Karakura University

Ch. 8

Resolve

Author's Note: Here's yet another daunting chapter. It was bit troublesome for me to write; I experienced an extensive amount of writers block but its finally finished. This is also the first chapter where I begin to switch points of view. I also added more lemon ;) . Hope you like it! Reviews are always welcome.

….

"Not your best work, Miss Hinamori. Quite the bitter pill. Might I suggest that you at least pretend to give a damn during my demonstrations?" , Professor Kurotsuchi scoffed. He was in the process of handing back their latest written assignment. He often wasn't pleased with the generally dense class and had no issue showing his disdain. But it was rare for his sharp stings to be aimed directly at Momo.

She glared at him as he continued onward, scolding the remainder of the class. Although, when she acknowledged her paper, she couldn't blame him: a neon red F sat front and center for the world to see. The numerous side comments written in the margins were more than brutal and unnecessary. She shrugged. There were far more important matters on her plate. Her mind's eye flashed a snap shot of tousled mahogany hair and angelic chestnut eyes.

Chemistry wasn't the only subject that was becoming unreasonable. English, her self proclaimed best subject, was starting to become a thorn in her side. However, Professor Unohana wasn't nearly as crude as Kurotsuchi. "Miss Hinamori", she said with her all too polite smile, "I'm sad to say that I am not pleased with your declining average. You will do your best to improve." It wasn't a question. The idea of complying was much more inviting than actually following through.

And math was, well math.

The only subject that she steadily excelled in was French. Momo wouldn't dare displease him at such a crucial time.

"Bon travail, Momo." , was commonly heard in the classroom. Much like a handful of praise for the same over achievers.

"I sense favoritism." , came from the back of the room. Frowning, Momo turned to face the culprit. A thin, pale girl with jagged black pigtails sneered as Momo caught her eye. Momo had seen her many times before but never paid her any mind. Even still, she could pin point her type: a bully. On every occasion Momo had spotted her, she was hassling someone. Inoue Orihime for one; Momo didn't really know her, but she felt pity for the red head. She couldn't help but wonder what the girl's problem was. Her pack of rough looking associates complied with her abrasive comment.

Professor Aizen paused in the middle of the room, papers loaded in hand, intently focused on the girl who had dared to behave so unruly in his classroom. If he truly was agitated, his calm exterior disclosed nothing of the sort. A wave of silence washed over the class as he spoke sedately. "Ms. Aivirrne, I would like a word with you after class."

Her attitude did a disappearing act on the order of his request. Momo could've sworn she saw a streak of panic dance across her features before she quietly said "Yes, Professor Aizen." She was silent for the remainder of the class.

Momo turned back around, triumphant at the display of justice. Unfortunately for her, she won't be the last one to leave the classroom this time.

….

Momo slammed the door shut and plopped down hastily on her bed, face down in her pillow. It had been a long day. A long week actually. She groaned. It was only Wednesday. She knew Sosuke well enough now to know that he was sporadic. Their "meetings"could take place at any given time. While Momo found that aspect somewhat enticing, it was also unbearably frustrating. She liked routine, order and schedules. He just did things on an intellectual whim. Opposites really do attract.

She flipped onto her back, staring up at the ceiling, pondering what Sosuke could've said to "Ms. Aivirrne." "You're a grotesque, incompetent, obnoxious little bitch juxtapose to the gentle and kind hearted Momo Hinamori. I'm dropping you from the class, immediately!"

She grinned and shook her head. She truly did have an active imagination. As much as she'd love to hear him say it, she knew he never would. Sosuke is too refined to ever utter such vulgarities, let alone to a female, no matter how deserving. Whatever he'd said to her, it was far from what she hoped.

Her head throbbed at the sound of the door whooshing open and pounding shut.

"Good afternoon!", Rangiku sang.

"Hey." , Momo said dryly.

Rangiku laid next to her perched on her elbow. "Who gave you a knock off Prada bag?"

She laughed at that. "Nobody."

"Well good." She flipped over on her back, shoulder to shoulder with the brunette.

Momo sighed. "So were will you be off to this evening?"

Rangiku shook her head. " I don't know. I don't have any plans for tonight."

"You don't?", she exaggerated.

"I'm just as shocked as you are."

The small girl agreed. "A storm must be on the way." They lay there, both in their own little worlds, thinking. Rangiku lazily threw her arms over her eyes. Toying with the vibrant strands of her hair. Momo had an inkling to ask about that thing Ran called a boyfriend but decided against it. Asking about him could potentially lead to other questions; questions, that were best left untouched.

A muffled buzzing penetrated the comfortable silence. Momo felt around for the phone in her pocket, silencing it without looking at it.

"Who was that?"

Momo fumbled with her fingers on her belly. "No one."

Rangiku shot her a look. "It has to be someone for you to want to avoid their calls."

