Swing it

YU-GI-OH GX © KAZUKI TAKAHASI

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The soft song of playful sparrows drifted into Jaden's ears. He stirred from his sleep, sighing slightly as he rolled onto his side. He blinked against the ribbons of sunlight wafting through the window, shading his eyes with his hand until they adjusted to the morning light. As he sat up, the incessant beeping of an alarm clock laced itself with the birds' morning tune, quickly forming one of the most irritating sounds the youth's ears had ever had the displeasure of being subjected to. He let his hand drift around the top of his clock until his fingers founded the button that would silence the thing. Jaden then swung his legs over the side of the bed, letting them hang there as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

Once his vision was clear of last night's dreams Jaden turned his brown eyes to the clock, seeing that the red blur he had seen when he first woke up was actually reading the time 11:15. A jolt ran through the duelist's body- his first class was at 8:30, with Dr. Crowler, who was already keeping a long list of reasons to hate the teen, and his books were scattered all over his desk from his attempt at studying, and he didn't have a notebook, and he didn't know where he left his backpack. He jumped off the bed in a panic, glancing from side to side as thoughts continue to chase each other in his head. Dressing at a speed he'd only attributed to cheetahs in the past, he scooped up a handful of looseleaf paper which he folded haphazardly and shoved his pocket. He was still tugging his shoes on when he hopped outside. He sprinted down the steps with his laces untied.

"Wha…?" Jaden had stopped to catch his breath, his measly scraps of paper falling out of his pockets as he straightened up, looking at the Duel Academy campus. There were two Ra boys tossing a Frisbee to one another, and a group of Obelisk girls gathered in the shade of a willow. A pack of mixed students ran past him, seemingly on their way down to the beach. No one was wearing their uniforms. Instead, each student sported their own individual style- torn up jeans and black tank tops, band t-shirts, sundresses and skirts.

"Jaden!" At the sound of his name, Jaden turned. He grinned when he saw Alexis Rhodes making her way towards him, her tell-tale smile wide across her face as she waved at him.

"Hey!" Jaden called back, waving as well.

"You're actually alive," she laughed, slipping her hands into the pockets of her jeans as she came to stand beside him. Jaden laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Uh, yeah…Kind of, um, overslept," he explained. She shook her head.

"There is no such thing as oversleeping on a Saturday."

"S-Saturday?"

"Yes," Alexis replied. "Saturday. A day of freedom, in which no teachers can chase us down for overdue papers or test re-takes? When we don't even have to set foot inside a classroom? I thought you were fond of it."

"Yeah," Jaden said slowly, drawing out that single syllable as he looked at the giggling girl before him. "I sort of forgot."

Alexis waved him off and, after another laugh, the topic seemed to have been dropped. She started walking down the path, Jaden faithfully beside her. Her smile had not moved from her lips since she appeared, and now and then Jaden saw her eyes slip towards him. She seemed to be watching the pink he was sure was only just started to fade from his cheeks.

"So," she said after a few quiet moments. "Did you have any plans for today?"

"Well," Jaden began, "considering I didn't know today was…well, today…Not really."

"Good," Alexis said. He turned to face her, seeing a sly smirk playing over her lips. "I want to show you something."

Jaden opened his mouth to speak but was cut off when Alexis grabbed his wrist, her skin soft and warm against his own. She took off at a run, her sneakers slapping against the concrete path, Jaden flailing behind her, tripping over his own feet in his desperate attempt to keep up. Suddenly, she veered off the path and the sound of hers and Jaden's heavy footsteps were hushed by the lush grass. Lingering dew dotted their shoes and splashed onto their ankles, but Jaden had no time to think about that as he was pulled along by his friend.

Together they zig-zagged through the campus, past the main school building and passing, on their way, a cluster of Slifer freshman seated in a circle and seeming to play a game with each other, a young couple strolling leisurely towards the Obelisk dorms, and two boys with surf boards walking towards the water. As they kept running the amount of other students became sparser and sparser, until Jaden didn't see anyone else around them at all.

"Alexis," he said, his voice breathy as he ran behind her, "where are we going?"

"You'll see," she said with a giggle. She pulled further down the island, far away from any of the usual student hang-outs. After a few more moments she slowed back to a walk, Jaden sighing as she let go of his hand. "We're almost there," she promised.

"Almost where?" Jaden whined. The girl did not answer him. She only continued on her way, forcing herself past a particular thick bush and climbing over a fallen tree limb. Jaden, bewildered, hurried behind her, almost tripping over the branch in the process.

"Here," Alexis announced, pride in her voice as she placed her hands on her hips. Jaden glanced around. They were in a tiny alcove surrounded by trees. At the far end there was a line of four red teeter-totters with black handle bars, waiting for a child to come play. To the right there was a tall ladder , weeds twisted around its bottom rungs, leading to a long yellow slide. To the left there was a jungle gym with a miniature garden of dandelions sprouting up beneath it and a wooden sandbox that was only half-full. At the very center of the clearing was a swing set, home to four swings that were swaying with a gentle breeze that passed over the island.

"A…playground?" Jaden asked. He looked to Alexis. Her smile had grown so that it was reminiscent of the sun that was beating over them. She nodded her head and brushed her golden bangs out of her eyes as if to keep them from spoiling the perfect picture before her.

"Yep," she said cheerfully. "Come on!"

She grabbed his hand again and pulled him towards the swing set. She settled herself in one of the center swings and, slowly, Jaden lowered himself into the other. She kicked off her shoes as she started to pump her legs back and forth, holding tight to the rubber-guarded chains as she set the thing in motion.

"I didn't know this was here," Jaden commented after a while. He was watching her swing, her hair billowing behind her and her smile brightening the sky.

"A lot of people don't," she said, turning her gaze towards him. "Atticus found it when I was a freshman."

"He did?" Alexis nodded. She flew backwards with a determined gleam her eyes, and as the swing start to propel her forward again she flung herself from it, landing hard just a few feet away. She glanced over her shoulder, meeting Jaden's eyes again.

"I have no idea how," she said. She made her way back to the swings, settling back in the one she'd jumped from and spinning around so that the chains started to twist. "When we were growing up, there was a playground down the block from our house. Our mom used to take us there all the time. When I got older, some friends and I would go there to hang out. I know it sounds kind of silly, but there was just something nice about pretending to be five again."

"Oh, I know the feeling," Jaden said with a smile. Alexis laughed and shook her head, waving him off.

"Well, anyway, when I came to Duel Academy for freshman year I started to miss that playground. So this one weekend Atticus came running up to me, all excited, and he told me he wanted to show me something. I thought it was going to be something stupid, like a new surf board or something like that, but I went with him. He brought me here." She stopped turning and lifted her feet off the ground, sending the swing into a spiral as the chains raced to untangle themselves. "I've been coming here ever since."

"It's a nice place," Jaden commented, taking another look around. A grin played across his lips. "When I was little, I always loved sandboxes! I could spend hours in them."

He hopped off his swing and ran towards the sandbox, jumping into it. His landing resulted in a large puff of dust rising around him, messing his clothes and producing a fit of giggles from Alexis. That goofy grin stayed on his face as he started to run his fingers through the sand. He then patted it down flat and started to draw a swirling pattern in it with his index finger.

"I never got the point of a sandbox," Alexis confessed. "I guess it's because I went to the beach a lot when I was a kid. You know, Atticus and my dad loved it and I liked to tag along. I always thought a beach full of a sand was better than a box."

"I'm sure it is," Jaden said. "But I didn't really get to go to the beach a lot. Nearest one was more than an hour away from my house. Sandboxes were a pretty decent substitute."

"Hmm," Alexis hummed. "I guess you're right. But my favorite was always the swings."

"I can sort of tell," Jaden said. He shifted where he said, resting his back against the lip of the sandbox and holding up one hand to shade his eyes from the sun. Alexis was swinging again, going higher and higher and higher each time she swung forward.

"Hey, you can't blame me! What kid won't rush for a swing?" She started to slow down now, bringing herself lower to the ground so that it would be easier to chat with her friend.

"Ok, you got me there," Jaden admitted. He started packing the sand in front of him into a small mound, patting it down on the sides so that it would stay put as he continued to make it grow even bigger. "Hey, Alexis?"

"Yeah, Jaden?"

"Do you think we should go get the others? They'd like this, wouldn't they?"

Alexis skidded to a stop, the chains of the swing rattling with the sudden cease of motion. "Don't you dare."

He was shocked for a moment, but then he saw how the corners of her mouth were turned up. She jumped off the swing and ran towards him, jumping into the sandbox the same way he had. She collided with his carefully built hill, causing it to disappear.

"Alexis!" he whined, once again earning girlish giggles from her. She folded her legs and started to rebuilt the mound for him, her delicate hands working around the sand at her whim.

"Promise me something," she said once she had gotten the hill to a considerable height.

"Sure," Jaden replied.

"Promise that you won't bring anyone else here," Alexis said. "This is our place, okay?"

"Our place?"

"Yeah." She leveled her eyes with him. "Our place."

Jaden was quiet for a moment, considering. Then he found his smile again, and this time it matched hers in radiant intensity.

"Okay," he promised. "It's our place."

She nodded, satisfied, and if possible her smile grew and lit her eyes even more.

"Race you to the swings?" she asked.

"You're on!"

WAKTU (AGAIN)

Oke, lagi-lagi gue terpaku dengan yang nama nya "WAKTU".
Waktu nggak berhenti, waktu nggak menunggu. Tujuan gue di SMA bentar lagi tercapai, waktu gue di SMA bentar lagi selesai. Itu artinya waktu gue buat seneng-seneng bentar lagi selesai. (BACA : WAKTU GUE SEBAGAI REMAJA BENTAR LAGI AKAN BERAKHIR). Karena umur gue pun nggak pernah kenal yang nama nya 'nunggu.'

Kalo aja gue bisa nyetop waktu
Kalo aja gue bisa minta waktu untuk nunggu
Kalo aja gue bisa memutar balikan waktu

Gue bakal ubah tuh yang nama nya masuk ke penabur
Gue bakal bikin tuh nilai biologi gue di atas 8
Gue bakal bikin ranking gue ga bakal di bawah 3 besar

Tapi semua itu udah berlalu
Tapi semua itu nggak bisa di ulang

Kenapa waktu berjalan begitu cepat?
Kenapa waktu nggak mau nunggu siapa pun dan di mana pun mereka berada?

Nggak berasa gue udah 18 tahun terlahir di dunia ini
Bukan 18, ga sampe sebulan lagi umur gue udah 19
GOD, jadi kan hidupku berarti untukmu..

Thankyou for everything - a Bleach fanfic (again)

BLEACH © TITE KUBO
STORY © KOIZUMI NANAHO
Fic ini dia buat untukku, arigatṑ gozaimasu, Zumi-chan, I really like it :D

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Ruangan itu gelap dan sunyi, hanya terdengar bunyi tetes air yang menyentuh permukaan. Lumut yang mulai menginvasi dinding-dinding batu seolah menjadi hiasan dinding batu itu. Disitulah dia, Aizen Sosuke seseorang yang membuat gempar Soul Society beberapa bulan terakhir. Dia berada di dalam penjara bawah tanah untuk sementara waktu hingga hukumannya diputuskan.

Trap. Trap. Suara langkah kaki tertangkap oleh indra pendengaran Aizen. Dia tidak tahu siapa yang datang karena dia tak dapat mengenalinya dengan jelas. Karena kedua matanya tertutup begitupula dengan tangannya yang diikat. Sangat terlihat shinigami perempuan yang datang berusaha membuat agar langkahnya tak terdengar siapapun.

Tapi, hal itu cukup untuk membuat Aizen menyadari siapa perempuan yang datang mengunjunginya, "Kau datang...," Aizen menjedakan kalimatnya dan shinigami itu berhenti di depan jeruji besi, "... Hinamori-kun."

Kepalanya yang sedari tertunduk terangkat ke atas, dan bunyi gemerincing terdengar saat dia mulai mengangkat tangannya dan menunjukkan benda emas yang dia genggam. "Iya, sesuai perintahmu..," Hinamori terlihat aneh kali ini dengan tatapan kosong dan suara serak serta senyum sinis yang terkadang terukir di bibir mungil itu, "Aizen-Taicho," bola mata hazelnya yang kosong menatap lurus Aizen yang duduk di hadapannya.


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"Gin!" untuk kesekian kalinya Rangiku berteriak dan terbangun secara tiba-tiba dari tidurnya napasnya menderu dan dadanya naik turun dengan cepat, keringat pun tak ketinggalan memberi kontribusi sehingga membuat wajah putih milik Rangiku tambah terlihat pucat.

Dia mengedarkan pandangannya, tapi ruangan itu sepi hanya ada dirinya sendiri di sana. dia bangkit dari posisi tidurnya dan duduk di atas futon-nya. Dia menutup wajahnya dengan sebuah telapak tangannya. Entah sudah berapa kali dia bermimpi tentang detik-detik kepergian Gin.

Rangiku berusaha mengatur napasnya dan brsikap tenang. Dengan perlahan dia mengusap wajahnya dan menyentuh dadanya untuk menghentikan degup jantung yang mulai tak beraturan. Saat ketenangan telah ia rasakan kupu-kupu neraka menghampirinya. Dan tak lama wajah pucat itu dihiasi dengan ekspresi keterkejutan. "Aizen!" desis Rangiku.


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"Telah terbukti, Hinamori Momo Gobantai fukutaicho melepaskan Aizen Sosuke dari penjara bawah tanah," suara Soutaicho menggema di ruang rapat para kapten di divisi 1. Para Taicho mulai berbisik menyampaikan pendapat kepada rekan sebelahnya.

Sedangkan Hitsugaya berkutat dalam pikirannya berusaha menyusun beberapa kata yang dapat menyanggah pernyataan itu. Tapi tidak, tidak ada satu katapun dalam pikirannya dapat menyanggahnya. Karena semua bukti telah disebutkan secara gamblang oleh Soutaicho.

"Soifon-Taicho, Hitsugaya-Taicho," Soifon segera melangkah kedepan saat namanya dipanggil, tapi Hitsugaya masih terdiam dan berpikir. "Hitsugaya-Taicho," Soutaicho kembali memanggil nama Hitsugaya dan Kyoraku pun langsung menyenggol lengan Hitsugaya.

Hitsugaya tersentak dan sekejap dia langsung mengangkat kepalanya, "Iya," dia segera maju selangkah.

"Soifon-Taicho, segera temukan Hinamori Momo. Dan Hitsugaya-Taicho yang akan mencari Aizen Sosuke," Hitsugaya ingin memprotes karena dia ingin dia yang mencari Hinamori dan menemukannya. Tapi, Kyoraku langsung menyentuh pundak Hitsugaya.

"Baik," dan setelah itu mereka berdua langsung menghilang dari tempat itu.

Drap. Drap. Drap.

Suara langkah kaki kembali terdengar dikoridor yang sepi. Langkah kaki itu terdengar terburu-buru karena pemiliknya ingin segera menyelesaikan tugas ini dan mencari Hinamori.

