yeah, intimidating any of the guys that tries to talk to his sister. I heard dude's the overprotective type."
You have no idea. Momo had to hold in a snort, reverting her attention to reading. "I guess your friend knows what's best for him."
He shrugged, then stretched back in his chair looking quite relaxed as he clasped his hands behind his neck and looked up at the ceiling. "But if it was me and I want something that bad, I'd go for it...scary big brother or not."
She rolled her eyes. "Well you're just so brave."
"It's one of the basic principles of life. Some things and or someone that you truly deserve are usually the hardest to acquire, and are worth all the fight in the end."
Momo was in the middle of turning a page when she stopped to smile at him again. Admitting to like these little conversations they would have to pass the time. The boy is just so full of insight as well as having a great sense of humor that it reminded her of her Academy days with Abarai and Kira. "Hai. I have to agree with you on that one."
"So...you don't happen to have an older brother do you?" He asked, grinning.
She laughed, sure that he's just being silly. "No. Demo sorry, I gotta take this call."
And Inihara just watched as she left the classroom absorbed in that archaic flip phone of hers. She came back a few minutes later and sat back down, adjusting her black thigh-high stockings. Looking quite annoyed –like she always does every time after she gets off that phone.
This was twice today that someone snatched my hollow. And it was clearly in my area! Already planning to scout the city right after school and let the thieves have a piece of her mind.
"You okay, Hinamori-san?"
She instantly snapped out of it. "Hmm? Yes. Are you done with my notes, Inihara-kun?"
"No. Not yet."
"Honestly, I don't know why you need them if you know all that stuff already."
"No, I don't."
"Then have you thought of writing down the information, instead of doing last-minute scans of my horrible notes?" Certain that the guy has other things to do.
Inihara ignored her attempt of shooing him away and just continued on pretending to study. "I'm too preoccupied to do anything else in that class." And I would like for it to stay that way.
"Well maybe if you didn't waste your time teaching a dunce like me, then probably you'd get some important things done. Hmmm...though I should stop bugging you for help." There would be times that Momo would be so confused and she'd ask him, and he would explain it with such ease and clarity. Making her feel even more stupid because it was so basic. But Inihara never seemed inconvenienced and actually looks like he enjoys taking the time.
"Why do you do that?" He asked. His expression was so serious that it had her pause for a second, checking if she missed something in the beginning of the conversation.
..."Do what?"
"Putting yourself down. You aren't aware that you're doing it, are you?"
"Ahm –not sure what you're talking about." Momo started to fidget, tucking some of the loose hair behind an ear while his deep blue eyes keenly scrutinized.
"I never once thought you a dunce and these notes are far from horrible." Reiterating her most recent blunder.
She blushed and apologetically admitted. "I don't know why I do it...but I just do. It can't be helped."
Shigeo finally came to a conclusion. "This guy that I remind you of...did he put you down in some way? Did he hurt you?"
"…"
"Hinamori, look at me." The dark-fringed eyes that hesitantly peered up seemed so vulnerable, however hard she tried to conceal it. He had sat up now, his voice heavy with sincerity. "I'm not him nor will I ever become like that prick. Do you understand? I think you're brilliant and I've no intention of ever hurting you." Or let anyone else hurt you, he vowed.
"Thank you, Inihara-kun." Still jarred at the gravity of the subject. Her instincts immediately telling her to retract.
"You do consider me a friend? Right?" The playful smirk was back, a complete 180 degree-turn.
Momo couldn't deny that familiar camaraderie when around him. She couldn't lie. ..."Hai."
"So there ya go. I'm just watching out for you." He winked.
"I may not look it Inihara-kun, but I can take care of myself." She smiled reassuringly, though if he was more attuned he would have notice that the smile didn't quite reach the brown eyes.
"So does that mean you won't be needing a ride home today?" Even if she'd declined his past offers, he asked just for the hell of it. Feeling lucky and good about Hinamori considering him a friend. One little step at a time.
"Yes. And I actually like taking the bus." Although if Nakasone strains her neck even more by leering this way, I may just need your help to carry her to the nurse's office...