"I told you it was no one.". She could usually ignore her roommate's excessive prying and lack of understanding when it came to personal space but today, it was really getting under her skin.

Without warning, Rangiku sat up and dove for friend's pocket. Momo desperately tried to keep her at bay.

"WHY WON'T YOU JUST TELL ME WHO IT IS?" she shouted through the scuffle. "WHY DOES IT EVEN MATTER?", Momo countered beneath her.

They gasped and struggled franticly on the twin bed.

"I'LL TICKLE YOU!", the red head threatened. Momo's weak shoves involuntarily faltered under Rangiku's merciless assault. She spoke between airy laughs.

"Rangiku…stop…I can't…breathe…I hate you!…"

The tingly sensation halted as she felt the phone slide out of her pocket.

"Got it!", Ran proclaimed victorious. She pounced off the bed.

"Ran, NO!"

It was over. All of it. Momo knew that when she opened that phone, Sosuke Aizen's name would undoubtedly appear. There'd be no denying it. No stalling, no half lies, no time to even conjure up a lie. The evidence would be there for everyone and anyone to see. Rangiku, Toshiro, her mother, her father, all of Karakura University and once the news became public, the whole world.

"Lets see who Momo Hinamori has been avoiding. And the winner is…" She did a drum roll with her tongue as she dramatically flipped it open. "…your parents?"

Momo's heart deflated.

She half heartedly scanned through the phone. "Looks like they've been trying to contact you for a while."

Finally able to breath, Momo sat on folded legs, arms crossed. She was still bitter about the whole ordeal. "So."

"So…why aren't you answering?"

"Because I don't want to right now! I'll answer when I'm good and damn well ready! Can I have my phone back please?" She held out her hand.

Rangiku obediently tossed the phone onto the mattress. Her blue eyes shimmered with something Momo couldn't quite pinpoint; it was rare to see her harbor such a look. A look that was sober and focused. She wasn't the same blithe girl she was a few moments ago. She avoided eye contact and rubbed the back of her neck. She spoke flatly. "I'm gonna go take a shower." She disappeared behind the bathroom door without another word.

Momo bowed her head, watching her thumb flow easily over the silver of the phone, but not really seeing it. Her mind went blank. She waited until she heard the sound of running water and abandoned the still room.

….

The petite girl strolled aimlessly around the back of the campus. The lonely desolate side of it, where hopefully no one would disturb her any further. The day was coming to an end and she would have to go back to her dorm eventually. But at the moment, she didn't wish to dwell on the fact. With her head hung low, she paced around the empty parking lot with headphones shoved in her ears. The music slow and blue, matching her mood.

She really didn't mean to lash out at her friend the way she did. She just couldn't take any risk, that's all. Sosuke trusted her to do her part. She knew full well that he was doing his. Then again, when Momo thought clearly, no one made Rangiku go for the phone. She did that of her own accord. It was her fault. Maybe she shouldn't always shove her nose in other people's business.

She didn't stop the hot tears that stained her cheeks. Her world felt as if it were about to collapse around her. She was no where near strong enough to hold it up alone. In that moment, her roommate didn't just hold just a cell phone in her hands. She held Momo's life as well. It was then that the true magnitude of what she was doing shot into her system. They weren't playing a game. So much was on the line for not just her, but for Sosuke as well. From this point on, Momo vowed to do whatever it took to keep their love confidential; she already knew that Sosuke was doing his. She traveled farther.

What was everyone's deal anyway? It was as if no one wanted her to be happy. But she had long learned not to be molded into what others thought her to be. It didn't matter that her grades were slipping. It didn't matter that she was falling out of touch with her loved ones. She would continue to smile. Continue to be happy. And continue to be so with Sosuke, regardless of what the cruel world had to say. Sosuke Aizen was her life now. Everyone else would either have to accept it or leave her be. With her spirits slightly lifted, she wiped her tears and made her way back to her dorm while the last bit of the sun faded away.

….

Within the next week, Momo spent most of her free time either at the library or meandering around the campus. She chose the library because it was a tranquil environment and she could indulge in one of her favorite hobbies: reading. It also forced her to keep quiet on days when she wanted to scream and run amuck. As for the strolls around campus, they were a good way to clear her head and a means to avoid people. Even though she'd apologized to her roommate the day of, Momo couldn't help but feel slightly distanced from her. What bothered her most was that she didn't know why. Rangiku had gone back to her flighty and jovial self. She'd promised Ran and herself that she had moved forward and put the incident behind her. Although recently, what she said and what she felt where becoming helplessly disoriented.

