Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. 08/13/ 2012 update.
A/N: Wooow. So effing late. Sorry. I made it nice and long for ya, didn't I? ^^' Ehehe. I had been sooo lazy. Oh, I just thought to add that Rangiku was the one who set up Momo's apartment in the real world.
Uhm...but here ya go. It starts off where we left off last chapter. :) Thank you for your time. Please read and review.
WATASHI NO KOKORO
Chapter 58
Ever since Momo had decided not to take the bus and opted to walk home, Hitsugaya had followed her from two blocks away. He knew she's aware of him being nearby yet just continued to ignore him. Noticing that her shoulders were still stiff when she entered the coffee shop.
He gave her some time before following suit, though regretted it when he saw the male server starting to get all nice and chummy-like. The boy lingered after he'd already set Momo's tea on the table, confidently giving her tips on the best places to go in town. "I tell you what, if you don't mind waiting for a couple of hours when my shift is done, I'll be glad to show you around."
Hinamori glanced at the door when the customer entered, he was coming towards them and was relieved to see him since the waiter was getting just a little bit too talkative. "That really won't be necessary but thank you...this tea smells delicious." She took a sip, holding the cup with both hands to warm them and not letting go when she set it down on the table. Her eyes remained downcast even when Toushiro pulled the chair out and sat in front of her.
His glare, for the time being, was deathly directed at the male server. The glacial daggers didn't relent until the waiter went back into the kitchen and didn't bother coming back out. Satisfied, Hitsugaya crossed his arms as he now had his attention on her, organizing the questions in his head regarding Inihara...
"Care to tell me who that guy was, and why he was inclined to give you a ride home, as if he does it on a regular basis?"
Her brown eyes flashed, defensive. "It was just that one time Shiro-chan, when I had to carry the cello home."
"And I can't help but notice the striking resemblance–"
"That's irrelevant. I was just making friends as you, taicho, had strongly encouraged."
That got him to stop, the green-eyed monster slowly retreating into its dark and shallow cave. She's right, I did. ...
Toushiro moved to hold her hands that were still grasping the cup, but she quickly held them back away from his touch. His fists clenched. "I'm sorry, I kind of lost it back there."
"It's fine." Although her eyes were still unable to meet his.
He understood her reservations and reached for her hands again, holding it firm to emphasize the truth in his words. "Must you still need proof of how strongly bounded I am to you? Because there is nothing going on between me and Karin. You have to know that." And thought it ridiculous, that he had to actually say it out loud.
Momo took a couple seconds, taming her ill-directed temper and slowly looked up. She felt silly from getting jealous, but she also wanted to point something out before apologizing.
"You're totally oblivious to it Toushiro, that it is not even funny."
"What is?" He asked with an eyebrow arched. He crossed his arms again and leaned away, ready to hear it.
"I mean...do you look at yourself in the mirror?"
"Sure I do."
Momo shook her head, not referring to how his clothes being always impeccably donned. "No, but do you really look at yourself?"
"I'm not sure at what you mean."
"My point exactly. You have no idea just how...hot you look. Because you, taicho, is considered a heart-throb sensation –especially to these high school girls. They'll drop their panties for you in a heartbeat."
The mental scene of underwear dropping everywhere was a little disturbing that a change of subject was in place. He was about to say something but Momo continued, "which leads me to say this: yes, I trust you yet it's these hormone-driven girls that I can't trust when they're around you."
Disapproval lined the austere features as he leaned forward on the table, wanting to also argue a point, "and what about the string of boys at your heels? What's your excuse as they seem to stalk your every move?"
Hinamori almost choked on her tea. "They don't stalk! They all just feel sorry for me. To them, I look like this make-over project of some sort, not something pretty. No way."
"I see. And what do you make of me, your husband? Who never pities you and who happens to know that you're the most beautiful person to grace his world?" He added the melodramatic bit as he was becoming amused and curious at the same time. The idiot is so clueless.
"A fool, who's now stuck with me."
"Ah and you're a much bigger fool, for having no idea of your staggering effects on men. I'm crazy about you baka, that should be adequate proof," he said with finality.