Sret. Pintu geser itu terbuka dan wakil kapten divisi itu langsung mendekati Hitsugaya dengan panik. "Taicho, benarkah.." perkataannya terhenti saat Rangiku melihat rahang Hitsugaya menegang. Melihat reaksi itu dia tahu bahwa yang dia dengar berita yang benar.

"Kita segera pergi Matsumoto," Hitsugaya kembali berbalik, "Menemukan Aizen Sosuke," kalimat terakhir terdengar sebagai desisan bagi Rangiku. Dia hanya mengangguk, dia sangat mengerti betapa kaptennya itu menyimpan dendam dan kemarahan yang amat sangat terhadap mantan kapten divisi 5 itu.

Dengan sekejap mereka sudah ber-shunpo pergi dan mulai menyisir daerah Seiretei mencari kemungkinan dimana Aizen bersembunyi.

Setelah beberapa jam mencari dan tak menemukan apapun mereka berhenti di sebuah bukit, "Taicho, lebih baik kita berpencar," Hitsugaya langsung menoleh dan menatap Rangiku. "Maksudku, Aizen kini tidak memiliki Zanpaktou, setidaknya aku dapat menahannya hingga kau datang... itupun jika aku menemukannya lebih dulu," Hitsugaya berpikir sejenak.

"Baiklah, pastikan kau menahannya hingga aku datang Matsumoto," Rangiku mengangguk mentap, dan Hitsugaya langsung ber-shunpo pergi.

Rangiku menarik napasnya dan memejamkan matanya mencoba merasakan angin. Berharap angin itu memberi petunjuk padanya untuk menemukan Aizen. Tiba-tiba terdengar bunyi kresek di balik semak-semak di belakang Rangiku. Dengan sigap Rangiku langsung membuka matanya dan berbalik. Tangannya dengan cepat menyentuh gagang zanpaktou-nya bersiap mengeluarkannya.

Sosok dibalik semak itu langsung berlari, Rangiku dapat melihat sekelebat bayangan itu berlari menjauhinya. Rangiku seolah tergelitik rasa ingin tahu, dia berlari mengejar sosok itu.

"Tunggu!" teriak Rangiku, tapi tentu saja perkataannya tidak diindahkan olehnya, dia terus berlari menembus hutan. Hingga pada ujung hutan itu sosok itu langsung ber-shunpo dan meninggalkan Rangiku, "Hey!" Rangiku langsung berhenti dan menatap ke sekeliling.

"Matsumoto Rangiku, juubantai fukutaicho," suaranya terdengar familiar. Rangiku memutuskan untu tidak berbalik dan menunggu hingga jarak mereka cukup dekat. "Aku rasa kau tidak mungkin melupakanku," Rangiku berusaha agar kemarahan dan balas dendam tidak menguasai dirinya.

"Apa maumu?" Rangiku berbalik dan mendapati sosok Aizen berdiri di belakangnya. Iris biru milik Rangiku bertemu pandang dengan iris kecoklatan Aizen.

Tanpa banyak bicara Rangiku langsung mengeluarkan pedangnya dan mengacungkannya ke dada Aizen, "Kau tidak memiliki kesempatan sekarang, Zanpaktou-mu sudah hilang," Aizen hanya tertawa mendengarnya, "Apa yang lucu?" Aizen menelengkan kepalanya.

"Kau tidak sepintar Gin rupanya," kilat kemarahan terlihat jelas di mata Rangiku saat Aizen menyebutkan nama Gin.

"Tidakkah kau ingin tahu mengapa Gin mengikutiku? Tidakkah kau ingin tahu kenapa Hinamori-kun membebaskanku?" Rangiku diam, dia tampak berpikir dan berusaha mencerna setiap perkataan yang baru saja ia terima dari mulut Aizen.

"Kau akan memberitahuku?" Rangiku mulai mengendurkan pertahanannya dan Aizen hanya tersenyum lembut seperti biasa.

"Tentu, jika kau melakukan perintahku," Rangiku menurunkan pedangnya dan menundukkan kepalanya. Jika dia menerima tawaran ini dia akan mengkhianati gotei 13. Tapi, dia ingin ingin mengetahui kenapa Gin meninggalkannya.

"Kau sudah tak memiliki tempat disini, Gin yang menjadi tujuanmu menjadi shinigami telah lenyap selamanya," Aizen kembali melontarkan perkataan yang dapat membuat Rangiku goyah. "Ah! Apa kau berpikir kaptenmu itu peduli padamu? Tidak, sekarang tidak ada yang peduli padamu termasuk dia karena yang dia pedulikan hanya Hinamori Momo. Kau tidak lebih hanya sekedar wakil kapten," Rangiku tampak terbelalak mendengarnya.

Dia tidak ingin mendengarkan kalimat itu, tapi sebagian dirinya setuju, setuju bahwa memang tak ada yang peduli padanya selain Gin. Setuju bahwa sejujurnya dia hanya sendirian.

"Aku... sendirian?" Aizen tersenyum puas melihat dampak yang ia berikan.

"Benar, kini kau sendirian. Tidak ada yang akan menolongmu termasuk kaptenmu itu," Aizen berbisik untuk lebih meyakinkan Rangiku.

"Tidak," Rangiku langsung melompat mundur ke belakang, dan mengangkat pedangnya. "Jangan coba-coba memperdayaiku, Aizen," Dan setelah itu dia kembali berlari dan berusaha menusuk Aizen. Tapi, tiba-tiba sekelebat bayangan yang tadi, melompat diantara mereka berdua. Dan tak dapat terelakkan, pedang Rangiku menyentuh perut sosok barusan.

"Ukh," darah bermuncratan dari bibirnya, Rangiku mengangkat kepalanya dan matanya melebar. Aizen hanya tersenyum penuh kemenangan melihat adegan itu.

"Hinamori!" pekik Rangiku, dia langsung mencabut pedangnya dan Hinamori langsung merosot jatuh ke bawah. Tubuhnya berlumuran darah begitupula kedua tangan Rangiku saat dia berusaha menahan bobot tubuh Hinamori.

"Kau akan datang mencariku, Matsumoto Rangiku," Rangiku tidak terlalu konsentrasi akan perkataan Aizen karena semua perhatiannya tertuju pada Hinamori. Setelah mengucapkan itu Aizen langsung ber-shunpo pergi. Dan secepat itupulalah Soifon muncul dan mengepung Rangiku.

"Apa maksudnya ini?" Rangiku langsung mengangkat kepala, dia terkejut menatap Soifon berdiri di dekatnya, "Kau membunuhnya," tangan Rangiku sedikit bergetar saat dia menatap darah berlumuran di sana.

"Tangkap dia," perintah Soifon, anggota onmitsu kido langsung berjalan dan menyergap Rangiku. Rangiku berusaha memberontak.

"Tidak, Soifon-Taicho aku dapat menjelaskannya," wajah Rangiku tampak pucat saat dia melihat tubuh Hinamori masih berlumuran darah di bawahnya.

"Jangan banyak bicara," tiba-tiba mereka merasakan suhu disekitar mereka menjadi dingin dan mereka segera memutar kepala mereka. Dan mendapati Hitsugaya berjalan mendekati kerumunan itu.

"Ada apa ini?" Rangiku hanya menundukkan kepalanya, menghindari kontak mata dengan kaptennya itu. "Matsumoto," Hitsugaya menatap Rangiku yang sedang dipegangi oleh dua anggota onmitsu kido. Lalu dia melihat darah di pedang, kedua tangan beserta di tanah yang ia pijak, "Darah," alis Hitsugaya langsung bertaut.

Soifon memilih hanya bergeser agar Hitsugaya dapat melihatnya. Dan saat dia dapat menatap dengan jelas sosok yang terkulai itu Hitsugaya langsung terdiam. Dia tidak bergeming dan matanya melebar.

"Segera bawa dia," perintah Soifon lagi. Rangiku kembali brusaha memberontak dan menatap Hitsugaya penuh harap bahwa dia akan mempercayainya bahwa ini sebuah kesalahpahaman.

"Taicho," panggilnya lirih, Hitsugaya menatap Rangiku dengan tatapan yang sulit dimengerti. Setelah itu Hitsugaya langsung mengalihkan pandangannya. Rangiku terkejut dan dia langsung dibawa menjauhi tempat itu.

Hitsugaya melihat dada Hinamori naik turun dengan sangat pelan, "Dia masih hidup," Hitsugaya berjalan mendekat tapi langsung ditahan oleh Soifon.

"Dia tahanan sekarang," Hitsugaya hanya dapat melihat sosok Hinamori yang diangkut dan dibawa pergi oleh anggota onmitsu kido yang lain.

Dan dalam sekejap tempat itu menjadi sunyi dan sepi, "SIAL!" Hitsugaya hanya berteriak melampiaskan kekesalannya.

Sementara itu diperjalanan menuju selnya Rangiku menendang kedua anggota onmitsu kido itu dan segera berlari meninggalkan tempat itu. Dia berlari menuju seseorang, "Aizen," desisnya. Dan kemarahan pun tak dapat terbendung lagi dari dirinya.

Keesokkan harinya.

Hitsugaya tidak kembali ke kamarnya atau mencari Rangiku. Dia diam dan masih duduk di kantornya menunggu setiap laporan yang akan datang kepadanya. Dia panik. Melihat semua yang terjadi, dirinya tidak mempercayai Rangiku melukai Hinamori, tapi semuanya mengarah padanya. Hitsugaya menelungkupkan kepalanya dan membiarkan kepalanya beristirahat di atas meja kerjanya.

Dia memjamkan matanya berusaha untuk beristirahat sejenak.

Beberapa jam terlewati.

Isane masuk kedalam ruangan Hitsugaya, dan ingin memberinya kabar tentang Hinamori. Tangannya terjulur untuk membangunkan kapten muda itu.

"Hitsugaya-Taicho," Isane mencoba menggucang tubuh Hitsugaya pelan agar dia tidak terbangun secara tiba-tiba. Hitsugaya mengangkat kepalanya dan membuka matanya perlahan.

Tiba-tiba wajah Rangiku langsung memenuhi ingatannya. Ketika dia baru selesai mengalahkan salah satu Arrancar di kota Karakura. Dengan tubuh berlumuran darah dia terjatuh dari udara menuju tanah dibawahnya.

Dalam kondisi yang setengah sadar dia menatap tatapan panik dan kekhawatiran dari Rangiku. "Taicho!" jeritnya. Tapi, tentu saja dia tak dapat membalas panggilan itu karena dia sudah tak memiliki kekuatan lagi. Tanpa berpikir panjang Rangiku melompat turun dan berusaha menangkap sang kapten.

"Taicho," keringat dingin terlihat diwajah putihnya, matanya melebar dan wajahnya menjadi pucat saat mendengarkan napas Hitsugaya sangatlah pelan. "Orihime!" Rangiku berteriak memanggil perempuan berambut oranye yang berada di dalam apartemen. "Cepat.. cepat kemari.. Taicho," nadanya terdengar lirih, sangat terlihat betapa paniknya dia.

Hitsugaya hanya diam menatap ekspresi kepanikan itu, karena dia memang tak dapat membalasnya sekarang. Beberapa kali Rangiku memegang tangan Hitsugaya dan mengguncangkannya. Hingga akhirnya aura oranye oval menyelimuti Hitsugaya. Rangiku sedikit tenang saat mendengar napas Hitsugaya mulai teratur.

"Hitsugaya-Taicho," Isane menggoyangkan tangannya, karena tiba-tiba dia melihat dalam beberapa menit tatapan pemuda itu menjadi kosong. Hitsugaya mengerjapkan matanya dan memandang Isane.

"Ada apa?" tanyanya langsung, Isane mundur beberapa langkah dan mulai membuka mulutnya.

"Luka ditubuh Hinamori-fukutaicho sudah membaik, dia hanya belum sadar," Histuagaya menautkan alisnya, dan menyernyit aneh karena tiba-tiba Isane memberitahukan dia informasi ini. Seolah mengerti apa maksudnya Isane tersenyum pelan, "Anda meminta saya mengabari setiap perkembangan Hinamori-fukutaicho, ingat?" Hitsugaya tampak merenung sejenak, dan detik berikutnya dia menganggukkan kepalanya.

"Iya, baiklah terima kasih," Isane mengangguk sopan, dan membungkukan badannya tanda permisi untuk keluar dari ruangan itu.

Namun, saat di depan pintu Isane menghentikan langkahnya, "Ah, laporan Soifon-Taicho sudah aku letakkan disana," Hitsugaya menoleh dan menatap beberapa lembar kertas yang menunggu untuk dibaca. "Saya permisi," dan pintu itu langsung tertutup.

Hitsugaya mengambil lembar kerja itu dan mulai membacanya dengan seksama. Ekspresi kemarahan tergambar di wajahnya dan dia segera berjalan menuju divisi 2 dengan terburu-buru dan membawa kertas-kertas yang ada di genggamannya.

Brak.

"Apa maksudnya ini?" Hitsugaya menggebrak meja dihadapannya, Omaeda langsung keluar begitu menatap kemarahan Hitsugaya. Soifon meletakkan kertas dihadapannya dan menatap Hitsugaya.

"Apa maslahmu?" tanyanya galak. Hitsugaya melemparkan kertas ditangannya.

"Apa maksudnya dengan Matsumoto bersekutu dengan Aizen?" Soifon berdiri dari kursinya dan membuka mulutnya.

"Ini hanya perkiraan, Matsumoto Rangiku sedang berbicara dengan Aizen saat itu, dan dia langsung menusuk Hinamori Momo," Soifon berusaha bersikap tenang menghadapai pemuda di hadapannya.

"Kau menulis laporan seolah Matsumoto sengaja menusuk Hinamori. Kita tidak tahu kalau seandainya dia ingin menyerang Aizen dan Hinamori melompat diantara mereka," Soifon menyipitkan matanya dan menunjuk Hitusgaya.

"Jadi maksudmu, Hinamori sengaja ditusuk, begitu? Untuk melindungi Aizen? Itu menurutmu?" nada kemarahan tersirat dinada bicara Soifon.

Hitsguaya tampak tergagap, dia baru sadar bahwa secara tidak langsung dia menuduh Hinamori, "Semua bukti mengarah kepadanya, dia teman lama Ichimaru Gin. Pasti mengetahui rencana Ichimaru, dan dia pasti akan mengiktui Aizen seperti Ichimaru, Hinamori hanya diperalat," sekali lagi Htsugaya memukul mejanya.

"Itu tidak mungkin, selama ini Matsumoto berada dibawah pengawasanku," kilat kemarahan terpancar dimatanya, "Ichimaru Gin mati ditangan Aizen, ingat? Harusnya dia berusaha membunuh Aizen untuk membalaskan dengan Ichimaru," Soifon melipat tangannya didada.