Still no word from her Professor. It had been exactly two weeks since their affair. The only time she saw him was in class. Not in the parking lot, not walking around campus, no where. Even the FAF meetings were put on hold. Or possibly terminated, Momo wasn't sure. He often scurried off immediately after he gave his dismissal. It wasn't the same. At that time, he was Professor Aizen: poised, polite and standoffish. When he held her, caressed her, made love to her, he was Sosuke. How she gravely missed Sosuke.

She was sitting at a rounded wooden table in the massive library one evening when someone grabbed her shoulders from behind, making her jump.

"Toshiro!"

A chorus of "Shhh" came from around the room. Momo ducked apologetically while Toshiro took the seat across from her. They spoke in hushed voices. "What are you doing in here?"

She waved the book in her hands. "Just catching up on some reading. What about you?"

"Doing research."

"On what?"

"Anthropology.", he whispered proudly, pulling out a book.

"For a paper?" "Why do people think that research is only done in preparation for a paper?"

"Probably because it usually is." She threw a pen his way. "You're such a nerd."

"You're one to talk." he threw it back but missed. The little black dart landed at the feet of the ancient librarian. The wrinkled woman stopped putting away books long enough to glower in their direction. They faced each other, attempting to stifle their snickers.

"We're in the clear." Toshiro informed her as the librarian shuffled onward. "Are all librarians old evil hags?"

"Don't say that.", she pleaded. "And no they aren't. She's actually very sweet."

"I'll believe it when I see it." , he said staring after her. He leaned onto the table. "So, have any ideas about where you wanna go today?"

Momo pursed her lips to respond when something tickled her thigh. She fished out the device in her pocket. She signaled a one-minute gesture to her friend and spoke as quietly as she could muster.

"Hello?"

"So we've resorted to speaking in hushed tones?" The voice like velvet that seeped through sent jolts through her body. He hasn't called in weeks, and now… She failed to hide her luminous smile. Her eyes darted around the room to make sure no one took notice to her reaction. Thankfully, Toshiro was all consumed by the book before him. She attempted to keep her cool, leveling her voice. Whatever you do, don't say his name.

"Not exactly, I'm in the library."

"I see. I apologise for my inconvenince."

She frantically shook her head as if he could see her. "No. No its fine, really."

"I take it then, that you wouldn't mind joining me this evening?"

Her doe eyes transfixed on the boy in front of her. His eyes were downcast, glued to the pages of the bulky novel. He, nor anyone else in the library could see the dilemma laid before her as her mind frantically whirled for an answer. They hadn't gotten their time together this week. She couldn't abandon him. She knew he'd never do that to her.

"Momo?"

Then again, the man who occupied the other line, she hadn't spent time with in, not one, but two weeks. That seemed more than unfair to him. Not only that, but she missed him. She yearned for him. The past two weeks had been pure hell without him. She needed him to hold her, kiss her, tell her that everything would be ok. He was her drug, and she needed another hit.

"Yes." she spoke definitely. "I can make it."

"Marvelous. Kaname will be your escort yet again. You will meet him in the exact location as before."

"Ok." "See you soon."

"Bye."

Click.

"You're leaving?"

Momo stiffened. What excuse was she going to give Toshiro? She never was a good liar. Quick, say something!

"Yeah…It was my dad."

"What'd he say?" "They need me at the hospital…Now…Grandma's not doing too well."

"Oh. Ok. I understand."

"Yeah…", she said awkwardly gathering her things. "Well, I'll see you later then."

He smiled meekly. "Yeah, later."

She raised to take her leave.

"Momo."

She turned faced him.

"I hope your grandmother turns out ok."

….

Momo knew she was going on a one way trip straight to hell. How could she tell such a lie? She'd had more than enough time to ruminate about what she'd done on the deafeningly silent car ride with Kaname. He clutched the wheel with both hands. Jaw clenched, eyes never faltering. Was he ever at ease?

He drove consistently until they reached the edge of a forest. A tall figure stood leaning against a black automobile a few feet away.

Seconds after the car came to a stop, Momo eagerly ran to him, leaving Kaname in the dust. She threw her arms around him and reciprocated with the same amount of gusto. His arms cocooned around her tiny frame. He placed a light kiss on the top of her head. She felt him nod to Kaname and heard the sound of grinding pebbles as the car took off.

She squeezed him tighter, burying her face into his strong chest. "I've missed you…So much" The confession had her on the brink of tears. This was the Sosuke she knew and loved. He heard the breaking of her voice and held her just as cravingly. "As have I."

They stayed that way for a long while. Embraced. Listening to the silent night, and the faint sounds of crickets. Momo never wanted this moment to end.

He pushed her away slightly to look her in the eye. He gripped her shoulders while she still clung to him. "I have something I want to show you."

He guided her into the forest, fingers interwined. An elongated winding trail lead them to a circular clearing. Green pines created a broad wall. The crescent moon gave the landscape a white, heavenly hue and reflected in the centered pond. Recognition struck her. "I've been here before!" The only difference was the scattered maple trees were starting to become bare due to the approaching winter and leaves didn't float about in the pond.

