Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. 04/20/2013 update.
A/N: Hey, I'm back! Hoo...such a busy 7 months! Yeah... Seven. ^^' But anyway, I got a long one for ya. It starts off right after the last chapter.
I'm hoping it won't take this long for the next chapter to be up, since I'm already halfway through it. But I can't promise anything except that I will finish this story :,( . Please read and review. Try to read it again after a couple of days because I would try to change a bit of things around and correct errors and stuff. ^^ HITSUHINA 4 LIFE!
WATASHI NO KOKORO
CHAPTER 60
...
The wind blew fierce and frigid, jarring her like a cold slap in the face. Her mind had wandered again, causing her to stare dubiously ahead while walking the last block home. Momo hugged herself tighter then eventually closed her eyes. She took a deep breath in and welcomed the nip in the air, thankful for the days in school as it was a great distraction, veering her away from these troublesome thoughts...
But if someone was to look closer, a slow smile curved her lips when she remembered the phone conversation with Shihoin a few days ago...
"So are you okay?" her friend had called back just right after she left Kurosaki's Clinic.
Hinamori sat down on the curbside, needing a moment to calm down and take everything into a perspective. She placed a hand over her face, dreading the reaction she's about to hear. "Yes..."
"And?"
"It seems I-I'm pregnant. Again."
"...Huwhat? Really?! Yeeesh! Haven't you kids heard of condoms?"
"What's that?"
"Nevermind. Or how about just plain controlling your urges?"
"You mean contraceptives? Ano Yourichi-san, it's kind of too late to remind me now is it?" Feeling like a promiscuous child and ruled out calling Matsumoto for the time being as she could do without the teasing and the "I told you so's."
Shihoin laughed, "It's going to be alright Momo-chan. As long as you're healthy –had me worried for a second there. What did Hitsugaya say?"
Hinamori sighed, not really planning on telling him so soon. "I haven't heard from him in two days."
"I'm sure he'll be ecstatic... but I'll call you later girly, I have to go and oi, congratulations!"
"Hai. Thanks, Yourichi-san." Momo shut her phone close, wishing she felt as enthusiastic as her friend just did.
...
Hinamori entered the apartment in a listless way, kicking her sneakers inside the shoe closet. She then went into the living room and dropped all her bags and books at the foot of the big couch before flopping face down on it.
Pregnant! I'm barely into my first mission and now I'm knocked up again. Abarai-kun and Rangiku-san will tease me nonstop! And can you imagine? Three kids –oh no wait, four if it's twins again –or five if it's triplets! Momo felt faint all of a sudden. Baka.
And baka Shiro-chan for being so damned irresistible!
She flipped over to face the ceiling half-laughing from being so frustrated at her silly self. She then puffed out a loud sigh, stirring the bangs away from her brows, unaware this whole time of the statue-like figure standing out on the terrace. The back of his hair and his scarf ruffled along a forceful draft, his expression unreadable as he serenely stared across the city like its sole protector. He used shunpo earlier, effortlessly scaling the towers and opted to stay outside to wait for his wife.
The guardian turned and became affixed at a different scene, finding it comical to see the bed-wetter so absorbed in whatever it is that's bothering her. He finally decided to interrupt when he saw her gnaw on her nails like it's the only thing she'll have for dinner. Hitsugaya stepped in through the glass-paned doors and reached to flick her furrowed forehead. *THUNK*
"Oi, what if I was an intruder?"
"Kyaaah!... What the fuck?" she stood up stiff on the couch with her hands on her hips, hair disheveled, and her black thigh-high stockings uneven.
Toushiro's shoulders shook, folding his arms to help control his mirth. His chin leveled now to face her, and was unable to contain a broad grin, "I think, you've been hanging around high school kids too much." Referring to her interesting use of language.
The lieutenant's large brown eyes turned to slits, "Because unlike you, I don't really have a choice do I?"
The bite in her question wiped some of the funny away. "I didn't mean to piss you off, Momo. Forgive me..."