The very reason why Momo had come to her final decision. To put a halt to this budding friendship. The guy is so well-liked, handsome and extremely popular. She didn't want to cause such a stir, being swept up in the same spotlight. She also knew that it wouldn't make a difference when she starts putting the space in between them today or a week from now because his memories will be modified later on when the mission is over anyway. And he only sees me as this helpless thing anyway, just needing guidance in this new school. Momo is not a stranger to this impression that she always leaves everyone with, making them feel obligated to save her in some way. It's called pity. Inescapable in her case.
Satisfied with that conclusion, she inwardly shrugged. He'll get over it once he realizes that I don't need his help.
"See you later. And thank you for the notes." He bid as he stood up to go back to his assigned desk; the end-of-lunch bell had just gone off.
"Hai, you're welcome. See you later."
...
…
...
Thursday is finally here. He'd been looking forward to it all week.
Hinamori had been absent during lunch breaks for the past couple of days, only appearing back in class right when the bell rings that he had begun to wonder...
"Oi, Earth to Geo."
"Hey, Yasuo." Not even acknowledging his friend's large hand waving an inch away from his face. Inihara just continued to be engrossed in his sketch.
"What's up with you lately?"
"Tired. It's been a long week."
"Come on, let's get out of the campus to grab lunch. And shouldn't you be celebrating? You just made both soccer and basketball varsity captain." The announcement was made through the intercom that morning, and he did just go through a whole session of congratulatory back pats and hair tousling.
"S'why I'm tired." He grumbled.
"Ahuh...but it doesn't explain –this!" Yasuo had snatched the page that his friend was doodling on. It was a beautiful sketch of Momo's profile, the loose strands from her hair bun even looked soft in the penciled portrait.
Shigeo stayed calm. "Give it back."
"Here jeeeez." Returning it on his friend's desk like it caught on fire. "Man, you've got it bad. You're all emo and shit. I mean, yeah she's cute and all, but the girl walks around like the ice queen. I don't think she'll give anyone the time of day."
Inihara ignored the comment while he continued to finish his drawing. "What day is it today, Yasuo?"
"Thursday, why?"
"Just making sure."
...
…
The girl poked her head out of the car window to shout. "Hinamori-san! Dad asked if we can give you a ride home?"
"No I'll be fine, but thank you for the offer Yuzu-chan!" Her usual polite way of declining these human courtesies.
"Alright then, see you tomorrow!"
Momo took a different course, determined to find these shinigami that had intruded her area. She picked a scenic route, passing through a grove of evergreen trees before rounding a corner.
"Yo, need help carrying those books?"
"Kyaaaah! To-Toushiro? What are you doing here?"
"Pulling some strings." He ignored her wide-eyed expression while taking her bag.
"And meddling!"
He studied her face for a few seconds then pinched her nose and leaned down to make their foreheads touch. "No, I'm not. We don't go in the same school." Referring to his Karakura High uniform, with the tie and the preppy vest.
She pulled away, her brown eyes becoming wide again. "But...who's with the babies, Shiro-chan?"
"Oi, calm down. You'd think I would just leave them? Matsumoto and Unohana-taicho volunteered to help. And Kama-san also offered to come by everyday." A crooked smile on his face while he scratched the back of his head. Still a little boggled at how eager all the women agreed when he asked for the favor. Almost fighting over the task.
"Ano, and how long are you going to be here for?"
"Can't wait to cast your lover aside, Hinamori? I barely just got here."
"Hush Shiro-chan! We are not lovers!" She had to raise a hand to cover his mouth, her cheeks red and worriedly looking around to see if anyone heard.
Hitsugaya firmly held her wrist, moving her hand off from his smirking lips then kissed it. "You're right, we're not just lovers. We are more than that if you've already forgotten."
"Not for everyone to know. Please Toushiro, I'm serious. You cannot be here!"
One of his brow twitched. "And why not?"
"Because you'll stir questions when all I want to do is blend in!"
"Yeah that might be hard. Considering you have a white-haired boyfriend that's enrolled in your school's biggest rival."
Momo's eyes narrowed while she studied that smug look on his face. "Tsk. You think it's all a joke, do you? It's my first mission Shiro-chan since being reinstated in the Gotei 13. If I can't do this one easy task..."