"Kau berkata seolah kau berada disana, dan melihatnya, huh?" Hitsguaya geram mendengar nada bicara Soifon yang sangat menantang.

"Baiklah, ceritakan padaku apa yang kau lihat," Hitsugaya memutuskan untuk duduk dan mendengarkan cerita itu dengan seksama dan penuh perhatian. Berharap tidak akan yang terlewat dari indera pendengarannya.

"Hinamori Momo kami temukan berlari ditengah hutan, tentu saja kami semua mengejarnya. Tiba-tiba dia berhenti dan dengan satu hentakan dia langsung melompat turun. Kami berusaha secepat mungkin mengejarnya, dan saat semakin mendekat kami mendengar suara Aizen. Kami segera turun dan tubuh Hinamori sudah berlumuran darah saat ditemukan," bunyi kursi terjatuh terdengar saat Hitsugaya bangkit berdiri. Rahangnya menegang dan wajahnya tertunduk.

"Biarkan.." Soifon menautkan alisnya, "Biarkan aku yang mencarinya," Soifon mengedarkan pandangannya dan kembali membaca beberapa paperwork yang tersisa.

"Hnn, lakukan sesukamu," tanpa banyak bicara dia langsung ber-shunpo pergi.


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Rangiku berhenti didepan sebuah gubuk. Gubuk yang dulunya menjadi tempat tinggal dia dan Gin. Dia berjalan perlahan menuju pintu itu. Saat sedikit lagi menyentuh pintu gubuk itu sekelebat bayangan mendarat didepannya.

"Aku sudah mengira kau akan datang kesini, Matsumoto," mata Rangiku kembali melebar melihat sesosok Shinigami berambut putih dan bertubuh mungil berdiri di hadapannya dengan tatapan serius yang biasanya.

Rangiku menatap tatapan serius kaptennya. Ah! Bahkan tidak bertemu dalam beberapa jam membuat Rangiku sudah memiliki rasa rindu tersendiri dengan tatapan serius itu.

"Taicho," Rangiku berusaha untuk menyembunyikan keterkejutan ini. Dan berusaha untuk setenang mungkin. Dia menatap dengan seksama Taicho-nya itu. Mereka berhadapan dan saling menatap. Tiba-tiba sebuah kenangan terlintas di kepala Rangiku.

Histugaya yang menabraknya dan pertengkaran kecil di antara mereka. Hingga membuat Rangiku mengajak laki-laki berambut putih itu menjadi Shinigami. Rangiku langsung menggelengkan kepalanya berusaha mengalihkan pikirannya dari ingatan itu.

"Apa yang ingin kau lakukan?" nada keseriusan langsung merebak dan mengisi udara yang kosong akibat keheningan beberapa menit lalu.

"Anda sendiri?" tangan Hitsugaya bergerak dan menyentuh gagang pedangnya. Rangiku tidak menyangka kaptennya akan melakukan hal sejauh ini. "Membalaskan dendam Hinamori kah?" sejenak setelah mengucapkan kata-kata itu Rangiku merutuki ucapannya sendiri, kenapa dia bisa begitu keceplosan!

"Sebaiknya kau katakan padaku, apa benar sejujurnya kaulah yang dimanfaatkan Aizen dan memanfaatkan Hinamori?" Kabar begitu cepat tersebar, dan secepat itulah kejadian kemarin langsung tersebar dipenjuru Seiretei.

"Aku tahu kau dapat menyimpulkannya sendiri, Taicho," Rangiku sudah tiba pada puncak kepasrahannya. Dia memejamkan matanya sejenak, kaptennya pasti tidak akan mengampuninya mengingat dia bahkan rela membiarkan posisi kaptennya hilang demi membalaskan dendam Hinamori pada Aizen.

"Kenapa kau harus lari, Matsumoto?" nada suara Hitsugaya menjadi lirih dan menatap lurus iris abu milik Rangiku.

"Dan membiarkanku berada di penjara sebagai tahanan pengkhianat menunggu hari penjatuhan hukuman? Ayolah kapten ini sama sekali tidak lucu," Rangiku mencoba sedikt berguarau kepada kaptennya, berusaha agar suhu yang mulai dingin ini mencair.

"Dan membiarkanku mencarimu bagaikan orang gila?" Rangiku tertawa pelan mendengar ucapan Hitsugaya pada bagian 'gila'.

"Mencariku untuk membekukanku dan membuatku menjadi serpihan es?" Rangiku mengalihkan pandangannya dan pandangan keseriusan kembali mengiasi iris birunya, "Ayolah kapten kau pasti sangat membenciku sekarang karena telah melukai Hinamori yang.." entah kenapa Rangiku tak dapat melanjutkannya, ataukah dia takut menyinggung kaptenya? Ataukah dia tidak suka mengakui bahwa kaptennya menyayangi wakil kapten divisi 5 itu? Entahlah...

"Tidak seperti itu.." Hitsugaya juga mengalihkan pandangannya. Rangiku tahu dia tidak harus mengatakan hal seperti itu. Perkataan Aizen pun langsung menari dengan indah dikepalanya. Rangiku berusaha melawan setiap perkataan Aizen, tapi tidak bisa. Hingga akhirnya dia menundukkan kepalanya dan tersenyum miris.

"Taicho kau tidak mempercayaiku, kan?" perkataan itu meluncur begitu saja dan Rangiku pun langsung ber-shunpo menghindari pertanyaan kaptennya. Hitsugaya seolah membatu di tempat, dia tidak mengerti kenapa tapi mendengar Rangiku berkata seperti itu terdengar menyedihkan bagi dirinya sendiri.


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Pada malam harinya.

"Aizen!" Rangiku berteriak ditengah hutan, berharap agar Aizen dapat mendengarkannya. "Aizen!" Rangiku kembali berteriak dan disusul dengan napas tersengal akibat berlari yang terus menerus.

Tiba-tiba dari belakangnya terdapat sepasang tangan yang terjulur, "A-hmmpmhh," Rangiku terbelalak saat seseorang membekap mulutnya dari belakang.

"Ssst, kau dapat mengagetkan semua orang," Rangiku menggerakkan bola matanya dan menatap Aizen berdiri di belakangnya, "Lihat, kau mencariku," dia berseringai Rangiku yang benar-benr mencarinya sekarang.

Rangiku menghentakkan tangan Aizen, "Lepaskan," Aizen hanya tertawa melihatnya. "Katakan padaku semuanya, semuanya yang kaku ketahui. Kenapa? Kenapa Gin mengikutimu?" Aizen hanya diam dan berbalik. Lalu dari sudut matanya dia menatap Rangiku.

"Kita berbicara ditempat lain, kau ikut?" Rangiku mengeluarkan pedangnya dan berposisi siaga. Lalu, dia langkahkan kakinya dibelakang Aizen, "Kau tidak perlu takut, aku sudah tidak memiliki Zanpaktou lagi," Aizen tersenyum pelan. Rangiku hanya diam dan tetap mengikuti Aizen dari belakang.

Mereka berjalan ditengah kegelapan malam, tidak ada yang berbicara. Mereka berdua diam hingga mereka tiba didepan sebuah bangunan. "Tempat apa ini?" Rangiku langsung bertanya melihat pilar-pilar yang menyangga bangunan terpencil dipinggir Seiretei.

"Kuil terlarang, masuklah," Rangiku berjalan masuk dan seketika lampu menyala. Aizen tersenyum ditempatnya, sementara Rangiku mengamati dengan seksama tempat itu.


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"Apa? Kau menemukan dimana mereka berdua berada?" Soifon bangkit dari kursinya dan berjalan mendahului anggota onmitsu kido di belakangnya.

"Iya, dipingiran Seiretei dia memasuki kuil terlarang bersama Aizen Sosuke," langkah Soifon semakin cepat mendengar kabar itu. "Apakah kita harus memberitahukan ini kepada Hitsugaya-Taicho?"

Soifon berhenti sejenak, "Tidak rahasiakan ini darinya," dan dia kembali berjalan.

Sementara itu, Hitsugaya berjalan menuju kantornya memikirkan apa yang harus dia lakukan. Dia bingung, tentu sebagai orang yang paling ia percayai dan telah bersamanya selama beberapa waktu, dia tak ingin dengan mudahnya menuduh Rangiku. Tapi, sudah kewajibannya sebagai kapten untuk menangkapnya jika wakilnya melakukan kesalahan seperti bersekongkol dengan buronan.

Tapi, apa benar dia bersekongkol dengan Aizen? Pertanyaan itu selalu berputar-putar dikepalanya. Tangannya terjulur untuk membuka pintu dihadapannya.

Sret.

"Yo, Hitsugaya-Taicho," Hitsugaya terbelalak saat menatap Kyoraku duduk di sofanya dan memgang botol sake ditanganya.

"Kyoraku," Hitsugaya berjalan menuju sofa itu, "Apa yang kau lakukan disini?" Kyoraku hanya tertawa dan kembali menuangkan sake kedalam cawannya.

"Duduklah dulu," Hitsugaya sedikit mendengus, tentu saja ini ruangannya dan tidak perlu seseorang menyuruhnya duduk diruangannya sendiri. Hitsugaya pun duduk dihadapan Kyoraku. Tanpa basa basi Kyoraku langsung memberikan cawan berisi sake kepada pemuda itu.

"Mendapat kabar tentang Matsumoto Rangiku?" Hitsugaya hanya mengalihkan pandangannya, tentu saja ini tujuannya datang kemari bertanya dan membicarakan wakil kapte divisi 10.

"Tidak," Kyoraku menegak sake ditangannya. Dia menatap kapten muda itu dengan seksama dan dia kembali meletakkan cawan itu diatas meja dan kembali mengisinya dengan sake.

"Tentu saja itu sulit, menangkap dan mengacungkan pedang kepada wakil kapten yang sangat kita sayangi," Histugaya menatap Kyoraku aneh. Sayangi? Apa maksdu dari kata 'sayang' yang dia sebutkan? Kyoraku hanya tertawa pelan, "Jika Nanao-chan melakukan hal seperti ini, tentu saja aku akan sulit menangkapnya," dia kembali menegak sakenya.

"Dia sangat mempercayaimu," Hitsugaya mengalihkan pandangannya kembali, hal ini semakin membuatnya merasa bersalah. "Saat kau pergi demi mencari king's seal yang dicuri Kusaka. Dia membelamu dihadapan kami para Taicho, bahkan dia rela menerima hukuman karena tindakanmu waktu itu melawan hukum," Hitsugaya terdiam, Kyoraku pun kembali menuang sakenya.

"Pertanyaannya, apakah kau mempercayainya?" Kyoraku menegak sake ditangannya. Hal itu membuat Hitsugaya terkejut dan menatap Kyoraku. Dia hanya tersenyum seperti biasanya.

"Taicho, saatnya kembali," pintu geser itu terbuka dan Nanao masuk memanggil kaptennya.

"Ah! Nanao-chan," Kyoraku menatap wakilnya, dan kembali menatap Hitsugaya. "Maaf mengganggumu, aku harus pergi sekarang," dia bangkit dan berjalan menuju pintu. Saat akan keluar dia menatap Hitsugaya yang menundukkan kepalanya menatap gelas sake yang belum disentuhnya. Lalu dia tersenyum dan menutup pintu itu.

"Matsumoto," Hitsugaya menatap refleksinya dari air sake dihadapannya. Dia menggerakkan tangannya dan menegak sake itu. Rasanya tenggorokannya serasa terbakar. Dan setelah itu potongan memori kembali mengingatkannya akan wakil kaptennya yang jahil itu.

'Taicho,' suara riang Rangiku menggema ditelinganya.

'Matsumoto kerjakan paperwork-mu,' eskpresi Rangiku langsung berubah, dengan cepat dia memutar bola matanya. 'Matsumoto!' teriak Hitsugaya saat menoleh dan menemukan wakilnya telah pergi dari sana. Ya, teriakan seperti itu selalu terjadi dan menghiasi divisi 10.

'Taicho, Anda ingin minum sake?' tanya Rangiku suatu hari saat dia sedang minum diruangan Hitsugaya.

Empat siku langsung terbentuk, 'MATSUMOTO!' dengan segera Rangiku kembali menghilang dari pandangannya.

Kenangannya berganti lagi, 'Ichimaru-Taicho segera hentikan pertarungan ini, atau aku akan memanggil yang lain,' saat itu Rangiku menahan pedang Gin yang bergerak menuju Hinamori yang terkapar dibelakangnya. Hitsugaya sangat merasa lega karena Rangiku selalu ada saat dia membutuhkannya.

'Taicho, apa benar Gin.. maksudku Ichimaru-Taicho melakukan semua ini?' tanyanya keesokkan harinya. Dari meja kerjanya Hitsugaya dapat melihat betapa besar kesedihan perempuan dihadapannya. Tiba-tiba Hitsugaya merasa sesak mengingat kenangan yang itu, seolah dia benci karena dia tak dapat melakukan apapun untuk Matsumoto.

'Taicho!' pekik Rangiku saat menatap Hitsugaya berlari mengejar Kusaka.

'Taicho!' Saat di bukit Soukyoku dia menatap tatapan kekhawatiran dari Rangiku, dan saat sebuah dentuman terjadi mereka semua terlempar Hitsugaya terlindungi oleh Rangiku yang menahan batu yang dapat mengenai kaptennya. 'Sudah kewajiban seorang wakil kapten untuk memperhatikan punggung kaptennya.'

Hitsugaya kembali berpindah saat dia berada di winter war dan mendengarkan teriakan kesakitan Rangiku saat Quimera Parca hampir merenggut nyawanya. Tapi, tidak saat itu Hitsugaya tidak memikirkan kondisi Rangiku karena detik berikutnya suara jeritan Hinamori tertangkap olehnya.

Bahkan setelah perang itu selesai dia membiarkan Rangiku sendiri, merasa dia bisa melewati masa-masa tanpa Gin lagi. Dia sibuk berlatih demi melindungi Hinamori. Tanpa dia tahu Rangiku saat itu mengamatinya sambil memikirkan Gin.

Hingga kini, kenapa dia tidak dapat mempercayai Rangiku seperti Rangiku mempercayainya? Kenapa dia begitu bingung menentukan tindakan apa yang seharusnya? Histuagaya sedikit menyesali ketidakpercayaannya selama ini pada Rangiku yang bahkan bersedia menerima hukuman saat dia menghilang dan meninggalkan dia sendiri saat itu.

"Bodoh," Hitsugaya berdiri dan segera meninggalkan kantornya lagi.

Beberapa menit berikutnya.

Hitsugaya menuruni sebuah tangga dan tiba diruangan Hinamori ditahan. Perempuan bercepol itu masih terbaring, dia terlihat baik-baik saja bahkan sangat baik tanpa sedikitpun luka ditubuhnya.

"Hinamori," seketika kelopak mata Hinamori terbuka, dia menggerakkan bola mata hazelnya kekanan, menatap Hitsugaya berdiri di hadapan selnya.

"Hitsugaya-kun," dia duduk dan berjalan mendekati jeruji besi itu.