His cool hands were like water dousing a flame. Hinamori forgot about everything else the instant Toushiro cradled her face. Her eyes became doleful as tears threatened to fall, "Shiro-chan."
"Are you alright?"
"You're back." Everything is going to be fine.
He gently prodded. "Oi."
"I'm just so happy that you're here." And it wasn't a lie, she was just set on not telling him just yet.
Hell, she's barely trying to take the news in herself.
He bought it for now, and the skepticism was completely wiped off as he relished on the passionate greeting. Her tight embrace gave way to inhaling her heady scent, as she clung to him, burying her hands into his hair...
"Hm. Where's your gigai, Shiro-chan?"
"With Kisuke. It needed some repairs."
"Your trip, must have been perilous."
Toushiro tightened his arms around her waist, about to immerse himself in one of the many guilty pleasures when it comes to his wife, finally seizing her lips with his. It seems his son, Zennyu, had developed an addiction for his mother too that Toushiro feels he's in competition for her attention. So this, was a luxury.
The kiss was meant to be brief but it said it all. I missed you, I want you, I'm sorry I didn't call...
He then smiled that sideways smile after, insinuating they do the obvious but knew they had to wait for the gigai since his reiatsu tends to get unbridled during such wild sessions. Deeming it a bad idea, to lure hollows at this moment.
She didn't let go just yet either, worried despite seeing him unscathed. Momo took her time, lightly smoothing her fingers on the perfectly straight nose then over his mouth. Marveling at the way his upper lip so slightly overlaps the bottom from a century and a half of wearing that inborn frown, which she secretly thinks is adorable. Her eyes proudly brightened. The twins... had both inherited the prominent trait, I fear.
"Er...find something you haven't seen before?"
"No. Demo Shiro-chan, I'm wondering if you're busy tomorrow."
"I hav– "
"Would you go with me to the school dance?"
That caught him by surprise. "You're asking me?"
"No, I meant Hyourinmaru." She blurted while rolling her eyes, "Of course you, who else baka?"
"Thought you didn't want to be seen together?"
"Well, eto," she started to fiddle with his scarf, "Yuzu -chan was asked to go, so I have to go now too. And uhm...I don't have a date."
..."I'm going as your actual date, right?"
She faked a defeated sigh. "Might as well."
"Huh. This should be interesting."
...
Candles illuminated the bathroom as the pair soaked in their tub located in the center of the ivory marbled chamber, small coils of steam emerging out of the bubbles.
Toushiro had his arms spread out on the rim with his back leaning against the tub. The white hair appeared silver in its wet and slicked back state. His nape reclined on the neck rest as he closes his eyes and inhaled the lavender.
Momo was on her stomach lying on him, her damp cheek placed just right above his heart. She didn't seem as relaxed but she had been really trying, preoccupied while her mind aimlessly wandered. A pout was now obvious as she traced her fingers over the scar on his shoulder, then resorted to draw circles around his pectoral.
Hitsugaya opened his eyes just in time to see her fingers reaching for her mouth again, continuing on with her pathetic attempt of a manicure. He caught her wrist and slowly inspected the damage. He frowned, to see the jagged tips, gnawed down almost to the skin.
"I'll freeze the water over, Hinamori, if you don't tell me what's on your mind."
She didn't move but just snorted in a defiant way. "Hmpf. And I'll just melt it right back."
Somehow, he expected her to say that. "Just tell me, love."
She slowly slipped her wrist off from his grasp then expelled a long sigh, sailing some of the froth away. "Later Shiro-chan...I just need to first figure this out on my own." In truth, it was his over protectiveness that's making her hesitant. She could already imagine his officers standing guard everywhere, if they aren't already, but even more so now once he finds out.
"You'll let me know by the end of tomorrow then, or I'll make it known that I'm not merely your last minute date."
Gah! She got on all her fours and checked his expression, water sloshed everywhere. "You will not, Shiro-chan."
He moved forward so that their faces is an inch apart, that slanted smile which showed one of his canine teeth materialized. "Dare to find out?"
