Innuendo, Step by Step, Warning, A Difference, Fragrance, Quote
Series: Bleach
Characters: Izuru, Momo, mentions of various shinigami
Disclaimer: Tite Kubo owns Bleach.
Title: Innuendo
Rating: PG
Genre: Humor
Summary: The day is unusually hot, and Renji, Izuru and Momo wind up talking about things they should not be.
It was an incredibly sultry day in Soul Society, the rays of the sun harshly hitting against anything and everything. The windows and walls of buildings were heated, many people were down with one or two sunburns, and the ground was merciless to bare feet. The plants were withering, the trees seeming to curl into its own shades as means of escaping the heat. Simply put, it was a horrible climate.
Renji, Izuru, and Momo understood this well.
The redhead sighed as he adjusted his shades. “I can’t believe we’re training out in this heat.”
“Shouldn’t someone from the 11th Division be saying, ‘if you’re training hard enough, the weather doesn’t matter’?” Izuru piped up, smirking.
As Renji glared at the blond, Momo was attempting to cool herself down by waving her hand by her face. “But it’s so hot, Kira-kun! I don’t think anyone can stand this heat.”
The blond shook his head. “Where do you suggest we move to? The 5th and 11th Divisions’ training halls are already occupied and full, going to another company’s barracks to practice there would be awkward.”
For a moment there was silence, and the three had their own tries at keeping a bearable temperature. Renji was moving to a shade formed by a small tree a few feet back, Momo was still fanning herself, and Izuru was doing the same with a handbook he used for recording various progresses and the like.
Only several seconds passed before Renji was seen stomping out of the shade, the tree having done no good. Momo gave up with the self-supported air, dropping her hands and sighing. Izuru followed, his arm hanging limply with a light grip on the journal. They looked at one another in disappointment.
"That's it," the redhead muttered, "you two turn around." With that said, he went back to the tree, going around and behind it this time so that his schoolmates would not be able to see him.
"What do you think he's going to do?" Momo asked, looking back at Izuru as the blond shrugged. He had an idea, but he hoped that wasn't what Renji was planning to do.
And how wrong he was when Renji emerged from behind the trees, the top half of his shihakushou a messy bundle in his arms. He wasn't shirtless, however, having left his shitagi on. Never the less, the blond shinigami slightly jumped back from the sight, while Momo gazed comically at him.
"What?"
She tilted her head to the side. "Abarai-kun, why did you take your kosode off?"
"I was hot, and this thing's stuffy," he motioned to the black garment in his arms, proceeding to lay the top on the grass before trudging towards the two.
"But... we have to keep our shihakushou on at all times during duty." Izuru insisted, recovering from the light shock.
He rolled his eyes. "I am still wearing it. Just not the outside top."
"Abarai-kun...," the blond started, "you have no shame."
"I'm a man, I should be proud at all times," Renji retorted, "And if you're a man, you shouldn't have any problems with taking your kosode off too."
For a moment the words hadn't registered in Izuru's mind. But when it did, he immediately raised his arms up in an awkward position, giving off the impression of a victim being assaulted by a leaping frog. His blue eyes widened considerably at the suggestion, and he immediately shook his head 'no'. The redhead returned the motion with a different meaning, looking at the blond with an expression that said 'you're no man'.
When he tensed, Momo stepped in between the two, a somewhat strained smile on her face as she tried her best not to laugh at the odd interaction. "Oh, come on, Abarai-kun. Kira-kun is man enough. Aren't you?" She turned to said shinigami, who was looking quite lost and dumbfounded. "Have some confidence in your masculinity!" She encouraged.
"She sounds more like a man than you, Kira."
Momo immediately huffed at this. "I am not; how mean!"
Renji smirked challengingly, "Oh? So you're a girly girl?" She denied this too, and his grin only grew larger. "Then prove that you're just as manly as the others, Hinamori."
She feigned an aggressive glare. "I'll show you!" She ran back to behind the trees, and Izuru's eyes widened again as realization struck him. "Abarai-kun... do you know what you've done?"
"Oh, yeah. I know." The redhead muttered in response, stifling a laugh as the blond sighed and scuttled to the plant Momo had disappeared back to.
He could hear scuffling, and no doubt it was because she was removing her kosode to imitate Renji's show of manliness. He admitted that it was rather adorable of her to have fallen so childishly into that prank, but the fact that she was so serious about it was something else. He stood by the tree for the longest time, contemplating whether he should go confront her about the trick or go back to Renji and wait for her to emerge in the same fashion as the redhead. He decided against the latter after meeting the former's amused expression.
Clearing his throat, he knocked the wood a couple times. It must have been a silly sight, knocking on a tree to get someone's attention. It worked, however, as Momo's muffled voice reached his ears in a matter of seconds.
"Hinamori-kun," he started, "come out."
"But I'm not done getting my kosode off, Kira-kun! I'm almost finished, just go wait with Abarai-kun." She sounded determined, and he shook his head.
"Hinamori-kun, keep your top on. Abarai-kun... he just wanted to spite you to see your reactions."
The rustling immediately stopped. A moment later the sounds picked up again, and she returned, her kosode still on. Renji faltered slightly from his loss, and he did so perhaps too noticeably, as Momo reprimanded him in the gentle way only she could. Basically, softly yelling out protests without any means of chiding or correcting his trickery.
And the two continued the conversation with outrageous retorts and comebacks, leaving Izuru to be very amused as he watched silently, apparently forgotten by his schoolmates. No matter, they would notice his presence sooner or later, and he smiled at the reaction they would make when they realized that they had put on an odd show for him. At least they were no longer complaining about the heat, which had been going on for nearly a week. This would keep them busy and off of the subject for a bit, and he was rather grateful for it.
Still, he couldn't help but blush at the mere thought of Momo without her kosode.
Title: Step by Step
Rating: G
Genre: Hurt/comfort
Summary: Momo has shattered, and Izuru is there to pick up the pieces.
Warning: Vague spoilers for the Soul Society arc.
Are you lost?
Her back is to him, but her shaking shoulders tell him she is crying. He approaches and puts a firm hand on her trembling shoulders. She ceases her movement. For a moment they are frozen in time, until she turns her head and looks him in the eye. Hers are full of sorrow, just like his.
She resumes her sobbing, and he puts his other hand on the remaining shoulder. He's careful not to put his weight on her for fear of crushing her frail frame. She doesn't respond in any way, refuses to ackowledge his presence as the tears continue to spill. He scowls for a brief moment before he kneels, connecting his hands together with his arms wrapped around her neck.
Carefully, his hands roam cautiously and find her own. Her hands are cold and tan, whereas his are warm and pale. The contradiction is amusing, but he dismisses the thought and holds his hands over hers. There is nothing to catch the tears that fall, and the droplets land on their fists. She continues to let them trail down her cheek silently, occasionally choking and hiccuping. The liquid is neither incredibly cold nor unbearably hot, but almost soothing as if she is washing away her ache.
He buries his face in her disheleved hair, taking in the scent of flowers. Her hiccuping is making her head move in sudden movements, and it hurts every time the scalp makes harsh contact with his nose, but he doesn't pay any attention to his own pain. Physical pain is nothing compared to a mental and emotional wound.
Holding her gently, he rocks back and forth slowly. Granted, his position made the movement awkward and uncomfortable, yet all he wants is to comfort her. She leans into his grip, allowing him to caress her like a mother tending to her child. He feels strange, happy and furious all at once.
In time she stops, completely silent and limp. He stops rocking, his grasp loosening as her hands now cling onto his arms. He slowly stands up, making sure not to kick her or wrench his arms too heartlessly out of her grasp. She still sits, unknowing of what to do, until he extends a hand. Glancing at the offered hand, she accepts it and takes a stand by his side.
Follow me?
Insecurity reels in her mind, and she simply stands rooted to the spot. He tugs at her hand, but she makes no move. He flashes a sad smile before swallowing her left hand with both of his as means of assurance and comfort.
Hinamori-kun.
She looks up hesistantly. He towers over her and she is forced to crane her neck to look into his eyes again. She sees hope and the desire to guide in his gaze, and the case of deja vu hits her. As if someone had hit her she recoils, reliving the memories of when her captain had given her that same look. She misses him, longs to embrace him, to see that gentle smile again, not another with the same qualities. It is him she wants to be with, no one else.
He is in utter confusion at her reaction, but when she starts muttering his name to herself, he understands. He looks down at the floor in shame, the eyes losing their comforting quality as disappointment takes over. He will never be that one person she idolizes and hero worships, because he refuses to deceive her and leave her to be lost like he had.
But he knows she isn't not right in the head. She's stable and all right, despite what others think. She is not broken, not at all, except many people believe so and treats her like an invalid. They are too cautious around her, too paranoid and wary. It only hurts her more due to their ignorance. He knows though, realizes what she is going through, for he's been abandoned too. Her pain, however, is far greater than his, and all he wants is to help her.
Hinamori-kun.
A quick glance and she turns back away.
Momo.
The personal approach is enough to have her completely look back at him. He takes her hand again, having dropped it when she had turned away, and smiles with genuine care.
Follow me.
And after a while, she does.
Title: Warning
Rating: G
Genre: Humor
Summary: When it's time for Renji's kidou lessons, Izuru and Momo know it is wise to hide - preferably behind something large and sturdy.
To say Renji was inefficient at kidou was a huge understatement. As determined he was to learn how to use it without trouble, the redhead was having some serious issues trying not to blow himself up like always. And after days of constant practicing, he had barely improved.
"Abarai-kun, you don't have to stress yourself out so much. You're already good with swordsmanship, so there's no need to worry so much on this," Momo spoke, genuine concern evident in her tone.
He shook his head. "No, I'm going to get this down even if it kills me."
Izuru sighed, his blunt nature taking over the worried exterior. "At this rate, you'll end up killing yourself." When Momo gave him a look, he immediately silenced himself.
Renji's eyes narrowed, and he went back to working on his stance. "I'll get it, just you wait."
Momo merely nodded feebly before standing by the sideline with Izuru, watching as the redhead concentrated with all his might. The first two thoughts that came up to the blond was his hands were swapped, the right should have been where the left was, and he said one word wrong for the incantation. He often performed better than this, but Izuru could see why he made those mistakes; their presence pressured him into trying harder, which consequently ended up marring his focus.
And just as he expected, there was smoke enveloping Renji in a hazy veil, and a crude curse could be heard. Momo was by his side in a flash.
"Are you okay, Abarai-kun?" She asked worriedly, shaking his shoulder gently as the redhead's wheezing subsided. When he resumed his position, the shorter shinigami grasped his arms. "Here, let me help you." After a nod of confirmation, she guided the hands to proper places. She also whispered what Izuru assumed to be some form of suggesion, for he was too far apart from the two to hear them.
When she returned, he looked down at her. "What did you tell him?" The girl smiled with pride.
"A way that can put his power output to maximum. It was a little on the weak side the first time, so I wanted to help him with that."
He would have idly nodded and looked back at the redhead, but instead he found himself wrenching back as if he had been punched. He explained himself when Momo gave him an odd look. "Hinamori-kun... did you tell Abarai-kun how to expel all that force? So that, you know, it doesn't cumulate and blow up in front of him?"
Her horrified expression was more than enough to confirm that she hadn't.
He would apologize to Renji later for his rude actions. Izuru grasped Momo's thin wrists and hastily ran back. As the field was full of rocks and the like, it did not prove to be too difficult to find shelter behind a large boulder. He pressed his back against the structure, Momo by his side.
