Rising, Shining, Scattering and never Fading
Fireworks.
In truth, Toshiro never really liked them. Yes, they could be beautiful. But they also reminded him too much of how short a human life could be. Burning brightly for a friction of time, only to then fade into nothingness, into oblivion.
Like fireworks.
He glanced over at the black-haired young woman holding his hand. And he wondered what had made him come here with her to watch the fireworks. Well, she at least seemed to enjoy them immensely.
When she had asked him to accompany her to this Karakura Town fireworks festival, Toshiro had at first wanted to decline. Only, he found that he couldn't. For some strange reason, he really didn't want to see Karin disappointed.
And so here they were, at Toshiro's favourite spot in Karakura, and watched the firework display. A light smile curled the Captain's lips when he remembered one of his birthdays, when Rangiku and Momo had organized a little surprise firework for him. Even Aizen had been there, too.
Good old times, he mused. When Aizen was still a good guy and the world was alright.
Even today, with Aizen having been dealt justice, Toshiro was still angry at the former Captain. Especially because of what he had done to Momo.
But this was not the time for such glum thoughts.
Together, he and Karin watched the fireworks until they were over. Afterwards, the two of them kept sitting there, taking in the city below them in silence.
"That was beautiful", Karin eventually broke the silence and grinned at him. "This is a memory I'll always treasure."
A memory I'll always treasure…
It was this moment that the realization struck Toshiro.
Humans may shine brightly and shortly, like fireworks. But what we can do is leaving lasting memories with those around us.
A light smile curled his lips. I was astounding what he had learned since he and Karin had gotten together. And all because of her. It made him look forward to where their relationship was going to take them. Wherever that was going to be – it was not going to be boring. That much was sure.
"Shiro? Earth to Shiro! Where has your mind wandered off to, now?"
His thoughts interrupted, Toshiro turned to her. "I'm sorry. Just… a memory from years ago."
Karin studied him curiously. But when it became clear he wasn't going to answer, she simply leaned against him and wrapped her arms around his.
"You are weird sometimes", she said. "But well, your memories are yours."
"Heh…"
Toshiro didn't even want to get angry at her remark. Instead, he gazed down at the city again, enjoying Karin's warmth at his side.
Whatever was going to come – she was going to forever shine on in his heart.