A/N: I would just like to inform you that this is my first fanfic and that I am extremely excited to be putting this here! I just hope this fic meets your expectations and if you're interested in it either let me know in a review or just follow and/or favorite, whatever floats your boat :) Now, I hope you enjoy reading this small introduction into the story as much as I enjoyed writing it! Onward with the story!

Summary: Memories of the past reemerge from the depths of oblivion. The body remembers what the mind forgets. "Your eyes are telling me that we have met before and yet I can't seem to remember your name... I wonder why I protected you."

Main pairing: HitsuKarin

Rated: T

Part 1: To Light A Fire

I tell you everything that is really nothing, and nothing of what is everything, do not be fooled by what I am saying. Please listen carefully and try to hear what I am not saying. ~Charles C. Finn

Chapter 1: When I last saw you

A bitter chill creeped in through her bedroom window and Karin knew exactly who it was without even turning to look at him. She didn't want to look, knowing that it'll be harder to say goodbye if she did.

She heard him sigh from behind her, his warmth radiating to her back. He was too close for comfort. She knew he was struggling to find the correct words to say, and his silence began to annoy her... he usually wasn't this quiet with her.

He landed softly on the floor, he didn't want to wake up her family. It was late, the moonlight illuminated the room and it was enough to make him realize that she didn't want to look at him. She kept on avoiding his gaze. "What are you? the bearer of bad news?" Her words held venom to them and they could've made anyone cringe. His frown only deepened. "You knew this day was coming, Karin, there is no need in faking it." She didn't answer him.

His words held a harsh truth to them and she wrapped her blanket tightly around herself, almost like wishing that winter's cold winds will subdue. That didn't work. Another sigh escaped his lips, he was growing impatient, "Listen, I'm not promising anything but I'll try to visit... if I can..." his voice held uncertainty and it almost caused Karin to laugh bitterly, not because of the truth his words held but because she knew she was being selfish. She needed to let him go.

"I'm not begging you to stay." Karin inwardly cringed as those words came out of her mouth, and she glanced at him from the corner of her eye, that's as far as she would go. Toshiro ran a hand through his hair, "I wasn't expecting you to beg." his eyes held some mirth to them and she noticed the smirk on his lips. He was clearly amused by her actions," I have a squad to attend to and someone's waiting for my return. My time in Karakura has ended, I must go..."

"Idiot. Why are you telling me this?" She faced him completely now, her iron eyes burning into his turquoise ones, "Then go. I won't be waiting for you but I will be expecting another visit." Toshiro's gaze softened, "Don't be expecting one soon."

She smiled at him, "I know. Goodbye, Tosh-"

She was cut off as she suddenly felt his arms wrap around her, she felt her eyes burn,"Stay safe." He whispered into her ear, she laughed against his chest, "Who do you think you're talking to?" His hold on her tightened it was like he almost didn't want to let her go.

A few more minutes and she watched him step onto her windowsill, "Farewell."

Everything began to fade.

Her eyes snapped open and she felt herself drenched in cold sweat. She inhaled deeply as she tried to calm the wild beating of her heart against her chest.

"What the hell was that?" she cursed under her breath, her eyes glancing at her digital clock that sat on her desk. The alarm hasn't even gone off.

She ran a hand through her hair that now reached her lower back. What would make her dream of a person she hasn't seen in over five years? Any less dream of the time she last saw him? She found herself getting annoyed.

"Karin-chan! I need your assistance!" She heaved a sigh, "Coming!"

She exited her bedroom and headed down stairs, the dream now in the back of her mind. She wasn't going to worry herself over unnecessary things she didn't care about anymore.