A moment later they heard a surprisingly soft explosion. However, the sound was deceiving, as a harsh gust and various parts of the field such as twigs flew past them. It was powerful, all right. Izuru could have sworn Momo was just about ready to fly from the force of the wind.
He slowly scooted away from the boulder, turning to scout for Renji. It was not a feat to search for red among all the green and brown. He quickly spotted his schoolmate, hunched over and coughing again from the smoke. To his surprise, there was a patch of grass missing, burnt, a few feet ahead of the redhead.
When the two shinigami quietly approached Renji, he raised his head, a triumphant smirk spread all over his bold features. The blond cleared his throat.
"You didn't blow yourself up," he started, "but we're going to have to find a way to clean the field."
Title: A Difference
Rating: G
Genre: General
Summary: The one thing Izuru had that none of his friends did was a family of blood relatives. Momo takes it upon herself to question him on the matter.
Izuru, unlike many, had come from a functional family whose blood he actually shared. Most shinigami came from rukongai, especially the 11th Division, and the kind of families they had were simply other souls brought together by chance or luck. But not him, he was born into the family he had come to know and love, not accepted into it as an outsider. It was the one precious thing he had had the honor of having in his life.
"Kira-kun," Momo started, "what's your family like?" It was a question of whim, something she said before even thinking it through. He responded accordingly anyway.
"They spoiled me," he explained, "Whenever I fell, Mother would come and comfort me. If I broke something, Father chided me - he never chastised me. I was raised to be disciplined and sincere, so the atmosphere around the mansion was always light but strict, if you get what I mean. And," Izuru cleared his throat, "they wanted me to be a shinigami, so here I am."
Momo brightened at this, a smile reaching his range of vision. "They must be proud of you."
"Probably." He replied lightly. But most likely not for my lack of a spine... He kept that thought to himself.
She seemed to be in deep contemplation before piping up again. "Say, what do your parents look like, Kira-kun?"
"Mother and Father were both blond. She had blue eyes, but his were green. Mother's hair was always loose and long, and kept straight. Father's was short and sleeked. They both wore what nobles would wear, like silk."
As if she had been expecting the answer, Momo straightened up. "So both your parents are blond..." She trailed off, but he knew all to well why she had been wondering such thing.
Momo was from Rukongai. She had resided with a made up family, if any at all. Usually would-be parents looked nothing like their adoptive children, and it was expected that she would think the inheritance of genes to be intriguing. She knew she was born into a family during her past life, but it was likely that she had passed at a young age and did not remember anything. Unlike Izuru, who had never had the experience of dying to arrive at Soul Society.
"I'd really like to see them," Momo absent-mindedly remarked, a soft grin touching her face as she imagined what his parents would look exactly like, "I'm certain your mother is beautiful."
He merely nodded, knowing that she would never get to meet the people she wanted to. Because even if he somehow miraculously tracked down his mother and father's souls, they wouldn't be the same. They probably didn't even have a remotely similar appearance anymore either. It was upsetting just to imagine the disappointment on Momo's face once she learned they had passed a years ago. Evidently, she had not caught on to the fact that he was using past tense, and decided to leave it that way.
So he thought of a different solution.
"You can't see her, Hinamori-kun," and without waiting for a response, he quickly added, "I'll show you a picture of her, though."
Thankfully, she had recognized that tone in his voice, and did not pry. It was the sort of tone that meant he did not wish to elaborate and wanted the subject to be left behind. But she had finally figured out why. There was an obvious cracking in his voice as it suddenly sounded raspy, and the sorrow dripping from his words was enough to tell her they weren't there. Such personal stories were never discussed during their academy days, and she had had no idea. It was better to leave it this way, to keep him thinking she was oblivious to the fact to avoid having to remind him of his family any longer than she needed to.
So she just smiled again, nodding with satisfaction.
"I'd like that."
Title: Fragrance
Rating: G
Genre: Friendship
Summary: Momo has always liked flowers, and decides to bring Renji and Izuru along on one of her trips to the garden.
"Kira-kun, you don't pull it like that!"
The blond, startled, relinquished his grip on the stem as he turned to face Momo, who looked rather nervous.
Renji shook his head at Izuru's bewildered expression, "You don't pick flowers like that, it won't live," he gestured to the garden, litered with said plants of various colors and shapes, "when you want to take it, you have to dig it out with the root. It's like trying to pick up someone - you wouldn't chop off someone's legs."
"Oh," Izuru mouthed, "Sorry."
"You never picked flowers before, have you?" Momo questioned, inspecting a light pink flower.
When the blond shook his head, Renji shrugged. The redhead assumed that, as a noble, Izuru had never had to leave the mansion much, and spend his time picking flowers, no less. Like a city boy. He didn't even like sitting on the grass, for fear of ruining his shihakushou with the green stains. It couldn't be helped; he had been raised that way, and was still far too accustomed to that style of life. On the other hand, Renji and Momo were used to these sort of environment, more like countryfolks.
"We always got flowers from the shops."
Momo looked up at the sky, a finger on her chin as if she was thinking something over, "I think the flowers we pick ourselves are nicer than the bundles they put out on the shelves." Then she quickly added, "Because it's been hand-picked specifically for someone." And then she giggled, playing with the petals of the same flower. "I honestly didn't expect you to be a flower expert, though, Abarai-kun." Izuru could have sworn he had seen Renji snort silently.
"I'm not. I know because of Rukia back when we were at Rukongai."
That was more than enough reason, and she didn't ask of him to elaborate. The blond merely raised a brow; it sounded like Rukia was the center of everything in Renji's life, his core. Then again, he saw Momo in a similar way ever since he had befriended her, but the connection wasn't nearly as strong as the redhead and young Kuchiki's. However, he could see why Rukia was so important, even if he didn't know the backstory, so he left it at that, like Momo had.
