Disclaimer: I do NOT own the Bleach series in any way. All copyrights go to Tite Kubo.

Synopsis: He's always sick and tired of being called or viewed as a child. It's time for Captain Hitsugaya to fight back and prove he's all grown up, starting with his childhood friend.

LEGEND

"Talking." Character Thoughts.

Grown Up

Part I: I'm Not a Kid Anymore!

Hitsugaya Toshiro is known as a child prodigy amongst his peers, superiors, and friends throughout his short year in Shinigami Academy. Because of his young age, mature nature, and his bright mind, he quickly graduated and became one of the thirteen captains of the Gotei 13. With that, he instantly gained the respect he wanted. Of course, he only wished that were totally true.

Take Captain Ukitake for example. Whenever these two Shinigami are alone, there would be times when the elderly captain gives him bundles of candies and treats. That goes for the same for other Shinigami who tries to either apologize or bribe to him. Little child goodies doesn't work on the young prodigy at all. Besides, he hates anything that precises him childish.

What annoys him the most is being addressed to incorrectly. Instead of being called as Hitsugaya-taicho, they call him by other names such as Toshiro or Hitsugaya with the improper Japanese suffix. Though he corrects them, they haven't changed the way how they call him. It's a fact. There's no point of trying to change their minds no matter what he does. However, there is one person he can persuade. It's the one person who only calls him Shiro-chan, his childhood friend and vice-captain of the fifth division, Hinamori Momo.

"Good morning Rangiku-san," she greeted to the fukutaicho as the raven haired lieutenant entered his office. Noticing that he's in the room as well, placing a stack of newly brought paperwork to his desk, she turned to the white haired captain to greet him as well. "Good morning Shiro-chan."

There she goes again with that name.

Turning to his childhood friend, Hitsugaya said, "It's not Shiro-chan Hinamori."

"Ah, I'm sorry. Good morning Hitsugaya-kun."

She still doesn't get it.

Folding his arms over his chest, the tenth captain quickly gave her an icy glare. "I don't know how many times I've said this to you; it's Hitsugaya-taicho!"

But despite his efforts, Hinamori wasn't fazed at all. It's not because of her strength, it's her failure to notice that he's serious about that. "Hitsugaya-kun is Hitsugaya-kun whether he's a captain or not. Be happy that I barely call you Shiro-chan now because of the promise we made decades ago."

"I know we made that promise Hinamori, but can't you get the point? I'm a captain and you're a lieutenant. It is right that you address me as Hitsugaya-taicho."

"Okay, I'll call you captain."

"Thank you. Now why are you here?"

"I'm just dropping off some meat buns that Obaa-san sent to the both of us. I would love to stop and chat a bit, but I have my paperwork to finish," Hinamori said as she ran towards the door. "I'll see you later Hitsugaya-kun!"

Knowing that she won't be listening to him once again, Hitsugaya called out to her, "It's Hitsugaya-taicho!"

Feeling frustrated, the white haired captain marched and sat down on the couch. With a hand ruffling through his hair, he growled.

I can't believe I have to resort myself to this.

"Matsumoto," he said.

Turning to the short Shinigami, the strawberry orange haired vice-captain bent over towards him as she rested her arms on the top of the couch. She asked, "Yes taicho?"

"I need your help."

Blinking with disbelief, she wanted to make sure what she heard is true. "Excuse me? Did you just ask me for my help?"

"Yes I did Matsumoto."

Suddenly wrapping her arms around the captain's neck, she pulled her into a suffocating embrace. As Hitsugaya is trying to break free, Matsumoto said cheerfully, "I'm so happy that you value me as your fukutaicho!"

With full use of his strength, he flicked her arms away as he retorted, "Shut up. Are you going to help me or not?"

"Of course I would like to help. Just tell me what you want me to do."

"I want you to deliver a message to Hinamori."

"Why?"

"I'm going to make her see that I'm not a kid anymore."

References

Taicho - Captain

Fukutaicho - Vice-captain / Lieutenant

Obaa-san - Grandmother

Hey everyone! This HitsuHina fan fic will be a two-shot. I'm sorry this part is rather short, but then again...this story is not long like my other fan fics. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading this one. The next part will be posted soon. Please R & R!