"While you—"
"Enough Momo. This argument is pointless and therefore over."
...
…
Their conversation in the coffee shop had ended tense and it set the tone for their remaining walk home. She finally caught up to him as he chose to get ahead; his expression clouded while he brooded.
Hinamori warily slipped her hand into his and twined their fingers together. "I'm sorry Shiro-chan," she urged him to stop then peered up, "...you know that I love you right?"
The deep creases in between the white brows were sternly set, yet his hand slowly reached to touch her chin. He nodded once and replied so softly, "hai. And I, you."
With their hands still tightly clasped she sighed, smiled in a dreamy way then started to walk again. Reveling in the now lighthearted and quiet stroll.
"So...it's the weekend, what did you want to do Shiro-chan?"
...Oh my Hinamori, my whole world perpetually tilts in all your directions.
He smiled to himself before answering. "Up to you."
"Well, we first need to get home and talk to the twins. Then maybe watch this movie that everyone in school was talking about..."
…
…
The city lights, along with the glowing embers in the fireplace, created an interesting display of shadows on the ceiling right above the bed. Toushiro had an arm propped behind his head while he idly stared aloft; quite exhausted and exceedingly content.
They didn't even make it to the movies last night as Momo had changed her mind and just spent the entire evening in bed. She was clad only in her undergarments when she seduced him, as he waited in the terrace earlier while she supposedly dressed.
"Hn." The taicho snorted with a half-smirk, remembering about a month ago, to eavesdrop in on a conversation that his men were having in the hallways. The officer was bragging about the best night of his life, quote unquote "she fucked my brains out!" And Hitsugaya agreed, for that's exactly how he's feeling at the moment. His mind was presently absent, and lacked sense to describe this any better.
Hinamori stirred in her sleep. The dark hair fanned across his chest like a blanket made of silk, while a languid arm draped over his waist. She moved her little fingers to scratch her nose and heaved out a loud sigh, snuggling closer to his body.
Toushiro reached for the comforter and moved it to clad her bare back just when he caught the quick flash of his phone by the bedside table; a distinct alarm that's specifically set when it goes off.
Reluctantly, he lightly squeezed Momo's hand and kissed the top of her head. Telling her that he had to go.
"Hmmm...no Shiro-chan. Stay." She held his waist tighter.
"I'll be back before you know it."
"Don't go." Encircling her arm further and tangled their legs even more.
"You're being childish, Bed-wetter."
Hinamori finally turned up to face him and stuck her tongue out. "Am I? Well you don't see me hurrying out every time Yuzu-chan leaves their house."
"Yuzu, never leaves the house at this time nor is she on a suicide mission to kill hollows either." He pointed out, and with a little more force he disentangled her tight hold.
"Hmpf." Momo crossed her arms and now faced the other side.
He pulled up his jeans and donned on a plain white shirt, then chose to shrug on a black hoodie to complement the night.
"Please love, go back to sleep. I'll see you later." Toushiro whispered, brushing his lips on the small of her back.
…
.…
….
She was upside down on the couch with the remote in her hand; flitting through the hundreds and hundreds of TV channels. Seriously, who needs all these talk shows?
Momo tried to watch a couple of movies but it didn't quite help as her eyes always darted to the clock. Wondering where he is, and what he's doing... Or with whom.
All she received was a vague short text that he got held up at the Uruhara shop about some soul modifier contraption or something...bleh. Hinamori sat upright, with a sudden urge to go hunt for hollows outside the confines of the city. Disappointed too, for now just coming up of the idea when she could have saved herself hours and hours of boredom...and anxiety.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock* *Knock*...*Ding...dong*
Eh? Who could this be? And from what she could see in the peephole, it was Takeharu. She found it a little odd that he was standing too close to the door, unable for her to get a proper view. Momo slowly opened it and was greeted by his trapped expression. For the young man's nape was snugly fitted in between the voluminous breasts. One boob rested on each of his shoulder.
Gulping loudly, the bellhop announced. "Hitsugaya-san...y-you have visitors."