"Kira-kun," Momo called, "I think you would look nice with this." On cue she raised a flower that was colored sky blue, twirling it gently to avoid snapping the stem and severing it from its roots.
Renji burst in laughter, and Izuru shot him an offended glare. The redhead immediately calmed down while the other shinigami strained a smile. His face felt hot, and Izuru was quite sure that he was close to blushing, if not already from the fact that Momo had put him and the flower in the same category.
"Well...," he trailed off, looking for anything to change the subject. When he spotted a flower with an elegant violet tone, he gestured to it, "I think that would look great on you, Hinamori-kun." And he mentally kicked himself for how awkward that had sounded.
She followed his hand, her gaze resting on the plant he had mentioned. She stood up and walked over to it, kneeling again to take a look. After a moment of inspection and feeling the petals, Momo sent a grin in his general direction. "I like this one." She exclaimed cheerfully, and Izuru was now fully aware that there was a shade of red crossing his cheeks. To his relief, neither Momo nor Renji - who had now retired to taking a break on a tree nearby, much like how he had when they first met by sheer accident - seemed to have noticed.
"That's good to hear," he half muttered and half gritted, scoffing as if to bury away his shyness in the matter.
Momo straightened, wiping her hands on the sides of her hakama. She turned back to face the blond, her tone filled with anxiety, "Kira-kun. Next time I drop by here, do you want to come with me again? You have good taste."
He nodded.
And for days to come, he often accompanied Momo to the same garden, pointing out some flowers here and there, and she would almost always favor the ones he chose out of the daily batch. Izuru had thought she was only pretending to like his selection to be kind, but when she had one day come back from a solo trip with a container of the plants he had suggested, he knew he had been wrong.
Title: Quote
Rating: G
Genre: General
Summary: Izuru visits and speaks to Momo before the Winter War.
Warning: Spoilers up to chapter 318
"How are you doing, Hinamori-kun?"
... ... ...
"The weather is good today. It's a little on the warm side, but there's a cool breeze by the shades. You would like it; you never did like the heat. The others would probably too, only if we weren't preparing for a fight. No one pays attention to the climate anymore.
Have I told you about the upcoming battle, Hinamori-kun? We're going to fight, all of us. Even Yamamoto-soutaichou is coming, and he'll be leading everyone. You'll be cheering for Hitsugaya-taichou, right? As a captain, he's obliged to go with Matsumoto-san. Don't worry, you and I both know he's more capable than the lot of us. He'll fight with his best for you, Hinamori-kun.
He's very busy with all the arrangements and training, but Hitsugaya-taichou still comes by every day. He's very dedicated. He sits with you for a long time, even after all the paper and fieldwork. He's amazing, isn't he?"
A shift.
"I'm going too. Ichimaru-tai - Ichimaru isn't here anymore, but I want to fight for the 3rd Division. They're devastated by his leave. Most of them liked him better than me, so I suppose it's not that surprising. They enjoyed his company more than mine, because he was always upbeat and laidback. You and Kuchiki-san were the only ones besides the other captains who didn't like him. Everyone else thought he was a fun person. Even Kusajishi-fukutaichou liked him, since he listens to her and sometimes gives her candy.
Ahh, sorry, Hinamori-kun. I went off-track. I know how much you dislike him. I'm sorry.
Yeah, I'm going with the others to the living world to intercept them. All captains and lieutenants are required to come, everyone else will be staying in Soul Society to protect the area. Remember the ryoka? Some of us were dispatched to Hueco Mundo to help them and eliminate the arrancar while they're there. Kuchiki-taichou, Unohana-taichou, and Zaraki-taichou were three of the people that was sent. Abarai-kun is there too, with Kuchiki-san. I'm sure he's holding up well, Abarai-kun is strong. He already was, even without his bankai. Not the brightest, but one of the best fighters.
Those of us remaining are the ones going to the living world. You aren't going, but Hisagi-san and I are. And since Zaraki-taichou isn't going to be there, Madarame-san and Ayasegawa-san are the fillers even though they're only seated officers. Madarame-san is an incredible fighter, and Ayasegawa-san is always with him, so I'm sure he's a good combatant too.
The four of us aren't going to be in the main battle. Karakura was replaced with a fake, and the projections are set up by four pillars on every side. Yamamoto-soutaichou assigned us to protect the pillars at all cost, so that the real Karakura doesn't become a battlefield. He said we were 'skilled fighters' with enough experience and knowledge to guard the area. So we're going to eliminate any arrancar that get near the pillar.
I'm kind of glad I'm not in the main fight. I want and don't want to see him. You understand, don't you, Hinamori-kun? I never admired him in the way you did him, but you know how strong their influences are."
He clenched the sleeves of his shihakushou.
"I'm fighting for the 3rd Division and you, Hinamori-kun. I want you to smile again. Not that fake one you tried to make, but the real, genuine thing. All of us want to see you grin again. The sad face doesn't suit you. You look the best with a smile, no matter what you're wearing. That's why I'm also doing this. The divisions are important, but so are you. So please, Hinamori-kun, don't forget how to smile. We're all fighting with you in mind; Hitsugaya-taichou, Abarai-kun, Hisagi-san, and myself."
A small smile.
"... Hinamori-kun, would you like some chocolate when you get up? You always liked sweets. I can buy you plenty when you get up again. And you won't have to share them either; I'll purchase them just for you. You'd like that, wouldn't you?
I'll get some flowers too. I'll pick them myself, since you like those better than the bundles that the florists sell. Just name them, and I'll go looking. I won't rip the roots either. I'll gather as many as I can, so that when you get up you can wake to the fragrance of the flowers you love so much. And chocolate."
The slide of a door.
"Oh, hello, Hitsugaya-taichou.
I'll be leaving now, Hinamori-kun. Rest well."