"I'll just ask someone else then." Thinking of asking Uruhara-san if she could borrow Jinta-kun for a bit.
"And I'll just guarantee them all a show." He winked.
Bah. She hated being manipulated like this. Hinamori went to the other end of the bathtub and petulantly crossed her arms. "Fine. I'll tell you tomorrow."
Toushiro was looking quite smug as he leaned back and shut his eyes again while Momo glowered at him. She raised her knees up and brought them closer to her body.
They were both on opposite ends, a thin layer of bubbles in between them. She finally glanced away and focused on a flickering flame of a candle, now thinking of ways on how to break the news. Damn. Didn't plan on doing it so soon... But whatever, I'll tell him at the restaurant before we head to the dance...
Momo was so engrossed that she felt his breath on the side of her neck before anything else. He was half-whispering a song, (Ed Sheeran's Kiss Me) while he nipped at her earlobe.
Settle down with me
Cover me up
Cuddle me in
Lie down with me
And hold me in your arms
And your heart's against my chest, your lips pressed to my neck
I'm falling for your eyes, but they don't know me yet
And with a feeling I'll never forget, I'm in love now...
Kiss me like you wanna be loved...
This feels like falling in love, falling in love.
He blew at her neck, gently leaving a cool trail from her ear down to her collarbone. She giggled from the ticklish and highly arousing sensation. The daunting Hitsugaya taicho completely sloughs away his all too-serious facade to reveal his playful side. His deep voice is so pleasantly male that these rare serenade is a gift, reserved only for her and the twin's lullabies.
Settle down with me
And I'll be your safety
You'll be my lady
And I was made to keep your body warm
But I'm cold as the wind blows so hold me in your arms...
"Hmm, love. I didn't think you would know that song."
"Thought it was catchy." He said with a mischievous glint in his eyes, as he was now becoming absorbed in gliding the tip of his warm tongue across her bottom lip.
Momo backed away, lifting her foot to the surface and placed it against his chest to carefully push him back.
"Is sex always on your mind, Shiro-chan?" utilizing Yourichi's advice on abstinence.
"Hardly." He punned, as she could clearly feel it under the water.
Toushiro held her ankle, ready to trap the little nymph but she swiftly slipped out of his grasp and got out of the tub. She wrapped a towel around her body and explained apologetically, "I have to learn a new sonata by Monday. Since most people, like myself, don't walk around with a photographic memory."
"You made it sound like I have a disease." He muttered, sounding hurt.
"Oh Toushiro, I'm sorry but I really have to study," she was now drying her hair with a towel, gazing at him through the mirror, "And don't you want to see me play?"
"...of course I do." And preferably without your clothes on.
She took the opportunity to add more to her list of distracting the surly captain. "Okay good. But just after we finish reading a story to the twins, is that alright Shiro-chan?"
"Yeah sure."
...
...
...
4:09 pm the next day...
Momo fidgeted with the neckline of the white chiffon dress, careful as not to reveal too much skin. She then adjusted the wide silver sash around her waist, admiring the intricate jewels that made the accessory sparkle.
Momo did a once over of her attire in front of the mirror and smoothed out the flowy skirt which ended just above her knees. She picked this one in particular as it didn't really try to stand out but at the same time she loved the elegant look of it that she couldn't resist a bit of glamor. Then she finally slipped into her silver ballet flats and was overall quite pleased with her ensemble. It was short-lived however, when Momo realized she didn't plan to do anything with her hair, which presently hung limp and boring.
Should I put it up? Or down? Hmm... And where is he? Our dinner reservation is at 6:45...her gaze darted to the clock, and then on the light gray suit that was laid out on the bed. Hinamori grabbed her cellphone from the bedside table and read his message about being deterred in Karakura.
A mental light bulb flashed, replying to his message to just have him meet her over at Uruhara's and that she'll just bring his change of clothes since the restaurant is located in Karakura anyway. Hinamori also wanted to have Yourichi-san help with her hair, so meeting up halfway with Toushiro was all very convenient.