"Momo-chaaaan!" exclaimed the 10th division fukutaicho then it was followed by gales of laughter and cheers. They crowded around her, overwhelming her with tight, meaningful hugs.
"Rangiku? Rukia! Ise-san! Yourichi-san!...Inoue-san?" Nemu-san, Kiyone-san and even Soifon...taicho?! "What are you all doing here?"
Nanao plunked her hands on her hips. "Rukia's bachelorette. Honestly Momo, you haven't been reading the WA's announcements have you?"
"Oi, don't blame her. Blame Renji for not forwarding her her mail. I reminded that baka too." Rukia defended as she was busy looking around the gorgeous apartment, then giddily ran to join the others "oohing" as they found the terrace.
"Anyway Momo-chan...there. I messaged taicho just now, telling him not to bother coming home since we're all getting ready here."
"Where are we going?" excited at having to spend a night with all her girlfriends.
"Dinner, then off to a nightclub in the city. Future little Mrs. Abarai over there begged not to go to a stripclub, a total shame if you ask me," and her voluptuous friend did look disappointed while straightening her hair in front of the mirror.
"Where did you want these, Matsumoto-san?" Asked Takeharu, referring to the handful of dresses hanging on the rolling rack and wrapped in plastic.
"Oh yes, just over here. Well, isn't he just so helpful...and cute!" Rangiku gushed, making the man blush.
…
…
...
Baka Matsumoto and her stupid parties.
The taicho privately grumbled while he turned a page of the Sereitei Journal. Not too happy of being banned out of his own apartment. The sliding doors opened to Tsukabishi holding a porcelain kettle, making his way to the round table to refill the captain's second cup of tea.
"Thank you, Tessai." Hitsugaya said behind the newspaper.
The tall man nodded. "Uruhara said that you are welcome to stay here as long as you need, taicho. Dinner is at 6pm." Kisuke had also known about the bachelorette party and aware that the young captain needed a temporary place to stay for a few hours... or more.
"Ah, thank you but that won't be necessary. I'm heading back [to Soul Society] after this cup." He'd decided to check in on the children and his division; the latter of which he knew was left to his fourth seat to run (and which he didn't mind at all).
Loud, muffled thuds were heard just outside the other entrance. It opened as Abarai, in his gigai form with ripped jeans and a gray sweater, clumsily stumbled in as if someone had forcefully nudged his head from the back. "You do the asking. This is your party after all, not mine." Said Ichigo, also dressed in jeans and his black university jacket, followed the redhead into the room.
"Fine, geez." Renji grimaced, adjusting his ponytail. "Heya, Hitsugaya-taicho. Tessai-san."
"Well hello freeloader– I mean, Abarai-taicho. Kurosaki-san. Would you like some tea?"
"Ah. That'd be great, thanks Tessai-san." Ichigo politely replied while he sat down, trying hard not to laugh at the vein that appeared on Renji's face.
"Can you fucking believe that? Still calling me a freeloader..." the redhead mumbled towards Tsukabishi's back as he left to fetch their beverage.
Hitsugaya lowered the paper to see two awkwardly grinning faces, directed at him. Renji cleared his throat before he began.
"Madarame planned a bachelor's party for me tonight."
"Count me out." Toushiro curtly declined as he took a sip of tea, lifting the paper to start reading again.
"But taicho! We need someone of your...influence to be there. Kira had invited Ichimaru, and I had already invited Hisagi–"
"And who's running my division?"
"Ukitake-taicho." The said captain was also invited but he wasn't feeling healthy enough to party, and just volunteered to help keep things in order.
"So Toushiro, eto...we need for you to be there just in case things get out of hand," Ichigo finished for his friend, "since I can't be of any use."
"Yeah, and we need someone who can hold his liquor."
"Ah, I see." A captain class bodyguard on stand by while they drown in debauchery.
"So...you in?" Abarai ascertained.
"On one condition."
"What's that?"
"No going to strip clubs."
"Fine." Kurosaki was quick to agree.