Another slide of a door.
Characters: Izuru, Momo, mentions of various shinigami
Disclaimer: Tite Kubo owns Bleach.
Title: Innuendo
Rating: PG
Genre: Humor
Summary: The day is unusually hot, and Renji, Izuru and Momo wind up talking about things they should not be.
It was an incredibly sultry day in Soul Society, the rays of the sun harshly hitting against anything and everything. The windows and walls of buildings were heated, many people were down with one or two sunburns, and the ground was merciless to bare feet. The plants were withering, the trees seeming to curl into its own shades as means of escaping the heat. Simply put, it was a horrible climate.
Renji, Izuru, and Momo understood this well.
The redhead sighed as he adjusted his shades. “I can’t believe we’re training out in this heat.”
“Shouldn’t someone from the 11th Division be saying, ‘if you’re training hard enough, the weather doesn’t matter’?” Izuru piped up, smirking.
As Renji glared at the blond, Momo was attempting to cool herself down by waving her hand by her face. “But it’s so hot, Kira-kun! I don’t think anyone can stand this heat.”
The blond shook his head. “Where do you suggest we move to? The 5th and 11th Divisions’ training halls are already occupied and full, going to another company’s barracks to practice there would be awkward.”
For a moment there was silence, and the three had their own tries at keeping a bearable temperature. Renji was moving to a shade formed by a small tree a few feet back, Momo was still fanning herself, and Izuru was doing the same with a handbook he used for recording various progresses and the like.
Only several seconds passed before Renji was seen stomping out of the shade, the tree having done no good. Momo gave up with the self-supported air, dropping her hands and sighing. Izuru followed, his arm hanging limply with a light grip on the journal. They looked at one another in disappointment.
"That's it," the redhead muttered, "you two turn around." With that said, he went back to the tree, going around and behind it this time so that his schoolmates would not be able to see him.
"What do you think he's going to do?" Momo asked, looking back at Izuru as the blond shrugged. He had an idea, but he hoped that wasn't what Renji was planning to do.
And how wrong he was when Renji emerged from behind the trees, the top half of his shihakushou a messy bundle in his arms. He wasn't shirtless, however, having left his shitagi on. Never the less, the blond shinigami slightly jumped back from the sight, while Momo gazed comically at him.
"What?"
She tilted her head to the side. "Abarai-kun, why did you take your kosode off?"
"I was hot, and this thing's stuffy," he motioned to the black garment in his arms, proceeding to lay the top on the grass before trudging towards the two.
"But... we have to keep our shihakushou on at all times during duty." Izuru insisted, recovering from the light shock.
He rolled his eyes. "I am still wearing it. Just not the outside top."
"Abarai-kun...," the blond started, "you have no shame."
"I'm a man, I should be proud at all times," Renji retorted, "And if you're a man, you shouldn't have any problems with taking your kosode off too."
For a moment the words hadn't registered in Izuru's mind. But when it did, he immediately raised his arms up in an awkward position, giving off the impression of a victim being assaulted by a leaping frog. His blue eyes widened considerably at the suggestion, and he immediately shook his head 'no'. The redhead returned the motion with a different meaning, looking at the blond with an expression that said 'you're no man'.
When he tensed, Momo stepped in between the two, a somewhat strained smile on her face as she tried her best not to laugh at the odd interaction. "Oh, come on, Abarai-kun. Kira-kun is man enough. Aren't you?" She turned to said shinigami, who was looking quite lost and dumbfounded. "Have some confidence in your masculinity!" She encouraged.
"She sounds more like a man than you, Kira."
Momo immediately huffed at this. "I am not; how mean!"
Renji smirked challengingly, "Oh? So you're a girly girl?" She denied this too, and his grin only grew larger. "Then prove that you're just as manly as the others, Hinamori."
She feigned an aggressive glare. "I'll show you!" She ran back to behind the trees, and Izuru's eyes widened again as realization struck him. "Abarai-kun... do you know what you've done?"
"Oh, yeah. I know." The redhead muttered in response, stifling a laugh as the blond sighed and scuttled to the plant Momo had disappeared back to.
He could hear scuffling, and no doubt it was because she was removing her kosode to imitate Renji's show of manliness. He admitted that it was rather adorable of her to have fallen so childishly into that prank, but the fact that she was so serious about it was something else. He stood by the tree for the longest time, contemplating whether he should go confront her about the trick or go back to Renji and wait for her to emerge in the same fashion as the redhead. He decided against the latter after meeting the former's amused expression.
Clearing his throat, he knocked the wood a couple times. It must have been a silly sight, knocking on a tree to get someone's attention. It worked, however, as Momo's muffled voice reached his ears in a matter of seconds.
"Hinamori-kun," he started, "come out."
"But I'm not done getting my kosode off, Kira-kun! I'm almost finished, just go wait with Abarai-kun." She sounded determined, and he shook his head.
"Hinamori-kun, keep your top on. Abarai-kun... he just wanted to spite you to see your reactions."
The rustling immediately stopped. A moment later the sounds picked up again, and she returned, her kosode still on. Renji faltered slightly from his loss, and he did so perhaps too noticeably, as Momo reprimanded him in the gentle way only she could. Basically, softly yelling out protests without any means of chiding or correcting his trickery.
And the two continued the conversation with outrageous retorts and comebacks, leaving Izuru to be very amused as he watched silently, apparently forgotten by his schoolmates. No matter, they would notice his presence sooner or later, and he smiled at the reaction they would make when they realized that they had put on an odd show for him. At least they were no longer complaining about the heat, which had been going on for nearly a week. This would keep them busy and off of the subject for a bit, and he was rather grateful for it.
Still, he couldn't help but blush at the mere thought of Momo without her kosode.