"Bagaimana perasaanmu?" Hinamori hanya tersenyum pelan.

"Tidak terlalu baik sejujurnya. Aku menunggumu datang, karena aku tidak ingin memberitahukan ini pada siapapun," Hinamori menundukkan kepalanya. Hitsugaya dapat melihat penyesalan dari porempuan ini.

"Apa yang ingin kau katakan? Kronologis peristiwa itu?" Hitsugaya mencoba memandang bola mata hazel itu. Tapi Hinamori semakin menundukkan kepalanya.

"Malam itu, aku masih berada di divisi 12 menjalani pengobatanku. Tiba-tiba aku mendengar suara-suara orang disekitarku yang membicarakan Aizen-Taicho. Saat itu aku masih belum dapat membuka mataku dan saat aku membuka mataku sebuah surat tergeletak diatas badanku. Aku membacanya, dan tanpa kusadari aku berjalan dan membebaskan Aizen-Taicho," Hinamori berhenti sejenak dan menarik napasnya.

"Aizen-Taicho menyuruhku memancing Rangiku-san ke tengah hutan. Dan saat dia tiba disana aku harus membuat anggota onmitsu kido mengejarku hingga ketempat itu. Tiba-tiba aku melihat Rangiku-san ingin menusuk Aizen-taicho. Dan aku.. aku tidak ingin dia pergi..lalu, aku melompat turun berusaha menghalanginya dengan pedangku tapi segalanya langsung menjadi gelap," bahu Hinamori bergetar

Hitsugaya mendesah pelan dan memejamkan matanya sejenak. Diapun menjulurkan tangannya melewati celah yang ada dijeruji besi itu. Dia menyentuh bahu Hinamori berusaha menenangkan perempuan itu. "Maaf, aku tidak bermaksud membuat Rangiku-san menjadi.." dia tak sanggup melanjutkan kalimatnya.

"Aku tahu dia tidak berbuat seperti itu," Hinamori menatap lekat-lekat Hitsugaya dan menghapus genangan dipelupuk matanya. Tangannya bergerak dan menyentuh tangan Hitsugaya.

"Hitsugaya-kun, kau... menyukainya?" tanya Hinamori hati-hati awalnya dia memang tidak percaya tapi nada bicara dan tatapan Hitsugaya memperkuat dugaannya.

Hitsugaya melepaskan tangannya dan berbalik memunggungi Hinamori, "Siapa tahu," dia tersenyum, Hinamori terkejut menatapnya Hitsugaya Toushiro tersenyum, benar-benar tersenyum denga tulus dan lembut. Detik berikutnya Hinamori tersenyum membalas senyuman tulus itu.

"Terima kasih, Hinamori," Hitsugaya mulai berjalan.

Hitsugaya langsung berjalan menghampiri Soifon, "Dimana, Soifon?" Hitsugaya bertanya pada 2 anggota onmitsu kido yang berdiri didepan ruangan Soifon.

"Kami tidak tahu, Beliau baru saja pergi," Hitsugaya menatap mereka berdua aneh. Tidak mungkin mereka berdua tidak tahu.

"Minggir," Hitsugaya berusaha menerobos masuk, tapi langsung ditahan oleh anggota onmitsu kido itu. "Kalian pasti tau, kan?" Hitsugaya terus memberontak.

Hingga akhirnya dia melancarkan tendangan yang melumpuhkan kedua penjaga itu. Salah satu penjaga siap berdiri tapi langsung terhalang oleh pedang Hitsugaya, "Katakan dimana dia?" Hitsugaya semakin mendekatkan pedangnya.

"Be-beliau pergi ke pinggiran Seiretei ke kuil terlarang," setelah mengatakan itu penjaga itu langsung jatuh pingsan dan Hitsuagya langsung ber-shunpo pergi.


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"Cepat katakan bagaimana kau dapat memperdayai Hinamori?" Aizen tertawa dan menelengkan kepalanya.

"Dia sangat percaya padaku, dan dia akan mematuhi perintahku agar kaptennya akan tetap berada disisinya," Rangiku menatap marah Aizen, bagaimana mungkin dia dapat menyalahgunakan kepercayaan yang begitu besar yang diberikan Hinamori? Rangiku mengepalkan tangannya, "Apa yang ingin kau lakukan terhadapku?" Aizen mengalihkan pandangannya.

"Membunuhmu tentu saja," Mata Rangiku terbelalak dan dia langsung bergerak mengayunkan pedangnya.

Aizen langsung menahannya, "Ya, Gin pasti akan marah jika mendengar kata-kata seperti tadi," Rangiku kembali melompat ke belakang. Kilat kemarahan kembali terlihat, "Gin mengikutiku karena..." Aizen berseringai, "Ingin mendapatkan kembali raishi yang pernah aku ambil darimu," Rangiku terdiam dan berusaha mengolah kalimat barusan.

'Apa maksudnya? Gin dia..' Aizen melangkahkan kakinya.

"Benar, dia mati karenamu," Rangiku memgang kepalanya ingatan masa kecil beserta detik-detik kematian Gin langsung berputar. Rangiku menggelengkan kepalanya.

"Tidak," dia memegangi kepalanya, "Gin," napasnya tersengal dan dia semakin melangkah mundur.

Aizen mulai melangkah mendekati Rangiku dan bersiap untuk membunuhnya, "Jangan bergerak," langkah Aizen terhenti dan menyadari bahwa tempat itu telah dikepung.

"Tch," Aizen berdecak.

"Hancurkan tempat ini," perintah Soifon. Salah satu anggota onmitsu kido melangkah maju.

"Tapi, didalam masih ada Matsumoto Rangiku dan Aizen Socuke," Soifon menoleh dan menatap anak buahnya.

"Kau kira kita sedang memburu siapa? Disana itu ada seorang fukutaicho dan mantan kapten. Lakukan sesuai perintahku," dia hanya mengangguk dan detik berikutnya dentuman besar terjadi dan meruntuhkan dinding beserta atap kuil itu.

"Segera cari mereka," para anggota onmitsu kido itu langsung memasuki bangunan runtuh itu. Rangiku bangkit dari reruntuhan yang hampir menimpanya.

Soifon mengamati gerakan Rangiku, lalu tangannya bergerak mengeluarkan pedangnya dan dengan shunpo dia sudah muncul dibelakang Rangiku.

Tring.

Rangiku langsung menoleh, "Taicho," matanya terbelalak menatap haori putih dengan tulisan 10 disana. Hitsugaya menatap Rangiku sejenak.

"Sudah jadi kewajiban kapten untuk mengawasi punggung wakilnya," dia soelah ingat akan kata-kata itu, kata-kata yang dia berikan saat akan melawan Kusaka. Soifon melompat ke belakang.

"Apa yang kau lakukan?" Aizen mulai melangkahkan kakinya menatap keributan didekatnya. Tapi, Rangiku melihatnya dan langsung berlari mengejarnya.

"Matsumoto!" Hitsugaya langsung berbalik dan ikut mengejar Rangiku.

"Aizen, jangan lari kau!" teriak Rangiku saat mereka berlari, "Kau ingin membunuhku, kan?" Rangiku terus berlari hingga akhirnya Aizen berhenti dan berseringai menatap Rangiku setelah itu dia menghilang.

Buk. Rangiku langsung terjatuh saat mendapat pukulan dipunggungnya. Aizen berdiri di belakang Rangiku. "Iya, kau benar aku membawamu kemari karena ingin membalaskan dendamku," Rangiku mundur ke belakang.

"Kalau bukan karena kau, Gin tidak akan mengkhianatiku," Aizen mengangkat tangannya, "Bakudou no rokujuuni, Hyapporankan," setelah itu tongkat berwarna ungu keluar dari tangannya dan dia melemparkannya mengarah kearah Rangiku. Rangiku terlambat menghindar dan salah stau tongkat itu menusuk bahunya.

"Dia begitu mengertiku, dan karena KAU dia mengkhianatiku. Harusnya saat itu aku membunuhmu," Rangiku terkejut mendengarnya, apakah dia tidak salah dengar Aizen dia mersa kehilangan, kehilangan sosok yang memahaminya dan sosok yang sangat patuh padanya.

"Tapi, kau membunuhnya!" jerit Rangiku, Aizen terkikik, dia terlihat mengerikan sekarang. dia mengangkat tangannya.

"Ya, dan itu karena KAU! Matilah kau, Hadou no rokujuusan, Raikoho," Rangiku hanya dapat menunggu sinar itu datang dan memejamkan matanya.

Tiba-tiba Rangiku merasa tubuhnya melayang, apakah ini rasanya mati? Dan tubuhnya kembali mendarat di tanah.

Blam, sebuah dentuman terjadi.

"Bakudou no kyu, Horin," lingakar api langsung melilit ditubuh Aizen," Aizen tidak membalas dia hanya tertawa, tertawa melihat dentuman itu dan asap yang mengepul. Merasa menang karena telah membunuh Rangiku.

"Matsumoto!" Rangiku membuka matanya dan menemukan bola mata turqoise milik Hitsugaya.

"Aizen!" Rangiku berusaha bangkit, tapi langsung ditahan oleh Hitsugaya.

"Dia telah dibawa oleh Soifon, dengan gelak tawa darinya yang ikut mengantarkan dia kepenjara," Rangiku memejamkan matanya.

"Taicho, Gin... aku..," Rangiku menahan tangisnya hingga membuat tubuhnya bergetar.

"Ayo, Matsumoto," Hitsugaya mengulurkan tangannya. Rangiku membuka matanya dan menatap tangan Hitsugaya. "Kali ini biarkan aku yang membantumu."

"Tapi.. Taicho aku.. melukai Hinamori yang sangat.. kau sayangi," Hitsugaya semakin mendekatkan tangannya dan Rangiku kembali menundukkan kepalanya.

"Aku percaya kau tidak sengaja melakukannya," Rangiku menatap mata Hitsugaya lekat lekat dan setelah itu dia menyambut uluran tangan itu, dan langsung memeluk Hitsugaya. Tangisannya tumpah di bahu pemuda itu.

Hitsugaya hanya diam, menunggu tangisan perempuan dipelukannya itu terhenti. Dan setelah itu Rangiku dibawa ke penjara.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Diruang rapat Taicho. Hitsugaya berdiri ditengah-tengah bersama Hinamori dibelakangnya.

"Aku dapat menjamin bahwa tindakan yang dilakukan Matsumoto Rangiku juubantai fukutaicho hanya karena kesalahpahaman, dan tindakan yang dilakukan oleh Hinamori Momo gobantai fukutaicho semuanya terjadi karena pengaruh dari Aizen, tidak sepenuhnya keinginan mereka." Soutaicho menatap Hitsugaya dengan yakin.

"Jika mereka mengulangi perbuatan mereka?" Hitsugaya menatap seluruh taicho diruangan itu.

"Kalian boleh membunuhku," Kyorakku menurunkan sedikit topinya menatap kapten muda itu.

"Kau hanya seorang sedangkan mereka dua orang, kau harus menentukan siapa yang ingin kau lindungi," Hitsugaya terkejut, dia tidak menyangka Soutaicho akan bertanya seperti itu. Hitsugaya bersiap membuka bibirnya tapi bahunya langsung dipegang oleh Hinamori dan dia melangkah maju.

"Jika aku melakukan kesalahan yang tidak termaafkan lagi, kalian dapat membunuhku segera saat itu juga, saat kalian menangkap basah perbuatanku,"

"Hinamori!" Hitsugaya tidak setuju dengan ide ini, tapi Hinamori langsung berbalik dan tersenyum.

"Tidak apa, lindungilah dia sekarang," Hinamori mengedipkan sebelah matanya.

Tuk, tuk. Soutaicho mengetukkan tongkatnya.

"Baiklah kasus ini ditutup, bebaskan Matsumoto Rangiku dari selnya. Rapat dibubarkan," Hinamori berjalan mendahului Hitsugaya dan berbincang dengan Unohana hingga pintu keluar.

Hitsugaya langsung berjalan menuju kantornya dan mendapati Rangiku dengan biasanya langsung menyambutnya.

"Taicho," Rangiku berlari dan ingin memeluknya seperti biasa, tapi tiba-tiba langkahnya terhenti. Hitsugaya langsung berbalik menuju meja kerjanya. Semburat merah menghiasi wajah mereka berdua dan jantung mereka pun berdegup tak karuan. Suasana menjadi canggung detik itu juga.

"Te-terima kasih, Taicho," Rangiku membungkukan badannya. Langkah Hitsugaya terhenti dan berjalan mendekati perempuan yang lebih tinggi darinya itu.

"Iya," Hitsugaya berkata lembut dan tanpa berpikir panjang dia mencium bibir merah Rangiku. Rangiku terkejut merasakannya, namun setelah itu dia membalasnya.

"Taicho!" teriak Rangiku kaget saat Hitsugaya melepaskan bibirnya, "Kenapa?" tanya Rangiku bingung.

"Aku tidak tau kenapa, yang jelas tanpa aku sadari aku mulai menyukaimu," ucap Hitsugaya sambil mengalihkan pandangnnya.

"Walau aku pemalas?" tanya Rangiku jahil.

"Iya," semburat merah kembali menghiasi wajah Hitsugaya.

"Walau aku lebih tinggi darimu?" Hitsugaya hanya mengangguk, "Walau aku lebih tua darimu?" Hitsugaya kembali mengangguk, "Walau aku-" ucapannya terhenti saat jari telunjuk Hitsugaya menyentuh bibir Rangiku.

"Ssshhh, walau kau pembunuh sekalipun," Hitsugaya menarik Rangiku mendekat dan membuatnya berlutut dihadapan pemuda mungil itu, "Aku tetap menyukaimu," dan mereka kembali berpelukan. "Terima kasih atas segalanya, Matsumoto."

"Hnn," jawab Rangiku sambil tersenyum.

Sedikit banyak Hitsugaya mensyukuri kejadian ini, karenanya dia menjadi jujur akan perasaanya sendiri.

20 Truths of HitsuMatsu

BLEACH © Tite Kubo


Introuduce : Kisuke 'Hikari' Shihouin, first daughter of Urahara + Yorouichi.
She's my original character on BLEACH :D

1: He never thought he would fall in love with his lieutenant; She never thought she would fall in love with the boy she gave advice too in Rukongai.

2: He had finally gotten the respected he wanted and dissevered from everyone once he had his growth spurts, she told him, he had always had her respect from the beginning.

3: If there was one thing he hated, besides Rangiku never doing her paperwork, it was the way she, his lieutenant and girlfriend, and his third seat, Hikari, would sit in the office and whisper to each other. And more often than not, they would glance at him and smile mischievously.

4: Once they'd done that, he knew he was going to get tortured in some way. Maybe they wouldn't tell Hyorinmaru.

5: Toshiro was wrong, they did. Now he had to listen to both Rangiku and Hikari, along with his Zanpakuto, 'practice' their karaoke.