Abarai shrugged. "Fine with me."
…
…
…
But unbeknownst to them, the strip club was instead brought over to their party.
Sitting in between Gin and Yumichika, Hitsugaya had his head bowed while massaging the bridge of his nose. Tch. Idiot...I should have been more specific.
There were three girls inside the large party bus that Ikakku had rented. Nimbly grinding and gyrating their groins against the metal poles that were so conveniently placed in the center aisle. The red light was dim but it was just enough to see them shed one article of clothing at a time until only star-shaped stickers were left to cover their nipples, and those strings that were such sorry excuse for underwear.
And within the next ten minutes, as if the show wasn't appalling enough, the three girls started tongue kissing and fondling each other...
"Oi Ikkaku...where did you find this shit?" Shuuhei asked under his breath, looking quite calm despite the panic in his voice.
"...Eh?" The bald-headed man was slack-jawed; too stunned to reply.
Ichigo and Izuru had their hands slapped over their eyes, yet were still unable to look away, watching from the small gaps in between their fingers. While Renji, Chad, and Ishida found the floor quite riveting during the whole one-hour ride.
"Nightclub. Last stop." The host interrupted over the lewd, dubstep music.
"Thank Kami." Hissed Toushiro between gritted teeth, briskly getting up towards the exit. He was the first one off the vehicle.
"Uhh...we'll just take the train home. No need to wait for us from here." He heard Madarame explain to the party host.
...
Toushiro was inhaling the fresh air, looking up at the starless night as everyone else were getting off the bus. The rush of relief etched on the handsomely defined features.
Someone stood beside him, also admiring the same scene. "Yare, yare...ain't that some crazy shit? And that's comin' from me. What d'ya say we get a drink after that, Hitsugaya-taicho?" Gin encouraged, sensing the all-too-serious taicho's reluctance to be a part of this tomfoolery.
Hitsugaya smoothed out the small wrinkles on his charcoal gray tailored suit, aligning his black tie. And to Ichimaru's surprise the captain nodded, "Yeah, I could use one." Then followed the others disappear into the club. Gin smiled, straightening his own similar-looking suit in navy with the silver tie, before going in.
The music was slightly muffled at first but soon blared once they made it deep into the large darkened area. The dancefloor was huge, located a few steps down from the bar. There was only one girl dancing, with a drink in hand. And from what the multicolored spotlights allowed, she was wearing a really snug, short white dress. A tiara made of diamonds and pearls adorned her head with a red sash over one shoulder.
We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place...
Her white pumps made her silken legs look endless as most of the men in the room just stared at her svelte form. And it's all they could do really, since the feisty little thing would offer knuckle sandwiches if they come any closer. Though she tripped and lost her balance, falling forward to the floor. Three of her friends ran to her rescue, as well as her drink which she agilely made sure not to spill even if she lost all dignity.
Ichimaru's lip curled as he was watching the whole thing from the bar. "Heh. I think the little princess had a tad too much to drink."
"Hn." Toushiro glanced over his shoulder; uninterested. Then turned around to lean forward so the bartender didn't have to strain to hear. "Vodka on the rocks."
"Make that two." Ichigo butted in.
"There's a fine selection of girls prancing about," Ikkaku pointed out as he joined them at the bar, also taking a seat.
"I'm not here for the girls, Madarame. I'm here for the alcohol...Hennesy shot please. Oi, what's your name boy?" Abarai asked one of the bartenders, " I have a feeling we'll be good friends by the end of tonight."
"Call me Matt."
Renji counted the heads, "Actually make that ten shots, Matt. And keep it open, tab's on me." Although somewhat grumbling now as he untied his ponytail and bandana. Annoyed at his friend for that distasteful orgy they've just witnessed.
There were a group of girls that all came out from the restroom, hurriedly joining their other friends that had a table by the dancefloor. There was one that lagged behind, and in her rush to catch up she also tripped, her small purse slid across the floor and hit Izuru's shoe. Getting his attention.
"Oi, are you alright?" Kira asked while he helped her up.