Title: Step by Step
Rating: G
Genre: Hurt/comfort
Summary: Momo has shattered, and Izuru is there to pick up the pieces.
Warning: Vague spoilers for the Soul Society arc.
Are you lost?
Her back is to him, but her shaking shoulders tell him she is crying. He approaches and puts a firm hand on her trembling shoulders. She ceases her movement. For a moment they are frozen in time, until she turns her head and looks him in the eye. Hers are full of sorrow, just like his.
She resumes her sobbing, and he puts his other hand on the remaining shoulder. He's careful not to put his weight on her for fear of crushing her frail frame. She doesn't respond in any way, refuses to ackowledge his presence as the tears continue to spill. He scowls for a brief moment before he kneels, connecting his hands together with his arms wrapped around her neck.
Carefully, his hands roam cautiously and find her own. Her hands are cold and tan, whereas his are warm and pale. The contradiction is amusing, but he dismisses the thought and holds his hands over hers. There is nothing to catch the tears that fall, and the droplets land on their fists. She continues to let them trail down her cheek silently, occasionally choking and hiccuping. The liquid is neither incredibly cold nor unbearably hot, but almost soothing as if she is washing away her ache.
He buries his face in her disheleved hair, taking in the scent of flowers. Her hiccuping is making her head move in sudden movements, and it hurts every time the scalp makes harsh contact with his nose, but he doesn't pay any attention to his own pain. Physical pain is nothing compared to a mental and emotional wound.
Holding her gently, he rocks back and forth slowly. Granted, his position made the movement awkward and uncomfortable, yet all he wants is to comfort her. She leans into his grip, allowing him to caress her like a mother tending to her child. He feels strange, happy and furious all at once.
In time she stops, completely silent and limp. He stops rocking, his grasp loosening as her hands now cling onto his arms. He slowly stands up, making sure not to kick her or wrench his arms too heartlessly out of her grasp. She still sits, unknowing of what to do, until he extends a hand. Glancing at the offered hand, she accepts it and takes a stand by his side.
Follow me?
Insecurity reels in her mind, and she simply stands rooted to the spot. He tugs at her hand, but she makes no move. He flashes a sad smile before swallowing her left hand with both of his as means of assurance and comfort.
Hinamori-kun.
She looks up hesistantly. He towers over her and she is forced to crane her neck to look into his eyes again. She sees hope and the desire to guide in his gaze, and the case of deja vu hits her. As if someone had hit her she recoils, reliving the memories of when her captain had given her that same look. She misses him, longs to embrace him, to see that gentle smile again, not another with the same qualities. It is him she wants to be with, no one else.
He is in utter confusion at her reaction, but when she starts muttering his name to herself, he understands. He looks down at the floor in shame, the eyes losing their comforting quality as disappointment takes over. He will never be that one person she idolizes and hero worships, because he refuses to deceive her and leave her to be lost like he had.
But he knows she isn't not right in the head. She's stable and all right, despite what others think. She is not broken, not at all, except many people believe so and treats her like an invalid. They are too cautious around her, too paranoid and wary. It only hurts her more due to their ignorance. He knows though, realizes what she is going through, for he's been abandoned too. Her pain, however, is far greater than his, and all he wants is to help her.
Hinamori-kun.
A quick glance and she turns back away.
Momo.
The personal approach is enough to have her completely look back at him. He takes her hand again, having dropped it when she had turned away, and smiles with genuine care.
Follow me.
And after a while, she does.
Title: Warning
Rating: G
Genre: Humor
Summary: When it's time for Renji's kidou lessons, Izuru and Momo know it is wise to hide - preferably behind something large and sturdy.
To say Renji was inefficient at kidou was a huge understatement. As determined he was to learn how to use it without trouble, the redhead was having some serious issues trying not to blow himself up like always. And after days of constant practicing, he had barely improved.
"Abarai-kun, you don't have to stress yourself out so much. You're already good with swordsmanship, so there's no need to worry so much on this," Momo spoke, genuine concern evident in her tone.
He shook his head. "No, I'm going to get this down even if it kills me."
Izuru sighed, his blunt nature taking over the worried exterior. "At this rate, you'll end up killing yourself." When Momo gave him a look, he immediately silenced himself.
Renji's eyes narrowed, and he went back to working on his stance. "I'll get it, just you wait."
Momo merely nodded feebly before standing by the sideline with Izuru, watching as the redhead concentrated with all his might. The first two thoughts that came up to the blond was his hands were swapped, the right should have been where the left was, and he said one word wrong for the incantation. He often performed better than this, but Izuru could see why he made those mistakes; their presence pressured him into trying harder, which consequently ended up marring his focus.
And just as he expected, there was smoke enveloping Renji in a hazy veil, and a crude curse could be heard. Momo was by his side in a flash.
"Are you okay, Abarai-kun?" She asked worriedly, shaking his shoulder gently as the redhead's wheezing subsided. When he resumed his position, the shorter shinigami grasped his arms. "Here, let me help you." After a nod of confirmation, she guided the hands to proper places. She also whispered what Izuru assumed to be some form of suggesion, for he was too far apart from the two to hear them.
When she returned, he looked down at her. "What did you tell him?" The girl smiled with pride.
"A way that can put his power output to maximum. It was a little on the weak side the first time, so I wanted to help him with that."
He would have idly nodded and looked back at the redhead, but instead he found himself wrenching back as if he had been punched. He explained himself when Momo gave him an odd look. "Hinamori-kun... did you tell Abarai-kun how to expel all that force? So that, you know, it doesn't cumulate and blow up in front of him?"
Her horrified expression was more than enough to confirm that she hadn't.
He would apologize to Renji later for his rude actions. Izuru grasped Momo's thin wrists and hastily ran back. As the field was full of rocks and the like, it did not prove to be too difficult to find shelter behind a large boulder. He pressed his back against the structure, Momo by his side.