6: Paperwork was always a tedious choir but after they had gotten together, Rangiku would take at least a quarter of it and actually do it. Though she made him promise to get off early and have dinner with her.

7. He would have had dinner with her anyway, but he didn't say that just to be sure she would actually do her work.

8: Being dragged to the different bars was not his idea of fun, but it was hers. And he only went to make sure nothing happened to her and she didn't get too drunk.

9: His idea of fun was spending a quite night at home, reading. He had yet to finish that book, cause she keep 'interrupting' him when he was getting to the good part.

10: They still had arguments, but now they had better ways of making it up to each other.

11: A few months after they were together, Toshiro accidently called her 'just' his lieutenant. Now he was being dragged to the living world by Hikari, to pick out an engagement ring.

12: Once he had apologized for what he said, he popped the question and was instantly glomped and hugged tightly with a 'yes'.

13: Everyone was having mixed emotions about the engagement, most were happy but there were they few who didn't think it was going to last. Well they would prove them wrong.

14: Their wedding wasn't huge, but it was loud. And it only got louder once they got to the reception and the sake was broken out.

15. Once they were finally alone, she was strangely shy and nervous. He helped her relax by kissing her.

16. Nothing really had changed after wedding. Well, except she was on time and the paperwork was done early on some days. Though on those days she would lock the office door and cast a sound kido so no one would hear them.

17. Hikari always seemed to come and knock on the door, right before anything happened. She'd always giggle and say something like "Then maybe you should wait till you get home," whenever he threatened her.

18. The day Rangiku announced they were going to be parents, he was both happy and a bit worried. He wanted to make sure she was ok.

19: The day Unohana said they were having twins, Rangiku had squealed and Toshiro had been speechless.

20: Taking care of twins wasn't always easy, but at the end of the day, while she watched Toshiro tuck in their daughter, their son balanced in the other arm, Rangiku would smile and think her life perfect. Then she would take the boy from him and make some comment to get her husband to give his famous glare at her, while their baby girl, Ritsuko, giggled and their baby boy, Hitsunoru, yawned.

Waktu

Bulan apa sekarang?
Ya, November. Bentar lagi penghujung tahun, dan berarti, gue harus siap-siap untuk try out sekolah tiap minggu, try out inten yang pasti makin susah (dan gue juga ga tau, berapa % yang bakal gue dapetin selanjutnya), daftar ITB dan UGM (tidak berminat di UI? Males ah, entar aja ikut yang SNMPTN, *SONGONG MODE : ON*. Nggak ding, gue emang ga terlalu tertarik untuk masuk UI. Hehe)

Gue nggak nyangka sekarang gue udah kelas 12, yang berarti sebentar lagi gue berhadapan dengan berbagai macam ujian. Rasanya baru kemaren gue pindah dari Penabur ke 21, terus MOS, ngecengin kakak-kakak kelas, eh sekarang, udah jadi kakak kelas yang paling tua. Perasaan waktu cepet amet jalannya. Terlalu banyak kenangan yang terlewatkan buat gue.

Rasa takut muncul di dalam hati gue. Mulai dari takut nggak lulus UN, trus ga lulus ujian masuk PTN, dan temen-temennya. Dulu kayaknya kelas 10 sama 11, gue belajar santai-santai aja. Gue masih sempet baca buku Harry Potter 1-7 yang tebelnya naudzubillah, gue masih sempet nonton bleach yang episode nya beratus-ratus, gue masih sempet baca komik YU-Gi-Oh kesayangan gue, gue masih sempet ini, itu, dan temen-temennya. Tapi sekarang, gue mau nemuin waktu kosong aja kayaknya susah banget.
Inten udah nyita waktu gue 3x seminggu. Tapi gue rela, asalkan gue lulus UN dan masuk ITB ato UGM.

Gue selalu ngebayangin kalo gue udah jadi mahasiswa (ato keterima deh, seenggaknya) di teknik kimia UGM/ITB ato psikokogi UGM. Di mana gue bisa bilang apa yang kak Rizky bilang, "HAH? SIMAK? APAAN TUH?"
Sumpah itu bikin ngiri banget.
Rasanya gue pengen teriak : Kak, gue juga mau kayak lo!

Please god, kasih gue kesempatan untuk kuliah di salah satu universitas itu. :))

Incredible love - a Bleach Fanfic :)

BLEACH © TITE KUBO

This story is about after winter war, and some Espadas are safe. :D

1: Accident-

Days at the office couldn't be more busy, what with the Winter War being over the paperwork just seemed to double. Every time Hitsugaya seemed to get at least one stack done, another two came in. It never ended. And with his fukutaicho lazing about even more than usual on the couch, he had little help. Thankfully his Third Seat offered to help, but even with the stack she took gone there was still lots. He didn't have to put up with all this, half of this is Matsumoto's! She should be doing it.

But he couldn't make himself yell at her or force her to do stuff as much anymore. Heck he couldn't even wake her up from her sleep. He would never admit it, but he thought she was so beautiful in her sleep it would be cruel to disturb her and her lovely features.

So now he sits here, still in the office when it's after hours, working on the large amount of papers crowding his desk. Matsumoto finally decided to wake up as the clock struck 10 o'clock. With a groan she sat up and stretched, then looked over to the desk and smiled.

"Morning Taichou!" She chirped. He growled. "It's ten at night dummy!" She blinked and looked at the clock. "Oh, so it is, well that was a good nap." She giggled. He sighed, and turned off the desk lamp.

"I give up, I'll finish the rest tomorrow. Come on Matsumoto." He said and stood, then proceeded to walk to the door. "Yes Taichou!" She saluted, making him roll his eyes but smiled nonetheless. Everything was great until a paper that had long been forgotten on the floor appeared under his foot and he - A Taichou in the Gotei 13 for God's sake! - slipped and fell to the side. He had somehow turned and his body crashed onto Matsumoto's on the couch, her letting out a shriek before it was muffled. Both their eyes, widened by the sudden turn of events, stared deeply into the other's. Realization kicked in like a train hitting you in the face.

He fell right onto Matsumoto Rangiku's lips!

He felt himself frozen. Unable to pull away, for two reasons. One; He wouldn't know what to say or do if he pulled away. Two; He was enjoying it too much to even think about pulling away. Suddenly he saw her eyes close and her arms snake around him. He sank into the kiss, his eyes closing and his arms winding around her waist. Everything else suddenly disappeared.

2: Boyfriend-

Funny how the day after their first kiss they were shipped off the the Living Realm for a mission. Their instructions were still unknown so until they got them they were stuck doing nothing. They came across Orihime and after a happy reunion, mostly on Rangiku's part, she offered to let them stay at her place again. Toshiro couldn't take the giggles and gossiping any longer so he went out for a little walk to get some fresh air. So while Orihime made their lunch - Also part of the reason Toshiro left - while Rangiku sat at the table and continued their conversation. Everything was great until Orihime brought up a certain question.

"Boyfriend?" Rangiku asked, one eyebrow raised. Orihime nodded, her face bright with joy. "Yes. Is Toshiro-kun your boyfriend? I noticed you two were holding hands when I saw you guys earlier. So I was wondering if you two were dating." She asked, a very happy expression. Rangiku thought for a moment.

"You mean like you and Ulquiorra are?" Orihime blushed but nodded. Rangiku had to think. Could she really call Toshiro her boyfriend? They've only been together one day. And they haven't even admitted they love each other yet. It just wasn't brought up. Rangiku thought of telling him, but she wondered when the right moment was. The only thing they had done was kiss and hold hands. That was all, she swears. She wasn't sure if she can call them an official couple. She wondered what he would say if she started telling people they were dating. Which they have barely started doing. Finally after much thought, Orihime nearly melted from anticipation for her answer, Rangiku smiled and nodded.

"Sure, I guess you can say that." She chirped. Orihime gasped and smiled widely. "That's wonderful Rangiku-san! I always had a feeling you two would become a happy couple!" She couldn't help but hug the strawberry-blond. Rangiku giggled. It felt nice to admit it to herself that he was her boyfriend.

"Lunch is ready!" Orihime chimed minutes later. "Chicken flavored ramen with red bean paste and spicy meatballs!" She announced as she set their bowls on the table. Just then Toshiro came back home. "I'm back." He called. "Taichou! You're just in time for lunch!" She couldn't help but laugh as his face paled.

She jumped up and ran over to kiss his cheek, then whispered, "I'll sneak you some watermelon later." He smiled, a hint of gratefulness in his expression and left for the living room. She smiled widely.

Anything for her boyfriend.

3: Chrysanthemums-

She couldn't help but dread the day that she had furiously scribbled out on her calender. It was now made the worst day of the year, of her life. It wasn't as meaningful to her now as it was years ago. It just made her depressed. She hated it with a passion, she wished it would disappear.

September 29; Her birthday.

It didn't feel like a day for celebration like it used to, it just felt dreary and dull. Depressing and sad. Because it only reminded her of her childhood. And when she thought of her childhood she thought of the horrible man from her childhood. Ichimaru Gin. The very name sent a shiver down her spine and made steam come out her ears. She hated him with a passion. She despised him. She resented him. The list goes on and on. But the only good things he ever did for her was take care of her and give her a 'birthday'. She didn't even know whether she should even count this day as her birthday anymore. But like her friends pointed out a year ago; A false birthday is better than no birthday at all. But ever since Gin died in the war, she's been dreading the day of her birthday.

So here she sat in her room, mid-afternoon, waiting for the clock to say midnight - signaling the hideous day is over. She felt lonely, which hasn't happened in a while. She didn't know whether it was the day or the feeling of being alone now that the reason for her birthday was gone. But something clicked in her mind that she wasn't alone. She knew that anytime she needed someone Toshiro was always there. So feeling less depressed, she got dressed and went to the office.

Her taichou didn't say a word, only smiled as she walked in. She smiled her usual cheerful smile and headed for her couch. But something on her desk caught her eye. She looked over and gasped when she saw a vase of Chrysanthemums sitting beautifully on her desk. She lifted the card.

Rangiku grinned and looked over at Hitsugaya, who was doing his work, blush decorating his cheeks. Her grin turned into a soft smile as she gazed at him. Maybe her birthday wasn't so bad after all, when spending it with the right person.

"Happy Birthday, Love Toshiro."

4: Don't Die-

The battlefield was covered with discarded pieces hollows. No one would've thought a herd of hollows would attack all at once, and with their low numbers, they hardly stood a fair chance of surviving. The first to arrive at the scene had been the Tenth's taichou and fukutaichou, and several seated recruits. They hadn't expected so many hollows.

The hollows had attacked all at once, from all sides. The seated recruits handled the weaker ones while Matsumoto and Hitsugaya took care of the bigger, stronger ones. The battle felt like it lasted hours, the shinigami were falling one by one, too injured to keep fighting.

Finally only eight hollows were left. The strongest of them seemed to be the leader of the herd. A large scorpion-like hollow, with a sharp steel tail, and cross pincers. The other seven looked weak and easy to take on. They flashed forward, catching the first hollow by surprise, before slicing right through it. Rangiku released Haineko again and caught the two Smallest hollows in an ashy whirlwind. Hyourinmaru flew straight through one, and then wrapped around the last three before sinking his icy teeth into them.

Hitsugaya and Matsumoto were worn out. This battle had lasted too long, and they still had no reinforcements. Rangiku had summoned for immediate medical assistance for their wounded subordinates, but they had still not shown up. Amidst thought, Hitsugaya noticed something very wrong.

The scorpion hollow had disappeared. His head turned in all directions as he searched for the missing hollow. Rangiku stood not far away, searching for the hollow as well. Hitsugaya's scowl deepened as he saw it was nowhere in sight. But then he felt the ground shake, and his eyes quickly snapped to Rangiku.

The scorpion hollow lurched out of the ground behind Rangiku, it's tail aimed at her back. Hitsugaya had only seconds to react. "RANGIKU!" He shouted. Rangiku saw the hollow's shadow on the ground in front of her and her eyes widened as she turned to see it heading right for her. She could actually see her death flash right in front of her eyes as the tip of the tail neared her at an alarming speed. Her eyes shut automatically as fear filled her. Then there was the awful sound of the tail colliding with a body, but she felt no pain. None. She opened her eyes slowly.

To see that her taichou had taken the blow that was meant for her.

5: Everlasting Feelings-

If it were possible for hearts to actually break, Rangiku's would've broken into many tiny pieces by now. As she held her deeply wounded taichou in her arms on the cold blood-covered ground. Tears started flowing down her cheeks, dripping off her chin and onto his bloody haori. She was trembling, her body feeling extremely cold and empty as she stared at his pale face.

She had been so upset seeing her taichou stuck on that thing's tail, so angry that she didn't spare a single piece of it to survive. Haineko had made sure that every single piece had been turned to ash. Hitsugaya had then slipped off the tail and into Rangiku's waiting arms. She lowered herself to the ground and immediately looked over his injuries. He had a deep wound in his abdomen, and blood was running out of it too quickly, at this rate he'll bleed to death.

She couldn't remember the last time she cried, but she couldn't stop the tears from leaking as she held him. She shook violently as she held in her sobs, too afraid to let them out. Finally it became too hard and she sobbed loudly, tears spilling tear fell onto his cheek, and his eyes squinted before opening. Rangiku's sobs suddenly stopped as she watched his eyes move around, searching for her. He called her name, his voice hoarse, blood spilling out of his mouth.

"I'm here Toshiro, p-please hold on, 4th will b-be here any minute." She stammered. She saw him trying to lift his hand, but he was too weak to lift it more than a few inches off the ground. She caught his hand in hers before it could fall. "I w-want you to know s-something... Rangiku..." He murmured. Rangiku just shushed him.

"Don't speak, save your strength, you're going to be okay-" "I j-just want you to know... that I love you..." Rangiku's eyes widened as she heard those three words escape his lips for the first time. "I-If I don't make it... I just w-wanted you to know..." His lips formed a weak smile, but his eyes were starting to dim, they were losing life. Rangiku let out another sob.

"D-Don't talk like your dying, you're g-going to be fine. Just wait and s-see. Everything will b-be alright again." She cried. His eyes closed and he shook his head lightly. "'My life may not last forever... but my feelings for you are everlasting'." He whispered. She knew he was quoting a poem she had read in a book of poems she got, but she didn't know he had read it too. She was about to say something when his hand went limp in hers and his breathing stopped. Her own breath hitched and she trembled as panic filled her.

She let out a broken-hearted wail just as members of 4th Division finally made it to the scene.

6: Forgive And Forget-

"I told you to drop it!" He shouted desperately. She just wouldn't stop! Some evil force must've thought his suffering was pretty damn hilarious, must have if they teamed him up with this woman. When she found something to hammer him about, she rarely dropped it. And that's what brought him into his current headache. Never mind the fact that he's still recovering from his injuries, just hound him about something trivial until he flies off the handle. Which is about to happen in 5, 4, 3, 2-

"Matsumoto for the last time drop it!" He roared. She, however, did not find his shouting intimidating at all and continued her singing. It was a song that consisted of a repetition of three simple, little, words. Three words that drove him crazy and made him blush like crazy at the same time.