Finally. Phew! The pressure of running behind the clock abated, positively feeling that thrill as dinner time neared. Momo rehearsed on how she's going to break the news. She was smiling while idly picking lint off of Toushiro's white shirt and altogether just decided to straighten the clutter around the room, in order to kill a little bit of time.
There was an envelope by the bedside table that jarred her to remember when her friend Inihara had quietly walked her to the bus stop after school today.
The boy seemed uncharacteristically unsure of himself which she thought weird. "Are you okay?"
"Hinamori, I...I forgot to give you this."
"Oh thanks. But what is it?" turning the envelope in her hand.
"It's a...it's a ticket for the first basketball game tomorrow."
Momo knew about it because of all the signs and banners posted everywhere on the school walls. She was opening the letter but he interrupted, "You don't have to open it now."
"Okay, right. I'll try to be there Inihara-kun and ano...sorry, but I really have to go. Bye!"
"Yeah. Bye."
And he just stood there watching the bus disappear, with an expression of...was it regret? Worry?
...
Hinamori's curiosity was presently roused, opening the envelope after kicking a drawer close.
"Oh."
Surprised, for she didn't expect to find three penciled sketches of her in ballet poses, and all beautifully done at that. The shock had her sink down on the floor instead of the nearby bed, completely dumbfounded for she knew she couldn't be that graceful and...why would anyone draw me?
The answer was on the last page. It was a short letter.
Hinamori,
I draw these pictures from my mind and from the railing intent of my heart.
You're all I can think of.
And I'm hoping that you'd change your mind and accompany me to the dance.
See you there...or not. ;)
~S. Inihara
Oh wow. Is he for real? She was blushing, and felt guilty if she had lead him on in any way. Momo crumpled the letter but couldn't find it in herself to destroy the pretty art work. Although, she knew that eventually she had to face the truth and reject his feelings. And the sight of Toushiro beside her tonight will be an obvious answer too, as it will soften the rejection, seeing that there's absolutely no ounce of possibility that his feelings shall be returned.
Momo was very much assured that this is just one of those human adolescent infatuations.
She raked a hand through her hair, clearing her bangs from view and the act also unknowingly helped clear her mind. She stood up and readjusted her expression at the mirror, determined not to have anything come into ruin.
Tonight, is going to be perfect.
...
...
Fucking hell. What is this idiot thinking?
Hitsugaya cursed when he arrived at the scene, just in time to see a tucked form roll and hit the wall.
"Kuso!" Karin hissed from the impact and was already getting up on wobbly knees. She reached for that can of 'hollow-away' spray that the creature's tail had flicked off from her grasp. The reptilian thing lunged again just as she once more aimed the pathetic weapon.
"Haien!"
Her eyes had flinched closed when she heard the hollow's screech, shielding them as she anticipated another whack from its flailing tail. The strike never came however, now uncovering her view of the monster disintegrating into dust. Her eyes focused into the dark and the glimmer of triumph within them was immediately replaced by annoyance.
"Oh it's you." She straightened, really hating that he'd caught her in such a bind. For she's been getting very good at hiding her reiatsu lately and would have rid of the hollow before anyone else detected. Especially this person, who obviously was not too fond of doing such a petty task as babysitting.
"That was a high-class hollow. Didn't it occur to you to come with help?"
He sounded angry, as expected. Karin dropped the empty spray can and shrugged, dusting her school skirt. "I've killed tons on my own."
The white haired captain slowly came out of the shadows, his piercing eyes were doing a once over of her physical condition. They seemed so concerned despite his stoic expression that it made her fidget, reminded of the guy's preemptive ways to find her words. The invincible hero who saved her on various occasions...yet manages to break her heart every time.
And avoiding him was her best answer to the pain, alongside by masking it with her usual brusque manner. "Stalking is a pervert's hobby you know."
"..."
Not much of a reaction there. Karin huffed, brushing off the awkward silence by fixing her ponytail. "Welp. I gotta go, thanks again– oh shit!" Came one of her favorite expletives as a sharp pain shot through her left leg, followed with the realization that it's broken for sure.