A moment later they heard a surprisingly soft explosion. However, the sound was deceiving, as a harsh gust and various parts of the field such as twigs flew past them. It was powerful, all right. Izuru could have sworn Momo was just about ready to fly from the force of the wind.
He slowly scooted away from the boulder, turning to scout for Renji. It was not a feat to search for red among all the green and brown. He quickly spotted his schoolmate, hunched over and coughing again from the smoke. To his surprise, there was a patch of grass missing, burnt, a few feet ahead of the redhead.
When the two shinigami quietly approached Renji, he raised his head, a triumphant smirk spread all over his bold features. The blond cleared his throat.
"You didn't blow yourself up," he started, "but we're going to have to find a way to clean the field."
Title: A Difference
Rating: G
Genre: General
Summary: The one thing Izuru had that none of his friends did was a family of blood relatives. Momo takes it upon herself to question him on the matter.
Izuru, unlike many, had come from a functional family whose blood he actually shared. Most shinigami came from rukongai, especially the 11th Division, and the kind of families they had were simply other souls brought together by chance or luck. But not him, he was born into the family he had come to know and love, not accepted into it as an outsider. It was the one precious thing he had had the honor of having in his life.
"Kira-kun," Momo started, "what's your family like?" It was a question of whim, something she said before even thinking it through. He responded accordingly anyway.
"They spoiled me," he explained, "Whenever I fell, Mother would come and comfort me. If I broke something, Father chided me - he never chastised me. I was raised to be disciplined and sincere, so the atmosphere around the mansion was always light but strict, if you get what I mean. And," Izuru cleared his throat, "they wanted me to be a shinigami, so here I am."
Momo brightened at this, a smile reaching his range of vision. "They must be proud of you."
"Probably." He replied lightly. But most likely not for my lack of a spine... He kept that thought to himself.
She seemed to be in deep contemplation before piping up again. "Say, what do your parents look like, Kira-kun?"
"Mother and Father were both blond. She had blue eyes, but his were green. Mother's hair was always loose and long, and kept straight. Father's was short and sleeked. They both wore what nobles would wear, like silk."
As if she had been expecting the answer, Momo straightened up. "So both your parents are blond..." She trailed off, but he knew all to well why she had been wondering such thing.
Momo was from Rukongai. She had resided with a made up family, if any at all. Usually would-be parents looked nothing like their adoptive children, and it was expected that she would think the inheritance of genes to be intriguing. She knew she was born into a family during her past life, but it was likely that she had passed at a young age and did not remember anything. Unlike Izuru, who had never had the experience of dying to arrive at Soul Society.
"I'd really like to see them," Momo absent-mindedly remarked, a soft grin touching her face as she imagined what his parents would look exactly like, "I'm certain your mother is beautiful."
He merely nodded, knowing that she would never get to meet the people she wanted to. Because even if he somehow miraculously tracked down his mother and father's souls, they wouldn't be the same. They probably didn't even have a remotely similar appearance anymore either. It was upsetting just to imagine the disappointment on Momo's face once she learned they had passed a years ago. Evidently, she had not caught on to the fact that he was using past tense, and decided to leave it that way.
So he thought of a different solution.
"You can't see her, Hinamori-kun," and without waiting for a response, he quickly added, "I'll show you a picture of her, though."
Thankfully, she had recognized that tone in his voice, and did not pry. It was the sort of tone that meant he did not wish to elaborate and wanted the subject to be left behind. But she had finally figured out why. There was an obvious cracking in his voice as it suddenly sounded raspy, and the sorrow dripping from his words was enough to tell her they weren't there. Such personal stories were never discussed during their academy days, and she had had no idea. It was better to leave it this way, to keep him thinking she was oblivious to the fact to avoid having to remind him of his family any longer than she needed to.
So she just smiled again, nodding with satisfaction.
"I'd like that."
Title: Fragrance
Rating: G
Genre: Friendship
Summary: Momo has always liked flowers, and decides to bring Renji and Izuru along on one of her trips to the garden.
"Kira-kun, you don't pull it like that!"
The blond, startled, relinquished his grip on the stem as he turned to face Momo, who looked rather nervous.
Renji shook his head at Izuru's bewildered expression, "You don't pick flowers like that, it won't live," he gestured to the garden, litered with said plants of various colors and shapes, "when you want to take it, you have to dig it out with the root. It's like trying to pick up someone - you wouldn't chop off someone's legs."
"Oh," Izuru mouthed, "Sorry."
"You never picked flowers before, have you?" Momo questioned, inspecting a light pink flower.
When the blond shook his head, Renji shrugged. The redhead assumed that, as a noble, Izuru had never had to leave the mansion much, and spend his time picking flowers, no less. Like a city boy. He didn't even like sitting on the grass, for fear of ruining his shihakushou with the green stains. It couldn't be helped; he had been raised that way, and was still far too accustomed to that style of life. On the other hand, Renji and Momo were used to these sort of environment, more like countryfolks.
"We always got flowers from the shops."
Momo looked up at the sky, a finger on her chin as if she was thinking something over, "I think the flowers we pick ourselves are nicer than the bundles they put out on the shelves." Then she quickly added, "Because it's been hand-picked specifically for someone." And then she giggled, playing with the petals of the same flower. "I honestly didn't expect you to be a flower expert, though, Abarai-kun." Izuru could have sworn he had seen Renji snort silently.
"I'm not. I know because of Rukia back when we were at Rukongai."
That was more than enough reason, and she didn't ask of him to elaborate. The blond merely raised a brow; it sounded like Rukia was the center of everything in Renji's life, his core. Then again, he saw Momo in a similar way ever since he had befriended her, but the connection wasn't nearly as strong as the redhead and young Kuchiki's. However, he could see why Rukia was so important, even if he didn't know the backstory, so he left it at that, like Momo had.