"Taichou loves me, Taichou loves me, Taichou loves meeeee!" She sang. She couldn't help it, she was too happy. Now that he was out of 4th Division and will make a full recovery, she was overjoyed. But the fact that he admitted he loved her just made her ecstatic, combined with overjoyed. And that combination made her so bubbly she was singing her little song as they walked back to their division. She knew it irritated him, which just amused her.

Toshiro on the other hand was about to lose his very last nerve. He didn't appreciate her announcing to the world about his confession, or her little dance to go with it. "Forget I ever said anything!" He snarled. He growled at every shinigami they passed, because after hearing her song, they either gave him knowing grins or jealous glares. He began to wish he had just died out there on the battlefield.

"How can I forget your confession of love, Taichou?" She giggled and hugged him from behind. He growled. "I thought I was going to die!" He tried to remove her arms but with little success. Rangiku pouted cutely, a pout she damn well knew he couldn't resist. "I wouldn't have been happy if you died. I would've been lonely again." His scowl vanished, he knew what she meant. Rangiku had been alone a long time, because of Gin. Instead of trying to remove her arms, he rubbed them softly now. "I'm sorry." He murmured.

"That's okay Taichou, I forgive you." She smiled and kissed his cheek, causing him to blush again. Then skipped in front of him and continued her way towards the office, singing her song once more. His scowl reappeared.

"Will you stop singing that? I swear I will give you ten mountains of paperwork if you don't stop!" He roared. She just giggled. "I love you too Taichou, I love you too."

7: Gin-

The sun was blocked by dark clouds that threatened rain at any given moment. It seemed appropriate with their mood. Matsumoto couldn't tell if it was natural or if it was Hitsugaya's mood but it didn't really seem to matter. What mattered was the sight in front of them.

Ichimaru Gin's grave.

Rangiku hadn't visited it up to this point, but she felt obligated to pay her respects. This man used to be really important to her, and now... she didn't really know where he stood in her life anymore. He used to be the man she thought she loved. But was it really love? She had never actually been with him, slept with him, or even had anything close to a romantic relationship. Their friendship had never gone any further than his occasional kiss on her cheek.

At one time, Rangiku thought she wanted more from him, to take their friendship to the next level. But her heart knew she wouldn't be able to take it. Gin always left without saying a word, and every time she would worry that this time he wouldn't come back. Her heart wouldn't be able to take the loneliness if she fell in love with him, but she couldn't stop her feelings.

Rangiku realizes now, as she stands before his grave, that she never loved him the way she thought she did. She never loved him in that way, as a lover. She loved him as a very close friend, an older brother almost. That's the way she's always loved him. Even after he left with Aizen. When that happened, she knew that the pain she felt was loss for a family member. But it was that path he chose to take, the wrong one but the one he chose.

She felt Hitsugaya shift uncomforatably behind her. He was with her the whole time, just standing there, supporting her. He was always there for her, and Rangiku knew she made the right decision when she stayed with him, instead of going with Gin. She held out her hand, and he instantly took it, holding it gently in his hands. She carefully lifting her other hand, and placed the bouquet of marigolds on his grave.

"Goodbye, Gin..."

8: How Lucky-

Toshiro always enjoyed walking through the streets of Seireitei. He always felt a sense of pride, which was doubled now that he was dating the beautiful and desired Matsumoto Rangiku. She always accompanied him on these walks. Going on walks always cleared his head, took the stress of paperwork away, and made him feel calm. Not even the shinigami they passed interfered with his good mood.

The news of their new relationship brought many smiles, and many congratulatory handshakes from Ukitake and Kyouraku to Hitsugaya. Many handshakes. Also, much to Hitsugaya's utter annoyance, they thought it best to give him the talk. Hitsugaya was lucky a Taichou's meeting stopped them, and quickly made his escape when the meeting was over. He did not want to hear about the birds and the bees from them, especially Kyouraku. He was already more than aware of those facts. His granny beat them there a long time ago.

While their relationship did bring smiles, it also brought frowns. Many frowns. From shinigami they didn't even know. Some women were frowning, Rangiku guessed they had once had their eyes on Hitsugaya. And some men were frowning for the obvious reason that they desired Matsumoto. So from both sides they were frowned upon by jealous shinigami. And these shinigami did talk, and they hear them as they continue their walk.

"There's that hot Fukutaichou of the Tenth. Man, I'd love to get my hands on that." Hitsugaya bit back a growl building in the back of his throat. "Who wouldn't? But rumor has it she and that little shrimp with her are dating." The first shinigami gasped. "Seriously? That goddess and that kid? No way!" The second shinigami nodded. "Damn, what a lucky bastard!" This time Hitsugaya fought a grin.

"Hey, check it out, it's the odd couple." A female shinigami mocked. "It's Hitsugaya-Taichou! Oh he's such an M-A-N!" The second female squealed quietly. "But look who's with him, that woman." The third female scoffed. "Ooh! Why does she get him? What makes her so special?" The second whined. "She's probably just using him to get up in the ranks." The first said. "Either way, she's so lucky!" Rangiku snorted after hearing them.

Whether it be female, or male that talked about them, they arrived at the same conclusion; They were lucky. What those gossiping shinigami failed to realize was that they weren't just lucky, but blessed. Hitsugaya's eyes glanced at Matsumoto, who gave him a wink, to which he smiled. Their hands touched and then linked together, making the shinigami around them gasp. Many wishing they were in their places. Hitsugaya knew it wasn't just luck that won him Rangiku, but still, you can't help but think:

How lucky indeed.

9: Impeccable And Indelicate-

Meditating with your zanpakuto was one of the things some shinigami did in their spare time. It helped you connect with your zanpakuto and become closer with it, help you know more about it. This is apart of the activities you do in 10th Division. Some do it very well while others may have some trouble. There is a word somewhere in a dictionary to describe your zanpakuto, and it just takes a keen intellect to find the precise word.

Hitsugaya was sitting outside his division on the veranda. His zanpakuto laying on its side. To him, meditating was simple, he could instantly make the connection. Hyourinmaru was a fierce creature in battle, but when all is calm, the ice dragon was just as cool. His zanpakuto glowed and then manifested light spiritual energy into a smaller version of Hyourinmaru's released form. The dragon bowed his head. Hitsugaya reached out and placed his head on the dragon's head.

"YOU LITTLE BRAT!" A book busted through the window to his office and hit the ground next to him. Hitsugaya growled. "Rangiku..." He muttered, before getting up and heading in, Hyourinmaru following. They entered the office. "Haineko you impossible, rude feline! Come out! I said come out!" Rangiku yelled at zanpakuto laying on the floor. She gasped. "How dare you call me that! I am NOT old! Grr! You selfish, lazy, no-good cat!" She growled, then proceeded to pick up one of the decorative vases and lift it over her head. "This ought to teach you not to call me an old lady!" "MATSUMOTO!" Rangiku squealed in surprise and dropped the vase on the floor, it shattered.

"Toshiro, how many times must I tell you not to sneak up on me?" She pouted. "I tried getting your attention seven times, you were too busy yelling at your zanpakuto. I also hope you know you're replacing that vase." He nodded towards Haineko on the floor. "Well she's impossible! She ignores me, disobeys me, calls me names, and even eats my fish when I'm not looking!" She groaned. The zanpakuto on the floor glowed and a cat manifested. "See? There she goes disobeying again! Now she comes out when I don't want her to!" She growled, pointing at the cat. Haineko and Hyourinmaru's eyes met. Haineko stood and joined him by his side.

"Haineko! Answer me!" The cat let out a hiss. Rangiku gasped again. "I most certainly am NOT! Take that back!" Rangiku roared. Hitsugaya just stared as Rangiku repeatedly attempted to grab the cat as she dashed around, shouting things at each other back and forth. Rangiku finally caught the slick cat and wrestled around with it as the cat struggled, shouting more things at each other.

Hitsugaya and Hyourinmaru watched. Hitsugaya had always known Matsumoto was childish, but to act this way with her own zanpakuto was a sight to see. The dragon let out a lazy yawn as he watched the two argue. "My thoughts exactly." Hitsugaya murmured and went to his desk. He pulled out a dictionary, remembering a couple words that could describe this. He went to the I's and found them. He looked up at Haineko, pulling on Rangiku's hair with her teeth as Rangiku pulled on her tail, then at Hyourinmaru, laying down quietly and watching with slight interest. It suddenly became very clear.

Hyourinmaru was the impeccable one, Haineko was the indelicate one.

10: Just Imagine-

Doing paperwork got easier after Hitsugaya and Matsumoto started dating. She actually started helping! Little by little, but helping nonetheless. Every day at the same time she'd go get the mail for him, which was extremely helpful since he never had the time to get it himself. Of course she'd get her own mail while she was at it, and thus one day, something arrived for her that made her giggly that entire month.

"Toshiro! Look at what I got in the mail!" When he lifted his head, she thrust a sheet of paper into his face. He quickly recovered from the surprise of having something thrust into his face and backed up to see it better. After reading the first sentence, a white brow was raised.

"'You are hereby invited to witness bringing together in holy matrimony: Inoue Orihime and Ulquiorra Schiffer'?" He read. Rangiku nodded her head. "That idiot actually popped the question?" He asked. She nodded again. "Isn't it great? Orihime-chan is getting married! This is so much better than when they started dating! Ah, it feels like only yesterday we stayed at her place." She paused to sigh thoughtfully. "To think it's been five years since those wonderful nights we spent at her place." She said thoughtfully. He snorted as she reminisced their days in the Living World before Inoue disappeared.

"I wish her the best of luck, she'll need it if she's going to be married to that Espada of all people." He murmured. Rangiku laughed. "He's a nice boy, and the most perfect choice for her in my opinion. They're perfect for each other, I knew that when I first saw them together." She smiled brightly.

"Don't forget it was you who set them up on that blind date." He rolled his eyes at the memory. He had been against it in the beginning, but after seeing them together on the date (Read: Rangiku had literally dragged him with her and they hid in the shadows) he decided she was right. Rangiku enjoyed playing matchmaker too much though. Her next victims were Rukia and Ichigo soon after.

"It makes me wonder what they'll do for the honeymoon. Hopefully she'll get pregnant, I would love to hear the little pitter-patter of feet on the floor. Just imagine, a little baby." Her eyes glittered in the idea of a baby. Toshiro snorted again. Babies were expensive, troublesome, loud, and worst of all, messy. Yachiru was enough trouble as it is. She wasn't even his kid or subordinate and yet she bugged him. He liked them when they were calm and cute, but the rest of the time they could be really annoying.

"Hey Toshiro?" She spoke after several minutes of personal imagination in her own head. "Hmm?" He mumbled, still working on his papers. Rangiku couldn't wait to see his face when she asked this. "Do you think we'll ever have a baby of our own?" His pen skewered across the page, making a jagged line in the paper, and his entire face went redder than Renji's hair. The question alone was enough, but the seriousness in her voice made him speechless.

11: Kama Sutra-

It was unlike any other birthday Toshiro had ever had. And certainly one he would never forget. He tried, but Rangiku wouldn't let him. She was always so ecstatic over birthdays, he couldn't understand why though. But she made them memorable. And with them dating for almost five months, he couldn't wait to see what she'd surprise him with this year.

He sat facing the window, enjoying watching the snow fall outside. Sometimes he envied the snow. At one point it had touched the heavens, and the floated down to earth with such beauty and grace. It then clustered together to form a white wonderland on the ground. It also didn't have to worry about paperwork on days like these. He wished he had help so that he could properly enjoy the day. Where was that lazy fukutaicho/girlfriend of his? When a knock came to the door he expected it to be her, but was surprised when it was actually Kyouraku.

"Kyouraku-taichou, what can I do for you?" He asked. The older man smiled and then jumped in, pulling out a fan and waving it, doing a dance in front of the desk. "Happy happy birthday! Happy happy birthday! Happy birthday to you! Shiro-chan!" He sang. Hitsugaya glared at the man, thinking how incredibly bold he must've been to pull off a childish stunt like that in his office. Nonetheless, he muttered a "Thank you".

"You're quite welcome! It's not everyday you turn 180! Ah, still so young. Lucky man." He said with glee. Hitsugaya just continued his work. "Was that all you wanted?" He asked. The older man gasped and the popped his forehead with his hand. He started shuffling through his haori, searching for something.

"Actually no, I originally came to say happy birthday and give you this." Hitsugaya looked up to see the man extending a wrapped package to him. Toshiro stared at the poorly wrapped icy blue package with a silver bow. He took it and stared at it a little more before unwrapping it. He could tell by feeling it that it was a book, he wondered idly what book he'd come up with, he'd read almost every book in the library (And that's a huge-ass library). With the bow gone, and the paper torn now, the book came into view. And Hitsugaya's eyes widened.

"K-Kama Sutra?" Toshiro exclaimed as he tossed the offending piece of literature onto his desk, his face and ears a lovely shade of red. Kyouraku nodded with a big proud grin on his face.

"Well since you and Ran-chan are getting serious I thought I'd get you this so you can prepare yourself. You'll need all the help you can get if you want to please her in the be-""GET OUT!"

12: Little Lover-

It was indeed one of the greatest things that had ever happened to him. There came a time when he never thought this day would come. Somebody up there must've finally heard his prayers and answered them. It came as a great shock to everyone, including himself. To some it was a great joy, while to others it was a little sad. They had never imagined this would happen.

Hitsugaya had gotten taller at last.

It was Rangiku who first noticed it. Two weeks before, he had left for a scouting mission alone. The fortnight was the worst days Rangiku had ever endured. Life without her little lover seemed meaningless... And full of work! With him gone, she had to do all the paperwork! It wasn't right! She was a fukutaichou, she had her dignity to look after, she couldn't lose it by actually doing paperwork! Imagine her immediate relief when her taichou came back.

She was waiting at the gates for him, swaying from side to side and humming a little happy tune. Excitement clear in her expression and movements. When the gates opened she was literally bouncing for joy. When she saw him come through she couldn't help herself when she shot herself up to him and hugged him. They nearly fell back at the impact but he had regained balance and even hugged her back. Letting out a soft sigh as he inhaled her luscious scent that he had missed so much.

But two seconds into the hug, Rangiku noticed something was wrong. She opened her eyes and noticed that her head was now resting on his shoulder. When he left, he was only tall enough for his chin to reach her shoulder, but now he was taller than her! Within five seconds of the hug, she abruptly pulled away and squealed.

"Toshiro! You got taller!" She exclaimed. He looked down at her (to which she couldn't believe!) and smirked. "Yeah, about time, right?" He said with a proud grin. She just stared incredibly at him, then she realized something. He just watched with an amused smile as she whined about how he wasn't her little lover anymore, and he'd never be her cute little taichou again. It just made her wonder, how could he have had such a growth spurt in just two weeks? He simply said he was glad it happened, now he wasn't small anymore. To this argument, Rangiku smiled.