"Yes. Ahehe. I'm fine, th-thank you. It's these damned heels, we're not use to wearing them...eh? Kira-taicho?"
"Kiyone...Kotetsu-fukutaicho?"
She quickly removed her hands from his hold and pulled the bottom of her skimpy silver dress lower. "Ano... is that Kurosaki-san with you? And... Abarai-taicho? Oh no."
"What are you doing here?" The captain curiously asked. And wearing that scandalous... piece of cloth that would make the soutaicho finally die of nosebleed?!
"Eto...I have to go. Bye," in a haste to tell Rangiku.
"Right. Bye." Izuru's eyes followed where she scurried off to. His pupils shrunk when all the girls' head whipped to look at his direction, the tall gold-haired one just glared; and scathingly so, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand.
Matsumoto whipped her thick curls away from her face and broke away from the group, then stomped across the dance floor. The human males in the club just gawked of course, not quite believing that one of the models in their playboy magazines had jumped out of the page.
"Erm...Madarame. I think you need to handle this one." Kira gave a heads up.
Ikkaku knew what was coming the second he, too, recognized the faces. Swallowing down the shot before meeting the buxom fukutaicho halfway in the center. He had to slightly tilt his head up to meet her furious stare, her pink pumps adding a few inches of leverage.
"You idiot, how dare you follow us!" Pointing a hot pink-polished finger that matched her small dress.
"Oi you just wait a minute," a vein ticked on his cheek, "I didn't plan to go here. It was part of the bachelor's package...and oi, how about you get that finger away from my face."
"Or what, baldy?..."
"This should be interesting," Ichimaru observed for a few minutes before joining Hisagi and Isane who's trying to alleviate the heated confrontation.
Meanwhile, Ichigo was already by the DJ's booth waiting for a perfect moment to surprise Orihime, who was shyly attempting to put in a request to play a song...
Renji and Rukia were super-glued together, their suggestive and sex-simulated dance in perfect accordance with the adulterated atmosphere.
Yellow diamonds in the light
Now we're standing side by side
As your shadow crosses mine...
The couple blended in as more people crowded into the floor, the petite girl's back pushed closer against Abarai's front; his hands ran up the sides of her body while she openly allows it. Giving not a hint of doubt that they belong to each other.
We found love in a hopeless place
We found love in a hopeless place...
Toushiro took his time with the glass of vodka. Thankful that he's left alone for once, and not really sure why he agreed to do this in the first place. Nor cared what the men are up to when they scattered away all of a sudden. For the taicho had other concerns.
I wonder what she's doing at the moment...
He contemplated while swirling the ice cubes in the now half-empty glass. I'll find out as soon as I leave this place. Hitsugaya took the last swig; feeling much better after.
The bartender slid another glass in front of him. "This is from that young lady over there."
"Tell her 'no thanks.'" Not bothering to acknowledge the gesture. He left more tip and also paid for the offered drink then stood up to leave.
Matt came back. "She promised to leave you alone once you have this toast," he leaned in closer, "and trust me when I say this man, but this girl here is something to look at. A whole lot of them came in, and none were interested in any of the men. So consider yourself lucky that one has set their eyes on you."
Sounds like a stalker, he inwardly concluded from his experience with those crazy fangirls in Soul Society. But Toushiro adhered, planning to pretend and take the drink with him and just toss it in a trash bin on his way out. Not really in a mood to hurt anyone's feelings tonight. Okay, maybe just Abarai's...
He finally looked up and subtly raised the glass to the lady, the bartender moved aside so they can make the friendly toast from across the bar. It was Momo raising her glass back, a soft lopsided smile upon her glossed lips. She wore a strapless dark silk dress that hugged her figure with her hair left free, cascading in long thick waves and side-swept in an extremely provocative way.
Toushiro almost dropped the drink. Quickly gaining his balance and finally looking around to make sense of everything, recognizing all the familiar faces in the club. Matsumoto and Ikkaku seemed to have come to a compromise (the bald man offered to pay for all of the women's expenses for the night.) While the others were either dancing or huddled in merry conversations.