"Kira-kun," Momo called, "I think you would look nice with this." On cue she raised a flower that was colored sky blue, twirling it gently to avoid snapping the stem and severing it from its roots.
Renji burst in laughter, and Izuru shot him an offended glare. The redhead immediately calmed down while the other shinigami strained a smile. His face felt hot, and Izuru was quite sure that he was close to blushing, if not already from the fact that Momo had put him and the flower in the same category.
"Well...," he trailed off, looking for anything to change the subject. When he spotted a flower with an elegant violet tone, he gestured to it, "I think that would look great on you, Hinamori-kun." And he mentally kicked himself for how awkward that had sounded.
She followed his hand, her gaze resting on the plant he had mentioned. She stood up and walked over to it, kneeling again to take a look. After a moment of inspection and feeling the petals, Momo sent a grin in his general direction. "I like this one." She exclaimed cheerfully, and Izuru was now fully aware that there was a shade of red crossing his cheeks. To his relief, neither Momo nor Renji - who had now retired to taking a break on a tree nearby, much like how he had when they first met by sheer accident - seemed to have noticed.
"That's good to hear," he half muttered and half gritted, scoffing as if to bury away his shyness in the matter.
Momo straightened, wiping her hands on the sides of her hakama. She turned back to face the blond, her tone filled with anxiety, "Kira-kun. Next time I drop by here, do you want to come with me again? You have good taste."
He nodded.
And for days to come, he often accompanied Momo to the same garden, pointing out some flowers here and there, and she would almost always favor the ones he chose out of the daily batch. Izuru had thought she was only pretending to like his selection to be kind, but when she had one day come back from a solo trip with a container of the plants he had suggested, he knew he had been wrong.
Title: Quote
Rating: G
Genre: General
Summary: Izuru visits and speaks to Momo before the Winter War.
Warning: Spoilers up to chapter 318
"How are you doing, Hinamori-kun?"
... ... ...
"The weather is good today. It's a little on the warm side, but there's a cool breeze by the shades. You would like it; you never did like the heat. The others would probably too, only if we weren't preparing for a fight. No one pays attention to the climate anymore.
Have I told you about the upcoming battle, Hinamori-kun? We're going to fight, all of us. Even Yamamoto-soutaichou is coming, and he'll be leading everyone. You'll be cheering for Hitsugaya-taichou, right? As a captain, he's obliged to go with Matsumoto-san. Don't worry, you and I both know he's more capable than the lot of us. He'll fight with his best for you, Hinamori-kun.
He's very busy with all the arrangements and training, but Hitsugaya-taichou still comes by every day. He's very dedicated. He sits with you for a long time, even after all the paper and fieldwork. He's amazing, isn't he?"
A shift.
"I'm going too. Ichimaru-tai - Ichimaru isn't here anymore, but I want to fight for the 3rd Division. They're devastated by his leave. Most of them liked him better than me, so I suppose it's not that surprising. They enjoyed his company more than mine, because he was always upbeat and laidback. You and Kuchiki-san were the only ones besides the other captains who didn't like him. Everyone else thought he was a fun person. Even Kusajishi-fukutaichou liked him, since he listens to her and sometimes gives her candy.
Ahh, sorry, Hinamori-kun. I went off-track. I know how much you dislike him. I'm sorry.
Yeah, I'm going with the others to the living world to intercept them. All captains and lieutenants are required to come, everyone else will be staying in Soul Society to protect the area. Remember the ryoka? Some of us were dispatched to Hueco Mundo to help them and eliminate the arrancar while they're there. Kuchiki-taichou, Unohana-taichou, and Zaraki-taichou were three of the people that was sent. Abarai-kun is there too, with Kuchiki-san. I'm sure he's holding up well, Abarai-kun is strong. He already was, even without his bankai. Not the brightest, but one of the best fighters.
Those of us remaining are the ones going to the living world. You aren't going, but Hisagi-san and I are. And since Zaraki-taichou isn't going to be there, Madarame-san and Ayasegawa-san are the fillers even though they're only seated officers. Madarame-san is an incredible fighter, and Ayasegawa-san is always with him, so I'm sure he's a good combatant too.
The four of us aren't going to be in the main battle. Karakura was replaced with a fake, and the projections are set up by four pillars on every side. Yamamoto-soutaichou assigned us to protect the pillars at all cost, so that the real Karakura doesn't become a battlefield. He said we were 'skilled fighters' with enough experience and knowledge to guard the area. So we're going to eliminate any arrancar that get near the pillar.
I'm kind of glad I'm not in the main fight. I want and don't want to see him. You understand, don't you, Hinamori-kun? I never admired him in the way you did him, but you know how strong their influences are."
He clenched the sleeves of his shihakushou.
"I'm fighting for the 3rd Division and you, Hinamori-kun. I want you to smile again. Not that fake one you tried to make, but the real, genuine thing. All of us want to see you grin again. The sad face doesn't suit you. You look the best with a smile, no matter what you're wearing. That's why I'm also doing this. The divisions are important, but so are you. So please, Hinamori-kun, don't forget how to smile. We're all fighting with you in mind; Hitsugaya-taichou, Abarai-kun, Hisagi-san, and myself."
A small smile.
"... Hinamori-kun, would you like some chocolate when you get up? You always liked sweets. I can buy you plenty when you get up again. And you won't have to share them either; I'll purchase them just for you. You'd like that, wouldn't you?
I'll get some flowers too. I'll pick them myself, since you like those better than the bundles that the florists sell. Just name them, and I'll go looking. I won't rip the roots either. I'll gather as many as I can, so that when you get up you can wake to the fragrance of the flowers you love so much. And chocolate."
The slide of a door.
"Oh, hello, Hitsugaya-taichou.
I'll be leaving now, Hinamori-kun. Rest well."
Another slide of a door.