"Really?"

"Mm hmm."

"With anyone in particular?" She thought on that, shaking her head. "No. I found this place by accident one day. I needed a place to clear my head."

Sosuke studied her. "How unfortunate." And looked ahead. "I wanted to surprise you."

"Oh, but I am."

He beamed.

They came to a stop at a rectangular white blanket laid out at the pond's edge. It was topped with a delicately woven basket. In addition, two glasses and a bottle of iced champagne.

Momo exploded with delight. "I've never been on a picnic before!"

"Theres a first time for everything."

He seated her next to him and undid the basket's contents: all verieties of breads, cheese, fruits and chocolates laid before her. It all looked so tantalizing and scrumptious, she didn't know where to begin. Sosuke took the initiative as always and poured their glasses.

"First, a toast." He raised his glass. "To us. May we relish in this moment, and many more."

The closest Momo had ever been to drinking was a glass of sparkling cider and a little non-virgin eggnog at Christmas time back home. But despite her unease, she hastily took a sip.

Not bad.

She threw back a little more, delighting in the warm sensation that encased her body. She smiled up at him as he selected a dark piece of chocolate engraved with the letter Z and brought it to her lips. Her eyes flashed to his.

"Dessert before dinner?"

"Indulging in temptation can be exceptionally satisfactory."

Yes, it very well can be.

She parted her lips, biting down gingerly, sending her taste buds on a whirlwind. It was sweet, yet bitter. Smooth yet crispy. All the right contradictions.

She released an involuntary moan.

"I'm glad you like it."

She blushed at her reaction. "What is it?"

"Crunchy praliné."

"Its delicious."

As were all the other finger foods he hand fed her. She washed it all down with more champagne.

The wind gusts heightened, creating an eerie rustling amongst the trees. Momo watched them intently, sitting on folded knees. Though she couldn't see them, she knew they were there. She and Sosuke would never truly be able to spend time together in solitude.

A gentle hand caressed her chin. A small gasp escaped her at his proximity. The ends of his hair tickled her forehead.

"What could possibly require your attention more than I?"

She slowly shook her head. All reasoning abandoning her.

He was right, as always. Nothing should, could or would deprive him of her unfaltering love and consideration.

"Good."

The familiar feel of his lips pressed to hers relieved all worry from her heart. He removed the picnic items before he lay her down, easing away her miniature clothing before his own. The nippy breeze would've caused the frail girl's body to quiver had she not been mantled by her lover.

Her arms found his neck as she pulled herself up to straddle him. Sosuke swiftly enclosed their bodies in the blanket; gripping it closed at the small of her back. His tongue danced in the cavities of her mouth. She felt his fingers trace her thigh and enter her briefly. She gasped at the blissful intrusion. Her body went temporarily limp, hair swaying over the blanket. Her tiny hands clasped his broad tendons as his tongue traced the length of her neck. Tantalizing shivers ran through her body. He pulled her forward, adjusting himself to enter her. Her whimpers meshed with his groans as he did so, more avid than the first time.

Momo couldn't pinpoint a time when she felt so fulfilled and adored. They held each other imperatively as they grinded in union. The relentless pounding intoxicating them both, leading them to a volatile release.

They sat panting, half shivering, half sweating. He clamped a hand through her hair before kissing her forehead once again and rested her head on his chest.

"I love you, Momo."

The petite girl let the tears flow as she spoke. "I love you too, Sosuke."

….

Toshiro lay in bed, unable to get a lick of sleep. 20% due to his roommate's inability to keep quiet for five seconds.

"Yukio, would you please turn off that damn game and go to bed?", he spat.

The boy laying on the other side of the room sat on his bed as well. A white light illuminated through the sheet he had over his head. The clicking of buttons and animated beeping subsided for a moment. "Sure. As soon as you stop being so short." Then they continued at an even more rapid pace.

Toshiro clentched his teeth. More upset with himself than anything else. He knew exactly who occupied the other 80% of his thoughts that night. He distantly wondered what could've gone wrong with grandma Hinamori. He knew she wasn't well but, that was rather sudden. Whatever the case, he sincerely hoped that she would be alright.

Still, he couldn't deny that he'd felt a pang of annoyance at the unexpected intrusion. It'd cost him his time with Momo. And recently, he thought that their time spent together was much needed. For her sake, of course. Not his. He didn't want to say anything, afraid he might offend his sensitive friend, but he speculated that that was the reason why Momo was behaving so oddly, because of her grandmother. He figured he'd react the same way. As far as he knew, that was the only logical explanation.

The room was peacefully silent as Toshiro realized that Yukio must've fallen asleep.

Thank god.

He rolled over, finally able to get some shut eye.