"You were never small Toshiro... You were fun-sized!"

13: Moonlit Seduction-

Rangiku couldn't believe the sight before her, it almost seemed too good to be true. It was like something out of a dream, one of her dreams at least. She rubbed her eyes to see if it was an illusion, but the image did not disappear. She stood and stared at the piece of art in front of her, the pride of masculine beauty.

In other words Hitsugaya sitting outside with no shirt.

Of course she had seen him shirtless countless times when they trained, but this was the first time since his growth spurt. Before, he had fine masculinity, his body was in perfect shape and form, he had nothing on his body that would be considered ugly or unattractive. But now, it was all that and much more. His tough muscles, long arms, strong stomach, it all looked so appealing. She could only imagine what everything else looked like under those pants...

"Rangiku?" She was brought back to reality by Hitsugaya's voice. She shook any dirty thoughts out of her head and smiled at her taichou. She didn't understand why she was still here at his house this late at night, usually she'd gone home by now. But he wasn't complaining, so he must not have cared if she stayed. She sat next to him. Out of the corner of her eye she could see him still, and without permission the dirty thoughts came back. Rangiku blushed, she had never thought of him in that way before. But the thoughts made her feel tingly and hot nonetheless.

The idea of seeing him naked drove her insane, she had never felt like this before for any man. She wasn't one who wasted her time on meaningless one night stands with strange men, and she had never experienced something like that with Gin, or any man really. She wasn't as stupid and as careless as everyone might've thought, she had dignity and pride as a woman. And would never give herself to an unworthy man. But Hitsugaya... seemed like a totally different story. He appeared to be very worthy. But there was no way he'd ever want to...

His arms around her waist caught her attention, and she snuggled closer to him. She breathed in his scent, even that made her head spin. Everything about him screamed seduction to her right now. What was wrong with her hormones? They seemed to be working over-time. Hitsugaya started kissing her, little at first, but then more and more. From her ear to her lips. Rangiku kissed him back of course, but as it went on things got more heated, and Rangiku couldn't help but let out a little pent up passion. Hitsugaya enjoyed it too. Very much.

Soon they were dragging their tangled selves to his bedroom.

14: Night's Passion-

The evening was unlike anything either of them had ever experienced. There were no words to describe what they were feeling. As soon as they had, finally, made it to the bed, the clothes were coming off slowly one by one. Rangiku didn't know exactly how this mood or this scenario started, but she was too pleasured by it to care.

Despite how they wanted to go faster, they took things slow. They didn't want to rush, they had all night, and it was the first time after all. For both of them. When the clothes were off, and they were fully exposed to each other, they felt a little self conscious. But seeing how the other admired them, it made them feel less afraid. It gave them some courage to keep going. Their hands and lips wandered one another, gently and slowly taking in every little detail that lie in their path. Every single sensation feeling great.

Toshiro was exceedingly gentle too. Even when he entered her. The passion that came naturally as they did the dance that was as old as time itself, it was intense. But it was so good. The way their bodies became one, the way their souls connected.

She had always believed something as wonderful as the first time you make love shouldn't be wasted, it should be spent with someone you love and trust completely. She couldn't trust something like that to someone who wouldn't appreciate her or love her back. But she was sure Toshiro would always love her, which is why she was giving everything to him. Allowing him to have and to see what most men would kill for.

He greatly appreciated it all too, he gazed at her and her body with lust. He admired every single inch of her luscious body as he made love to her. And Rangiku found herself repeating his name over and over again. Toshiro grit his teeth at the intensity but still let out proclamations of love to her. Though all good things end soon as they say, and sure enough they went over the edge together. So many emotions combined into one perfect moment.

Rangiku cuddled herself closer to him, purring contently as she laid her head on his chest, she felt so incredibly happy. More happy than she had ever been. Toshiro was smiling softly at her, but he seemed nervous for some reason, and she felt like he little uncomfortable. She suddenly went stiff when she thought of the possibility that he had regretted what they just did. Her heart suddenly felt cold and heavy. She suddenly felt his fingers tilt her chin so she was looking up at him now.

"Rangiku... Will you marry me?"

15: Obviously Happy-

All Rangiku could see was a strange yet beautiful woman in front of her. She had the same golden hair, icy eyes, and same large bosom as her, but she seemed far too surreal to be her. Her hair was pulled back into a half updo that let her wavy hair spiral down her back. Her eyelids colored, her cheeks glowing, her lips a delicate pink. Complete with a strapless, glittery, flowing white gown covering her body, topped with a veil. The woman seemed too beautiful to be real. It wasn't until Nanao came to her side that she realized she was looking in a mirror.

"You look beautiful Rangiku. Hitsugaya-taichou is a lucky man." She murmured. Rangiku's cheeks reddened. "Are you ready?" She asked. Rangiku stared at the woman in the mirror, who stared back. Rangiku put a hand to her cheek, the woman in the mirror copied her exact movement perfectly. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. Nanao took the hand resting on Rangiku's cheek and gently guided her out of the room.

Toshiro nervously fidgeted with his tie, staring at the doors that would open when Rangiku was ready. For some reason he felt that maybe if he stared at them long enough they'd open to reveal his beloved bride. So far no luck. He had been waiting for this day for months, and now that it was finally here, he felt more scared then he ever had in his life. He felt he'd actually faint when the doors he'd been staring at for so long actually opened. Music started.

In came the bridesmaids, Rukia, Orihime, Momo, and Nanao the maid of honor. Next came the flower girls, Nel and Yachiru (Nel was brought back with Orihime and Ulquiorra). They danced childishly as they tossed flower petals everywhere, giggling. The music changed, and he saw a new figure appear at the doors. A figure he almost didn't recognize.

His eyes were drawn to her beautiful form, as she came into view. Her glittering gown flowing behind her as she took slow, steady steps. Her eyes glistening with happiness as they locked onto him, and her pink lips pulling up into a graceful smile. His heart started beating faster then ever before. This... goddess was going to be his wife. He reached out, and she took his hand.

Ukitake, being the wise man he was, offered to be the one to marry them. He cleared his throat and began his monologue. Toshiro and Rangiku didn't pay much attention, they couldn't help themselves as they stared at each other. The happiness was so obvious in their eyes, you couldn't help but gaze. It was a miracle they were listening enough to say "I do". When Ukitake gave the okay, Toshiro didn't waste time. He dipped her and kissed her with everything he had.

There were no questions asked, they were obviously happy.

16: Pregnant-

Rangiku couldn't believe it. She just couldn't channel her brain to respond to the news. Sure she should've suspected with the morning sickness and the sudden cravings, but it never occurred to her that this could happen. At least not so fast. They've only been married two days! They haven't even finished their honeymoon and yet this has happened. How would he respond to this? How would anyone respond to this, it just wasn't possible, or she thought it wasn't. But obviously it was if it happened to her.

She was pregnant.

It wasn't really impossible, but it was certainly rare. There hasn't been a birth in Seireitei in God knows how long. Sure she was really happy but the shock just hadn't subsided. She was pregnant. Meaning there was a baby inside her. You didn't have to be a rocket scientist to know what this meant. She was going to be a... Mother. And Toshiro was going to be a... Father. She suddenly felt a tinge of panic. Could she handle a baby? Was it safe to have a baby when you're a shinigami? What with the battles and everything? So many questions flooded her mind. But one question mainly owned her brain.

How was she going to tell Toshiro?

He was enjoying their honeymoon so much, she didn't want to drop the bomb on him and ruin his good time. Or hers either for that matter. It wasn't that their baby was bad news, it was just that... Couldn't it have waited til after their honeymoon to be conceived?

Okay that wasn't fair. But one thing she knew for sure, she was going to keep this baby, no matter what Toshiro said. She was positive he would be just as nervous and excited as she was. Now if she could only find a perfect way of gently breaking the news to him. A baby is a big responsibility, and she's had little experience with them, but she's heard motherhood is an instinct. Is fatherhood the same way?

"Rangiku, I'm back with lunch." She heard him call softly. She smiled. Maybe she can wait until later to tell him.

17: Quit Interfering-

Rangiku felt the need to tear her hair out. The nerve-racking bit of news she was carrying was still unknown to everyone but her. They had returned from their honeymoon four days ago, after three glorious weeks on a cruise, and she was ready and willing to tell him. But it's not as easy as it seemed. No matter what she tried she just couldn't tell him. And it's all simple. Because whenever she tried someone or something happened.

She tried the night they came home. A welcome home party interrupted her. She tried the next afternoon. A Taicho's meeting interrupted her. She tried while she was fixing dinner. A minor fire interrupted her. She tried three times, it was like God didn't want anyone to know. Rangiku wanted to tell someone she was pregnant, but she wanted Toshiro to be the first to know. After all it was his child, he should be the first to know he was going to be a father. She couldn't concentrate on anything because of the dirty little secret she kept. She had to tell someone. She felt she would just blurt it out if she didn't tell someone, and swore she would punch the next person who interfered.

"Rangiku?" She jumped at the soft voice of her husband. "What's the matter? You look worried about something." He murmured. She smiled. "I'm fine. Just... thinking is all." She said honestly. She was thinking a lot. That's all she seemed to be doing was thinking.

"Thinking? About what?" He asked, sitting next to her on the couch. She bit her lip. Now was a perfect opportunity to tell him. They were alone in the office, sitting on the couch, his undivided attention was on her. It was perfect. She smiled and turned a little so she was facing him at a better angle. She took his hand in hers and took a deep breath.

"Toshiro... something wonderful has happened." She said, blush decorating her cheeks. He gave a confused yet curious look. She took another deep breath. This was it, the moment of truth.

"I'm p-" "Hitsugaya-Taicho! There's a fight going on outside between our 6th Seat and a member from 11th!" Their 3rd Seat shouted as she burst in. Rangiku stomped her foot and sank into the couch in aggravation, crossing her arms. Not again...

"I'll be right out." Hitsugaya said, the 3rd Seat ran off. He looked over at her, an apologetic look on his face. "What was it you were going to say?" He asked. She huffed. "I wasn't going to say anything important..."

18: Rangiku's News-

This was starting to get on her last nerve. She had to tell Toshiro she was pregnant, one way or another. The stress was killing her, how could so many interruptions happen so many times in a row? It's already been a week since they came back, and she still hadn't told him. She finally just gave up trying to tell him in places that had too many possibilities for interruption. So today, at lunch, she dragged him away from the office and out into the fields under the Sakura tree they liked to go to for peace and quiet. No way anything can interrupt her there.

She packed a picnic for their lunch, and they sat under the tree as they ate. Rangiku hadn't felt this relaxed since their honeymoon. But she felt nervous, she was finally going to be able to tell him. But this moment just felt so appropriate.

"Rangiku?" Her husband's soft voice murmured. She looked up from her slice of watermelon to look into concerned teal eyes. "You seem distracted. You've been deep in thought since we came back, is something wrong? What's on your mind?" He asked. This was it, she knew this was finally the chance she had been waiting for, asking for, begging for. She looked around, they were all alone. No possible chance for anything or anyone to interrupt.

"You tried to tell me something a couple days ago, but then that fight interrupted you, what were you going to say?" She was surprised he remembered. He had not bothered to ask when he had broken up the fight because she seemed moody, so he left her alone to her thoughts. She was thankful for that, it gave her time to think of a new way to tell him. But now was the perfect time. She cleared her throat.

"Toshiro, something really wonderful has happened. At first I thought it was impossible but I realized that nothing is really impossible. I really hope you'll be as excited as me." He looked at her with confusion in his eyes, one brow raised, and his ears perked, ready to listen. Rangiku's heart took off, beating faster than she ever felt possible. Here goes nothing.

"Toshiro, I'm pregnant." The words just rolled off her tongue. It was just so easy! She had worried over nothing, telling him those words made her feel so relieved to have finally told someone. But his reaction was not something she'd expected. Sure she expected it to be a shock, but his face expressed something more than shock, almost horror. His eyes were wide, and he was very still. Too still for her liking, he didn't even look like he was breathing. She called his name and waved a hand in his face, still no answer. She poked his shoulder. Finally he responded.

"P-Pregnant? No way! Th-That's... Impossible!" He nearly shouted. Rangiku just stared blankly at him. "Apparently not." She laughed nervously. He started hyperventilating. She let out a surprised squeak when his suddenly closed and he slipped back onto the grass, falling unconscious. Rangiku stared in shock at him. That was the first time she had ever seen Hitsugaya Toshiro - The icy Taicho of Division 10 - faint.

19: Sharing-

After recovering from his initial shock, Hitsugaya smiled and expressed that he was happy. Rangiku still couldn't believe he fainted over it though. But it was so funny when she thought about it later, and then he actually begged her not to tell anyone about it. She couldn't promise anything though.

Now that Rangiku had finally told him the news, she could tell other people. First was Ulquiorra and Orihime; They too were expecting a baby, but Orihime was already seven months into her pregnancy. Orihime was so excited and gave them the best of luck. Rangiku asked what it was like going through the pregnancy, and Orihime went into a list of details for her. While that went on, Ulquiorra patted Toshiro's back and wished him the best of luck. Saying he'll need a lot of it if he's going to have a baby with a woman like Rangiku. Toshiro idly remembered saying something similar to Rangiku about Ulquiorra when he learned he was marrying Orihime.

The next people they told were Momo and Izuru, who happened to have Ichigo and Rukia visiting at the moment. Nonetheless they explained to them their new addition to their family. Rukia and Momo squealed for joy, giving forth a series of happy comments and congratulations. Izuru gave a smile and wished them luck. Ichigo however couldn't hold in his laughter. "The strict genius and the bubbly beauty are having a baby? Aww man, this'll be a sight to see." He smirked.

Rukia smacked his head and said he should be more supportive and sensitive. Momo on the other just turned to Izuru and asked if they could have a baby too. He nearly fainted. After leaving them they went to see Nanao and Shunsui.

"Our Shiro-chan became a man!" Kyouraku shouted with glee, hugging Toshiro tightly, happy tears streaming down his cheeks. "He got our Ran-chan pregnant! This is a happy day! How did you do it? Did you use the Kama Sutra book?" He asked. Toshiro shouted against the man's chest, demanding he release him. "I will not discuss my personal business with you!" He shouted. Nanao expressed her heartfelt happiness for her best friend. "It will be a beautiful baby, I wish you the best of luck Rangiku." She said, Rangiku couldn't help but hug her.

"Wait til I tell Jushiro! He'll be so happy to know our little Shiro-chan became a man!" Shunsui exclaimed, ignoring Toshiro's struggles and shouts of anger. "Shunsui please release my husband before you suffocate him. That's my job." She giggled. "Oh of course." Kyouraku laughed and released Toshiro, who gasped for air. "So when is the baby due?" Nanao asked. "Umm, Unohana says somewhere around Toshiro's birthday." Rangiku answered. Nanao laughed softly. "That must be a great birthday present." She chuckled, Toshiro nodded with a smile.