Hitsugaya caught her before she stumbled over. He sighed towards the heavens. Curse all these stubborn women... "Tch."
"Oi, put me down! I can make it to Urahara's just fine."
"I can get you there faster." And it's a long ways back. He didn't waste any time either, weaving their way through the dim-litted alleyways while explaining. "The venom has paralyzing effects, that's why you didn't feel the injury right away since its inflicted the cut just right above your leg."
"What? Really? That thing bit me?" Karin searched around her limbs and abdomen, frantically looking for any bleeding.
"No, but all it needed to do was touch you...what's wrong?" He became alarmed as the girl suddenly became still, her arms wrapped consciously around her chest.
"Eto, my shirt...it's torn."
"A-right." Toushiro halted, looking around before gently placing her down next to a wall, so that she can lean her back against it.
"I'm sorry." Karin managed to say, still a little shaken. She deeply inhaled once she was settled on the ground, gathering her wits about her, then glanced up and was glad that the guy was preoccupied. His expression was unreadable as he regarded something from a distance, at the same time unbuttoning his shirt. Karin quickly regretted looking as she found herself helplessly staring when he'd shrugged off the article.
No, I take that back. I don't regret anything at all. She bravely admitted.
It couldn't be helped as the moon lighted the sinewy lines, the owner completely unaware of his own symmetrical perfection... A boy turned man. She's imagined it, dreamed it even –of what he appeared to be under those clothes when he'd hit that growth spurt a few years back. But it didn't compare to see it in person. It was no surprise either to the young Kurosaki, but she couldn't deprive her mortal heart to see something so purely magnificent, however uncharacteristically 'girly' it made her seem.
Toushiro crouched down with a wry tug on one corner of his mouth as he draped his shirt over her back. "Don't apologize, it's unlike you." He watched her closely, her fingers shook as she hunched to cover herself. "Are you alright, Karin?"
"Much better...thank you." She said meekly, though she appeared to want to say more, but then changed her mind.
He addressed the imminent question in her eyes. "My reiatsu along with the cold had hindered the blood flow in your body, slowing the venom down. So you're going to be fine."
"I see. But I thought...I thought gigais limit your spiritual pressures?"
"Not mine." He picked her up again. "Ready?"
"Hai." Her cheeks flushed as his chest, even if still clad with an undershirt, rubbed against her arm when he secured her in place.
Toshiro opted to stay in his gigai and not use shunpo. It's a basic fact that the human infrastructure –their molecules and subatomic components –do not adhere well to the strains of the metaphysical. Interpreting the girl's flushed face as already a sign of pain, he continued on ahead.
Silence ensued for the next ten minutes.
... (Dedicate the song Try by Pink)
But silence was far from what's inside her mind. She was consumed in a fight, raging between her conscience and her desires.
She knew about the break-up when Yuzu-chan had slipped, mentioning that Hinamori and Toushiro are not together anymore. There were rumors too that Hinamori was seeing that all-around jock, Inihara. A human? Is that even possible? Is divorce even allowed in Soul Society? And if so, then her following actions wouldn't count as wrong...right?
Karin looked up to study his hardened jawline. I know of shinigami men. They love once and they never love again. Like Dad, Kuchiki Byakuya, Kaien Shiba... and from what she learned of them, all were devoted husbands –even in death.
But she needed to try and find out. Her already bruised pride suddenly became some source of confidence. The words came out of her mouth before it was too late, "Toushiro?"
Too absorbed in finding the best route to Kisuke's without detection from other humans, he paid her half his attention. "Hn."
"You've changed."
"..."
"You don't talk that much anymore, I've noticed." She joked dryly.
That earned her a quick, sideways smirk from her estranged friend. Encouraged by this, Karin smiled and placed her palm flat on his chest. "Please. Can we stop for a moment?"
It was a plea that Hitsugaya couldn't ignore, though irritation had already set in. And judging from the phase of the moon, he was running late to meet with Momo. He was going to give Karin a moment alright, about 2 seconds.