Toushiro let go of her hand. His face now devoid of humor as he brushed his thumb soothingly over her pursed lips. The touch did calm her down.
"Always so serious, my Hinamori."
She sighed and turned away then started to slowly walk, clutching her books against her chest. "I'm just a little uptight. I can't help it."
"How are you sleeping?"
"Fine." Still looking over her shoulder to see if any of her classmates take the same route home, not wanting to be seen walking next to this tall white-haired boy.
He had to keep his eyes from rolling before he stopped and shoved his hand down his pocket to get the gikongan, popping the green pill into his mouth.
"Walk the other way." He instructed his gigai.
Momo was a little caught off guard to walk next to his true and even more daunting form –with the captain's haori, zanpakuto and all.
Then it dawned on her. The hollow thief, of course! The realization was followed by a resigned puff of air that fluttered her bangs.
Toushiro could feel the silence getting prolonged. "I don't know what's stranger, to be seen walking with me in the gigai or to be seen talking to yourself."
That made her laugh. "But at least this way, I wont have a whole mob of jealous girls after me for having such a handsome boyfriend. And I'd rather they think me weird so to leave me alone with questions and the mindless gossip."
He couldn't stop from rolling his eyes this time. "Girls are ridiculous. In this world and beyond, you know that?" Ruffling the top of her head, intentionally disentangling the carefully styled chignon.
"Oi Shiro-chan, stop!" She slapped his hand away and jumped to try to get at his hair.
He caught her wrist."Momo, your skirt is indecently short. I just saw what you're wearing underneath."
"And who told you to look down there? Pervert!" She teased dismissing his annoyed expression as she's still determined to tousle the top of his head.
"Tch. I didn't have to look that far."
"Pssh! You exaggerate."
"Pink. With the white chappies."
Momo loudly gasped. Feeling self-conscious now while she tried to pull the skirt lower. Toushiro couldn't hold it in any longer. Pulling her fast to the side and hid them in a nearby alley.
"Shiro–"
He kissed her three times. The first was to shut her up, the second lingered... it was soft and familiarizing, while the last one was...well, Momo couldn't remember how that went. She couldn't even remember her name.
Toushiro managed to break away, the deep masculine voice came out as a whisper. "Did you miss me?"
Her reply was a throaty whimper as his lips returned with more demand. Almost punishing her for being away this long. The gentle flicks of his tongue inside her mouth sent little jolts of heat throughout her entire body. Already imagining to have him inside of her, and getting even more impatient as they continued on with this torturous play.
He wasn't in his gigai so there was that slight overflow of reiatsu that made him taste even more sweet. So mind-numbingly sweet. Momo feasted on it, sucking on his bottom lip while her fingers threaded their way up to his hair, securing him in place. She could feel his hardened groin against her navel and was reminded yet again, of how this man never fails to trigger a feral response out of her, instinctively sliding her slender legs up and around his waist. Just clambering to be closer... Mine. All mine.
He had her back against the wall as his strong hands roved to the top of her thighs, slowly pulling her stockings down so he can feel the satiny lengths of flesh. "Momo..."
"Yes, Shiro-chan..."
Both their phones beeped, interrupting this heated activity. Hitsugaya had already flipped his open; confirming a hollow detection while she was still trying to think, not quite sure of what she's looking for.
"Do you mind," he seemed to struggle to form the question,"if I take this call?"
"No...of course not." As if she really had a choice. Hinamori was pushed back and was kissed hungrily once again.
"Be ready when I get there." He said against her half open lips as he straightened her shirt and blazer.
Her breathing was heavy, still trying to find ground. "Hai... Toushiro."
The hand that reached to touch her cheek was a bit shaky. She held it closer and kissed his fingers while their eyes were arrested in a gaze, promising to fulfill each other's aching desires.
Momo then just happened to blink, and he was gone.
…
...
….
A/N: Well, they both got all sorts of messed up in that last scene. *fans self* Oh check out the Prelude Bach's Cello suite no. 1, G-major. You'll recognize it. It's a beautiful piece. Please review. Thank you.