"Nanao-chaaaaaan can we have a baby too-" He found himself on his back, a red hand print on his face while Nanao sat there. The glare on her glasses his her eyes, but the blush on her cheeks more then evident.

20: Tickling Toshiro-

It was unusual for him to be this childish, but he just couldn't help himself. He was so excited and happy, that being childish just came naturally to him. Rangiku was happy too, but as cute as his antics were, she just couldn't take the torture. She knew he did it on purpose too, which made her pout. She cursed the fool who gave humans this damn weakness! It wasn't fair how he tortured her so!

He was tickling her.

But he wasn't tickling with his fingers. No, not with his fingers, but with his hair. He had started doing it recently when she was only slightly starting to show her pregnancy. He had learned that you could possibly hear the baby's heartbeat when she began showing. And because of that joyful piece of info Unohana gave him, this torture began.

He would place his ear on her tummy and listen for a sign of movement from his child. The first time he had done it, Rangiku felt it was incredibly adorable, he was an excited father and that was just too cute. But after a few times he started doing it to her bare stomach, and his soft spiky hair caressed her skin and tickled her silly. At first he hadn't intended to tickle her, but after a while her giggle fits got to be enjoyable to him and he did it on purpose.

All he had to do was put his head on her tummy and she'd do the rest. He could be as still as a statue and she'd still be tickled. When she breathed in and out, her stomach would rise a little with her chest, and that caused those damn spikes to tickle her. And once she started giggling, she wouldn't stop until he lifted his head. She didn't understand why he loved to torture her like this. The answer was simple to him, he loved her giggle, and innocently tickling her brought too much joy.

There were moments in those time when he'd lay his head on her stomach that he could faintly hear or feel something inside, and it made him very happy. It wasn't just about tickling her after all, that was just a bonus. The real motive was to hear or feel his baby. But Rangiku couldn't take the tickling. So now some nights he'd playfully tickle her and enjoy her giggles, while on other nights he just didn't do it at all.

Her threats of cutting his hair off made sure of that.

21: Unique Name-

Rangiku couldn't help but feel like she was in prison. He was constantly watching her, making it hard for her to feel comfortable. She was only in her fifth month of pregnancy, and yet he was acting as if she could go into labor at any given second. It drove her crazy how he constantly hovered. The thought and intention was sweet, but it was just annoying. She couldn't relax when she constantly felt his eyes on her. The only time she got a moments peace was when she went to the ladies room. So eventually she wanted to distract his more-than-observant eyes with a question.

"A name for the baby?" He asked. She nodded. "We haven't discussed a name yet, and we should come up with one now, our baby can't be name-less. And Ulquiorra and Orihime-chan's son Sora has a nice name, ours should too." She said. He sat back in his chair and thought for a minute, he had never given a name to anything before. Before he knew it Rangiku's mind clicked with a name possibility.

"How about Toshiro Jr?" She asked bubbily with a big smile.

"Toshiro Jr?" He questioned, one brow raised. She nodded. "Yeah, your name is so cute, maybe it should be passed down if we have a son." She said with a smile. "Maybe he should have his own name, I don't think he would like that damn "Shiro-chan" nickname anymore than i did. Better yet, what if it's not a he, what if it's a she?" He asked. She put a finger to her pouted lips in a thoughtful manner, he couldn't help but scowl because she knew he thought that was cute.

"I want our baby to have a unique name. One that will stand out. One that will grab everyone's attention. A beautiful, yet cute name." She pondered over possibly thousands of names in her head. But she could not think of a single one that would be perfect and unique, and neither could he.

"Don't worry, when the time comes, we'll know his or her name." He assured. "We have plenty of time anyway." He added. She smiled and nodded. "Your right. But even if we could find a name, I doubt it would be as or more beautiful than our baby." She said sweetly. He smiled softly. "Yeah." He agreed.

"Let's just hope he or she doesn't have your work ethic." The next thing he saw was the fabric of a pillow that was thrown into his face.

22: Varying Hormones-

Most people would assume testosterone was the worst thing you could possibly deal with in an intimate relationship, right? Wrong! The only thing worse was something Toshiro had never dealt with; Pregnancy hormones. Compared to that, male testosterone seemed less intimidating.

Okay maybe he was exaggerating a little. But really, pregnancy hormones kept him on his toes. It wasn't a problem in the early months, because they had continued to do the tango-for-two just as much as they did before she was pregnant. But recently he's been cutting back on it, he had been reassured by Rangiku, Unohana and even Orihime, who went through the same thing. But he was still not convinced that he wouldn't hurt the baby if they had sex. This caused Rangiku to be very testy.

Because her fun and form of relief had been cut back, and because her hormones were still raging furiously, she was not a happy person. She snapped at their poor 7th Seat when he asked if she needed help carrying documents. She insulted Byakuya at the fukutaicho's meeting, he had only been there because Renji was on a mission. She even scared poor Hanataro when he was giving her the results from her latest test. And the things she did scared her, she didn't want to be like that and hurt those people, but she couldn't help it.

She needed sex!

It wasn't fair for Toshiro to do this to her! She was the woman carrying his child, he should give her whatever she wants! And he did for the most part, but why couldn't he just give her the thing she needs most? It wasn't going to hurt the baby, why couldn't he get that through that thick, smart head of his? He was such a stubborn ox!

So that night, when he came home, she resulted in doing the one thing she thought she'd never have to do. She turned on the waterworks and kept it on until she got what she wanted. Toshiro had already lost when she shed that first tear. So that night she finally got what she felt she just had to have. Toshiro sort of felt like he'd been conned, but didn't feel it was such a great loss.

After all, it had only been two days.

23: Warm Winter-

It was finally Toshiro's favorite time of the year; Winter. The best time of year in his opinion. The wonderful cool weather, the graceful snow, the beautiful sight of a winter wonderland when the snow gathered on the ground. It was all Toshiro's favorite things in one season.

However this time, when the first snow of the season came, he spent it burning to a crisp.

Rangiku had always been one to love Winter, and never minded the cold before. But pregnancies did weird things to a woman, and when it got cold, she demanded heaters. Toshiro had tried (Read: Begged.) to get her to reconsider. But she wouldn't budge, saying something about being extra cold for some reason, and how she had to keep the baby warm too. So naturally Toshiro lost this battle. Again. He never seemed to be able to win any arguments with her. It was unfair how she knew how to make him see it her way.

So he had one heater brought into their house, and one into their office. The only time Toshiro got to enjoy the cold was when he got to go outside, even then it was brief because he had to keep moving what with work and taking care of his wife. Of course, one little heater was easy to handle, it wasn't that hot. But eventually when it got colder outside, Rangiku asked for more heaters.

Toshiro brought in a couple more heaters. He still grinned and bared it for her sake, even though the heat was getting to him. He couldn't believe he was actually sweating during Winter. And then, when Seireitei reached it's coldest, she asked more even more heaters. Toshiro couldn't believe it. It was already boiling hot in their house and their office, how can she still be cold? So eventually they had heaters in every single room of their house, and three heaters in the office. And several heaters throughout the Tenth Division.

Poor Toshiro felt he was going to die of heatstroke. He couldn't take this heat much longer. He felt like he was just about to run outside and jump into a big pile of snow, and never come out. Not until that snow pile melted at least.

Imagine how he felt when Rangiku said she was hot.

24: X Marks The Spot-

This was a habit she started a while back, around the time they had first exposed their bodies to one another in passion. Toshiro didn't quite mind since it felt really nice and relaxing. She found it to be really fun, and she loved the little noises he'd make once in a while. On some nights when she did it long enough, and in the right place, he'd finally push her onto her back and go for round two. Or three, depending on how lucky he got.

She just loved tracing his body with her fingers, going over every single mark, scar, every inch of his glorious body. Some marks she just made minutes ago, she thought with a grin. Running her fingers over every scar that decorated his skin, like medals, from devotion to the Soul Society, and the marks she'd made on him because she loved to claim him as hers, running over every inch of him. Sometimes if she did it light enough, she'd find a ticklish spot. She could tell by the way he'd get stiff from holding in laughter.

But her most favorite scar, if she had to pick a favorite, that rested on his body would have to be the X-shaped one on his abdomen. She would always remember how he got that scar, when he was wounded by that scorpion hollow they fought around a year ago. The wound had healed nicely, but it left an indelible scar that would remain there, as a constant reminder of how Rangiku almost lost him.

But it wasn't just a reminder of his near-death experience, and the worst scare of Rangiku's life. It was also a commemoration of just how much he loved her, how much she truly meant to him. How he was willing to give his life to protect hers. This was the reason it was her favorite. Also because she thought it was funny. It was like his other scars were lines on a map and his X scar was where the treasure was buried. This was also a reason she started this habit, she had so much fun with it in her imagination.

He found her little antics amusing and enjoyable. He loved the feeling of her soft fingers dancing across his skin. Sometimes he would do something similar and trace his fingers over her stomach, large and rounded from new life growing inside. She was nearing the ninth month of her pregnancy, and everything was right as rain.

He just loved moments like this. Moments when they could be alone, and just relax in each others' company. Not be in a rush, just take his time in loving and enjoying his wife properly.

"I wonder if Haineko has this kind of fun with Hyourinmaru, seeing as he's got that big X on his face." She giggled at the thought. "It's one of the only things he actually complains about." He said, and Rangiku looked at him with a surprised expression. Then burst out laughing.

25: You're Our blessing

Hitsugaya had never felt so panicked in his entire life. His mind was playing tricks on him, he couldn't think or see straight. He had never been this scared. Not even when he was an inch from death. Knowing that his wife and his child were in there, not knowing if they were both okay, it drove him insane. It had started out as a casual dinner, like it was every night, and then it started...

It was around seventeen, on December 20, they sat down to dinner and ate with little conversation, Hitsugaya watching her like a hawk. Being as distracted as he was and had been for a few weeks, he forgot to turn the stove off. When a burning smell wafted to his nose, he quickly snapped out of his trance and shot out of his seat to turn it off before a fire started, knocking the table with his knee in the process. Rangiku's glass tipped over and her water spilled, a piece of the cup chipping off. When she moved to clean it up, she suddenly froze.

"Toshiro." He let out a mumble that showed he was listening. "My water broke." She said calmly. "Oh, I'll get you a new one." He said as he opened the window to let in fresh air and let out the burning smell. "No, my water broke." She emphasized. His head snapped in her direction as realization kicked in. Rangiku could only watch as he was running all around the room, panic clear in his movements. Amidst his panic, he had managed to get her to 4th before anything happened. And he was forced to wait outside while Unohana and Isane took care of Rangiku.

So now he sits here, fidgeting more and more by the minute. He was tempted to just burst through those doors, he needed to know that they were okay. He leaned forward and held his head in his hands, the wait was agonizing. He would rather be in there with Rangiku. Why couldn't he see her? His clouded mind suddenly cleared when he heard the faint sound of an infant crying. He had been waiting for that sound for what must've been hours. He smiled slightly, he felt a growing sense of reassurance as he listened to the sound of his baby crying.

"Hitsugaya-Taichou?" His head snapped up to see Isane standing in the doorway. "You may come in now, and see your children. You has twins," She said with a soft smile. His children... That had such a wonderful ring to it. He quickly stood and followed Isane into the room, his eyes locked instantly on Rangiku, who was sitting on the bed in the corner, a bundle in her arms. She looked away from the bundle towards him, who seemed to be frozen where he stood. She smiled tiredly.

"Go on." Isane insisted, gently pushing him forward. "She's been waiting for you." She murmured. His feet felt automatic as they walked towards the bed. He sat on the side of the bed beside Rangiku and leaned over to see the inhabitant of the bundles for the first time. Teal orbs stared right back. He was hypnotized by those eyes, his eyes. She was beautiful, the short wavy hair on her little head a bright white, her cheeks rosy, and her pink plump lips in a little O as she stared at her father. She was almost the spitting image of Rangiku. She was the cutest little princess. And, there are one baby boy, too. Have a hair, like his hair, short, but with orange colour. What a handsome prince.

"They needs a name." Rangiku said as he admired their children. They hadn't figured out a name for a girl, or a boy, but he felt their name should be as lovely as them. On the wall he could see the shadows of the snowflakes outside dancing down the wall. It suddenly clicked in his mind. "What about Ritsuko, for our baby girl?" Rangiku looked at him, and then the baby, then smiled in agreement. "And Hitsuno, for our baby boy," said her. Hitsugaya just nodded.

26: Zealous-

Leave it to Rangiku to want to show off their new babies to the Seireitei. Coming home one night to a party she claimed not to have anything to do with, wasn't quite a surprise. He found her, and his children, in the center of a large group of shinigami. Almost every single female went "Ooh" and "Aww" at that 2 little babies. They showered Rangiku with complements and praises, and cooed cute things to them, who just stared curiously at the people around her.

When Toshiro finally made it through the crowd and came into Hitsuno's view, a big smile appeared on his lips and he instantly reached for him, a giggle escaping his lips. A giggle that caused every female to squeal at the cuteness. Rangiku smiled and handed her over to her husband. Toshiro gave her a half-hearted glare.

"Don't look at me like that, this party wasn't my idea, it was all Shunsui's doing." She defended. Somehow he found that believable, but he still thought it was mostly her doing. And then the man in question and his fukutaicho came to his side. "Such a beautiful and handsome babies. She has your eyes Hitsugaya-taicho, and Rangiku's smile," Nanao commented with a smile. "And this boy, he has Rangiku's eyes, also your face," He replied, and offered Hitsuno to Nanao, who hesitantly took the baby into her arms. She looked down at the baby, and instantly felt drawn to her. Hitsuno stared at Nanao and let out a big giggle and placed a tiny plump hand on her cheek, to which Nanao blushed.

"Oh she's beautiful! She's as lovely as her mother!" Shunsui said gleefully. "I can't wait for the chance to babysit you, then I can tell you all the embarrassing stories about your father. Like the time I walked in on your parents when they were-" "Don't say things like that to an infant!" Nanao screeched and took the baby back. Toshiro made a mental note never to let Kyouraku babysit his children. Ever.

Ritsuko giggled and reached for Kyouraku, apparently she thought the big pink man was funny. "Traitor." Toshiro muttered. He'd let her play with his fingers, occasionally poking her little face, causing her to giggle. Rangiku thought the scene was so adorable. It was like they were a real family. She needed to play matchmaker again so that they can have a baby too.

Eventually Ritsuko let out a big yawn and Rangiku knew that she was sleepy. Rangiku announced that the guest of honor had to go to bed now. There were sounds of disappointment (Mostly from females again), but when Rangiku picked up Ritsuko's little hand and made her wave goodbye they cheered and squealed happily at the cute sight. Toshiro joined her in putting their children to bed. As soon as her little head hit the pillow she was out, and Toshiro and Rangiku couldn't help but watch as their children dreamed away.

Yes, Toshiro mused, with his wife, his children, and even their zanpakutos too in fact, life was just perfect.

**The End**