With a slight cock of a white brow, he waited. But for whatever reason he caught the way her fingers moved, long and gracefully slender as they curled to secure the shirt across her breasts; watched as her bosom noticeably heaved with each breath. Indeed, his former friend has grown, proudly feminine even if she stands a foot taller than most of the guys in school. He was reluctant to admit it, that Karin is undoubtedly appealing.
Hitsugaya cleared his throat, the question sounded a little strained. "Changed huh? In what way?"
"You seem more confident of yourself. I see it in your eyes." She swept his hair to the side, tucking it behind an ear while her hand slowly sliding up to his nape. "And I never get the chance to say this every time you save me Toushiro...but thank you." Her chin lifted, unwavering and full of purpose, to finally touch her lips and taste.
…... …...
...
...
Momo watched her step as she got off the bus, making sure Toushiro's suit didn't get snagged on her way out. She straightened the garment bag, then swung it over her shoulder, surveying her quiet surrounding as it is now past rush hour, when people had settled down from the chaos of work, ready to start the weekend. The bus loudly drove off, giving way to the relaxing chirp of the crickets.
She rubbed her lips together, checking to see if the gloss needed reapplying before proceeding to walk in the right direction. There was a bounce in her gait, reminding herself not to skip like a child, as her excitement was making her frivolous. All the more when she spotted lovers holding hands, leisurely walking on paved sidewalks of this picturesque part of town, where the trees were adorned by strings of light, and the moon promised a bright night ahead, even if all the lights should die down. It helped too, that Hitsugaya had given his officers a night off from watch, allowing her to feel this free and to dally.
When Hinamori got to the last cross-street before Uruhara's candy shop, there was a small crowd awaiting the pedestrian walk-sign to turn green. She secretly took pleasure when she blended in with them, liking this unpretentious way of just being human. When saving the world is not on top of everyone's list.
They huddled in coats or tightened the scarves around their necks every time a breeze flurried, but Momo closed her eyes and tipped her nose up in the air, inhaling the crisp wind as it ruffled her hair back. Her pace slowed too while the other's hurried, striding past her once they've made it on the other side of the street. She stopped completely; feet perfectly aligned next to each other as she faced the dark alley, subconsciously drawn to something invisible. Her eyes finally opened with a smile so broad dawning, and brightening her face even more.
I know that reiatsu from anywhere.
Springing to her pursuit, Hinamori followed after the faint whiff of spiritual pressure. It would be the biggest scare yet! And a great story to tell Rangiku-san, that her all too imposing taicho was finally daunted! She wanted to scare him and laugh maniacally right at his face, childishly chortling now as she envisioned the whole scene.
There were a few more turns before she reached the source, which to her delight, had also ceased to move. One of her hands still held the garment bag and the other was on her dress, preventing the chiffon skirt from rustling against her thighs. Momo became even more quiet as she neared the last narrow passage. With her back stiff and near the wall, she carefully inched and peeked over the corner.
They were on the other end. He wasn't alone it seems. Not only from the other person's reiatsu did she come to this conclusion, but also from the lamp post up ahead; it illuminated enough for her to comprehend their shadowed forms, interlinked as one. She wanted to go near and make sure she wasn't just seeing things.
"Shiro...?"
It came out hushed. Unable to find her voice, Momo instinctively raised a hand to her throat. The touch of her own clammy skin nudged her from stupefaction and the impulse to flee was so undeniably necessary that she subjected to something close to a mental blackout.
And left her mind to wherever her legs would take her.
…...
A/N: Uhr...you do remember me apologizing in advance right? I know, I know. I could read your minds already..."Seven months of hiatus and this is what you give us?" So sorry! But please read and review! I love you guys. :') Dedicate Pink's Try, in the HitsuKarin part. Ed Sheeran's Kiss Me for the tub part (I urge you to listen to it in youtube, sigh...) My answer to the big question: Did Toshiro kiss Karin back? We shall find out...next chapter. Omgawwwd, I'm friggin' evil.