Huh. Amused at the night's outcome.
"She also asked if you would do the honor and make the toast."
Toushiro finally smiled before replying. "Sure, why not," and made his way to stand in front of the girl.
"And what are we toasting to?" she asked with a twinkle in her eye.
"For making me the happiest man."
Their glasses clinked, tilting the drinks up to their lips without losing eye contact. Matt smirked as he continued to secretly regard the pair, his best matchmaking accomplishment yet. For the attraction was instantaneous. Heck, I think it was love at first sight.
"What's your name?" Momo resumed the flirtatious charade while perusing his attire. A thrill rushed up her nape to see him so immaculately gorgeous.
"Toushiro. Shiro-chan, for short."
"You look much too serious to be called 'Shiro-chan'."
He grinned. "So are you married, engaged?"
Hinamori held out her hand, displaying her rings. "Yes. Married, and very much so."
"Then we already have something in common," he surmised, bringing her hand up against his lips. "I'm married too. That makes for a great start, don't you think?"
Her musical laughter filled the air, "How about we start by you asking my name?"
Matt almost choked on his chewing gum as a bead of sweat trickled down his forehead, now thinking himself a certified home-wrecker. Hitsugaya and Momo were having too much fun to notice anything else however...
"Forgive me, I'm not well-versed in picking up girls."
With her black 3-inch high heels shoes, Hinamori didn't need to tip her toes as much as she clasped her hands behind his neck. "So instead, you sweep them off their feet?"
"How am I doing so far?" he was actually a little curious.
"Toushiro, you don't even have to try."
She brought his head down for a kiss, and not just any kiss. It was something to show the men that had harassed her for the last hour that this is her type. A man sent down from the heavens; a guardian. Beautiful, strong and a heart so pure that no one can compare. There were some low whistles and a "hoo, well that didn't take long" from an inconspicuous audience.
... Hitsugaya began to feel that constriction in his groin, as her fingers clutched tighter in his hair; her tongue began to ravish his mouth with familiar ease.
He broke off to ask, "Momo...Matsumoto wouldn't mind if I steal you away, would she?"
She sighed, from both the disappointment that he'd ceased the kiss and from now facing the inevitable truth. "Yes, she would...hm?" the music had unexpectedly stopped and the lights went off. It was then followed by a few short beats of the upcoming song before stopping again.
"EEEEK! Momo-san, this is it, it's our song! Here, drink two gulps of this and you won't be nervous anymore. Come on!" Hitsugaya felt his wife being dragged away by three giggling girls. Leaving him alone in the dark.
Green laser-like lights fanned from the ground and ceiling, though currently unmoving as it waited for the coordinating sound.
The dancefloor have cleared, giving place to nine female silhouettes, spread out evenly in different locations. Their stance resembled mannequins with their hair being blown alluringly by some air contraption...
Kuchiki was obviously in the center as her tiara gave it away. While Toushiro identified his wife on one of the side platforms, Inoue on the other.
The lasers started to flash and moved in all directions, along with the engaging beats of the music (Lights by Ellie Goulding)...
I had a way then, losing it all on my own
I had a heart then, but the queen has been overthrown
And I'm not sleeping now, the dark is too hard to beat
And I'm not keeping now, the strength I need to push me
It was an enchanting show of remarkable beauty, grace, and sex appeal as they danced and enthralled the whole audience. The men, especially –human or not.
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone
'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home...
The song was coming to an end when a young man of enhanced confidence (which he probably conjured up from a tall bottle of hard liquor along with encouragements from his boisterous companions) took it upon himself to get the girl that he's had his sights on all night, and roughly grabbed Orihime down from her spot.
It didn't take long either to see Kurosaki break the guy's face with a fist and hence, making the other thick-skulled men jump in to redeem their fallen friend.
Yet even if Ichigo could have handled it all on his own, he still got all the help he needed.
Naturally.
….
A/N: The song that Renji and Rukia were dancing to was We Found Love by Rihanna, then followed by Lights by Ellie Goulding. I don't own any of these artists' work either. Please read and review.