WE'LL MEET AGAIN:

HITSUHINA

TITLE: We'll Meet Again

COUPLES: HitsuHina

SPOILERS: Soul Society Arch

AUTHOR'S NOTES: #29 of the 100 themes by Kenbu (LJ)

RATING: K

GENRE: Angst/romance

DISCLAIMER: Don't own any part of Bleach, anime or manga.

The first time he had met Hinamori Momo was way before he had become a shinigami. He was still the calm and observant boy who every other child was scared of. She was still the cheery and caring person who everyone adored and loved to be around. The warmth she emitted affected everyone she met – and he was no exception.

As time went by, Hitsugaya and Hinamori grew in their friendship and were soon inseparable. Where ever she went he followed. Whenever she was in trouble, he protected her. Whenever she was feeling down, he comforted her.

So when Hinamori told him one day that she was going off to Shinigami school, he felt empty inside and was overcome by a surge of possessiveness and reluctance because where she was going, he could not follow; when she faced danger, he could not protect her; and when she was feeling sad, he could not comfort her. Nonetheless he maintained his indifferent façade and bid her farewell by shouting "don't ever come back, Bed wetter Momo!" But even though he shouted for her to never come back, he was comforted by the thought that they would meet again.

When too much time was passing by and her letters and visits were decreasing at a rate that was not in Hitsugaya's good books, the increasingly impatient boy decided to take charge and forsake his promise to "never go to that stupid shinigami school."

And so they met again at Shinigami school when Hitsugaya stalked walked up to Hinamori and grunted loudly behind her. She was surprised to say the least and reverted to her old habit of squeeze-hugging him and ruffling his wild snow-grey hair.

As Hitsugaya excelled his way through Shinigami school and then subsequently became the Captain of the Tenth Squad, Hinamori was always there by his side to encourage and nurture him. He in return continued his old habit of comforting her when she was sad and protecting her when she was in danger, whether she knew it or not, just like he did so after they met a long, long time ago.

Their friendship grew deeper and both were feeling blissful in their blessing of being able to meet each other. But then events took a dark turn and their love for each other became tinted with distrust when Hinamori mistook him as the murderer of her much adored captain. Memories had ran through Hitsugaya's mind hard and fast as he had stared at the tip of her sword that she had pointed at him.

The next time they had met was when Hitsugaya found his Momo on the floor, dying from the wound inflicted by her own captain. His anger had exceeded beyond his limit, it blinded him in his actions and made his attacks futile. In one strike his Hyourinmaru had been defeated and he slumped down to the ground. He crawled his way over to his childhood friend and took her cold hands into his.

"I'm sorry." She whispered as she slipped away, her hand growing limp in his. Hitsugaya felt his own life slip away and looked at her one last time, a small smile formed on his face.

This is okay. He thought as he drifted away from Seireitai.

Because I will follow her where ever she goes.

And when we arrive there, we will meet again.

Six years later in the living world

"Give it back to me Shiro-chan!" screamed Hinamori at her friend, her hands firmly placed on her hips. Her short friend grinned and clutched the doll tighter.

"If you want it then come get it off me!" challenged Hitsugaya with a smug grin. His grin faltered as he noticed Hinamori's trembling lips, her red nose and the water damming in her eyes. She was just about to burst out in tears when her beloved bunny was shoved roughly in front of her face.

Hinamori let out a wide grin and hugged her bunny. Then she got up and threw her arms around Hitsugaya.

"Urgh, what are you doing!" He protested as he tried to pry her off of him. She held on tighter.

"Thank you, Shiro-kun!" She exclaimed. Hitsugaya finally escaped from her grasp and stood next to her with his arms crossed at his chest, his face a slight pink shade.

"Don't call me that, bed-wetter Momo."

:The End: