Hey, everyone! So, in this fic, I change the official ending of Bleach. I don't do this out of malice, but I find it easier to write a story with things I am comfortable writing about. I honestly believed Ichigo should have been with Rukia. Orihime deserved better than Ichigo. She was too nice, and he was so uninterested. I hope that I don't upset anyone with my changes to the story. I hope IchiHime fans with still read!

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach


Chapter One

It was a marvelous day. The birds were chirping, the sun was shining with brilliance, and a gentle breeze caused the healthy bushes and trees to dance a smooth waltz. The day before was gloomy so a change in weather was appreciated. The sidewalks were damp with last night's rain and a warm humidity kept the air sticky. A few fallen leaves sprinkled the dewed grass. Children could be heard shouting and hollering in youthful glee.

A man of twenty-eight years yawned aggressively. He stretched his long limbs and nestled deeper into the wooden bench. He ran a hand through his spiky orange hair. This man had seen many conflicts and many tragedies, one could tell by the way he held himself.

"Ichigo!" shouted a short, petite woman. She wore a flowy white dress and a flashy sunhat with bunnies on it over her black hair.

Ichigo Kurosaki flashed his warm brown eyes towards lively purple eyes. A lazy smile formed on his face as his lovely wife walked towards him. She snaked her pale arms around his neck and hugged the top of his head.

"Where are the kids?" asked his beloved wife.

"Can't you see them, Rukia? Kaito and Asuka are playing across the street," responded Ichigo and a matter-of-fact tone.

A vein popped on Rukia's forehead. "Well, I didn't think to look since we're supposed to go on a picnic. You didn't forget and let them go play with the neighbors?"

"Heh, of course not. Let me go get them right away," said Ichigo while scrambling to his feet. His masculine voice cracked a little to prove his nervous attitude.

Rukia giggled to herself and looked into the sky. How did life become so perfect for her? A part of her was bothered by the fact that she didn't live in the Soul Society, but she was with the man she loved and her beautiful children. Rukia Kurosaki didn't exactly imagine her life like this. Rukia and Ichigo still fought off Hollows, but she had a job as a saleswoman for a big company in Karakura Town.

Karakura Town went through a massive change over the years. The small, sleepy town became a mini-metropolis with tall, luxurious buildings and bright lights. This evolution was all thanks to the powerful companies that found Karakura Town to be their home. These companies were called the "Big Three of Business". Each company fights for dominance in the "sleepy" town. With the money flowing through those companies, Karakura Town received an upgrade.

"Mama!" shouted a sweet little voice.

Rukia caught her daughter, Asuka Kurosaki, in midair and hugged her. Asuka had her mother's unique eyes, but other than that, she was a spitting image of her grandmother. Five-year-old Asuka had wavy auburn hair put in short pigtails with Chappy charms on them.

Kaito Kurosaki walked next to his idol, his father. Eight-year-old Kaito was tall for his age. He had spiky black hair and dark purple eyes. Despite his scary demeanor, Kaito was a sweetheart with heart of gold. Kaito loved his Shinigami training with his father and wished to take other his father's position.

"Are you all heading out?" asked an intelligent voice, a voice that was sensible and steady.

Kaito and Asuka turned to the speaker and cheered, "Auntie Karin!"

Karin Kurosaki smiled kindly at her nephew and niece. The family caught Karin heading home after soccer practice. She played on a competitive team for other girls her age. Karin was average height, maybe a little taller. She clicked her tongue and walked closer to the door.

"We are going on a picnic. Make sure Dad doesn't do anything too reckless," Ichigo told her while his family started to walk off.

"You know I'm always the sensible one!" she called back.

Karin stepped into Kurosaki Clinic and was greeted by the cooling air from the AC. Karin's dark hair stuck to her forehead and her shirt was drenched. Karin was comfortable like that. She had always been a tomboy, for twenty-four years to be exact. Girly emotions were not for her, and she was happy with that.

"Dearest daughter!" shouted an all too familiar, dorky dad.

Karin sidestepped and allowed her father, Isshin Kurosaki, to go barreling into the wall. His aged body slowly got up and met her with a bone-crushing hig.

"L-Let me go! I can't b-breath," Karin gasped. All of her air was leaving her athletic lungs.

Isshin put her down and straightened his white doctor's coat. Isshin was once a Shinigami. He decided to retire when his son forced him to, claiming that he and Rukia could handle all of the Hollows. His graying hair was disheveled and messy.

"Aw, you never let me love you. Yuzu always lets me hug her," pouted Isshin.

Karin scoffed. Her lips curved slightly. "Well, Yuzu is the type to like that. Don't go bothering me for a hug."

"I wonder if you'll ever get a boyfriend with that attitude," said Isshin playfully.

He had no malice in saying that, but Karin took that hard. Her body stiffened and her eyes turned hard. Karin hated when people commented on her lack of a significant other. It caused nothing but problems. Ichigo thought she might be a lesbian for a while but a fist to the jaw was able to change his mind.

"I'm going to take a shower," she grumbled.

Yuzu waited for her fuming sister to leave the room before she turned the corner. Yuzu worried that her sister was too solitary. Yuzu was short and slight, but she got the attention of several young men. Her short auburn was pulled back on one side with a cute clip. Her big hazel eyes showed all her emotions. The feminine twin sister of Karin sighed and walked towards her father.

"I'm worried about Karin," said Yuzu.

"Name one person who isn't," responded Isshin.

"I wish she wouldn't hold in all of her emotions. It was okay when we were younger but now we should be concerned."

"Oh, Karin will come around. Rukia is right. We need to let Karin do her own thing or a while. She doesn't like to lose. It will take a while."

Yuzu wasn't convinced. If anyone knew Karin, it was her. Karin was the brains of the family, but she depended too much on her mind. Ever since their mother passed away, Karin didn't want to be a burden. Crying fell under the burden category.

Isshin truly wasn't concerned like Yuzu was. Sure he had his doubts, but he knew Karin was like Ichigo. Except Ichigo was able to change because of Rukia. Isshin just wanted his daughter to be happy. If this was happy, then so be it.

Kurosaki Clinic was quiet that day. Isshin and Yuzu spent their day ordering files and making phone calls. Karin eventually walked down the stairs to the Clinic ready to help. Her wild hair was put in a high ponytail with a scrunchie. Hair framed her face and side bangs covered part of her forehead. Despite Karin's objections, she was a lovely young lady. She wasn't the traditional beauty like her sister.

From outside, a tall young man wearing a fine navy suit parked his matte silver sports car in the parking lot. He opened the worn out door and walked to the Clinic. Yuzu's eyes widened an evil smile formed on her face.

"Hello, son, what do you need?" asked Isshin.

The man blinked and coughed. "I just need a check up. If I could get a prescription for this blasted cold, too," said the man. His voice was hoarse, probably from the cold.

"Sure thing. Lucky for you, we're empty today. Please head into the first room," ordered Isshin.

The tan young man with short, brown hair nodded and walking into the freshly cleaned room. His fancy shoes tapped on the hard tile. Yuzu didn't want to look at the man's handsome features because she was afraid she couldn't look away.

Isshin smiled excitedly at Yuzu as if he wanted her to take the patient. Yuzu shook her head and pointed at Karin, who was washing her hands. Karin hadn't even taken a look at the young man.

"Karin, will you take the patient?" asked Yuzu. Yuzu knew that the handsome man would be better-taken care of with Karin.

"Sure," she said plainly. She really didn't want to, but she didn't have any reason to not take the patient.

Karin put on her coat of over her low-cut tank top and black skirt. She grabbed a clipboard and knocked on the door. She then opened the door to the clean room.

"What's your name?" she asked right away. She kept her eyes on the clipboard, scanning through the questions.

"Daisuke Nakatani," said the man.

The name caused Karin the snap her head up. He must be related to the famous Nakatani family, the family that owns RNT Corporations. RNT was the top company in Karakura.

Daisuke and Karin's eyes met. Daisuke was entranced with her beautiful dark gray eyes. Her eyes even had little speckles of light gray in them. Meanwhile, Karin was not impressed with Daisuke's chocolate eyes. She gave him a hard stare and looked away.

"Hm, okay. Tell me your symptoms."

"A sore throat, headache, runny nose, and I think that's it."

Karin scribbled some more words on her clipboard. Daisuke didn't take his eyes off of her the whole time.

"May I ask you a few personal questions, Mr. Nakatani?"

"Oh! Of course, but I have a flash drive with all of my information. I knew you were probably going to need it," he mumbled while grabbing a small metallic piece.

Karin's eye twitched as the flash drive was held up. She hated people like that, rich people. Everything about Daisuke screamed privilege, from his well kept hair to his imported shoes. His perfect smile seemed to torment her. Karin would be a liar if she didn't think he was attractive. She just hated people like him, people too perfect for their own good.

Karin swiped the flash drive and plugged it into the brand-new computer. They had patients like Daisuke to thank for their new technology. Yuzu did a good job at satisfying the patients and getting people to come back. Karin didn't have that skill.

Karin scanned through the information she was looking for. She was mostly looking for family history. Karin didn't want to know anything personal. She turned to Daisuke, who was staring with a weird affection, and walked passed him to grab a popsicle stick.

Daisuke sat on the paper-wrapped seat and waited patiently. He inspected her body like a hawk looking at prey. He knew it was wrong, but something about her peaked his interest. She was a gem in his eyes, and he didn't even know her. Her athletic body caused his mind to go blank. Daisuke was an honorable man, yet he felt like a predator.

"Open your mouth, Mr. Nakatani," ordered Karin.

She leaned in close and put the stick near his mouth. Daisuke's face turned warm as she leaned closer. He could even smell the faint perfume she was wearing. He opened his mouth and the stick was shoved down his throat. It took all of his willpower not to cough on her.

Karin searched his mouth his a flashlight. Her eyes narrowed when his inflamed throat showed signs off white dots. She pulled out the stick, much to Daisuke's relief. His pained face turned to a much calmer state.

She wrapped her cold fingers around his neck and felt around. Daisuke tried to pull away at first, but Karin gave him a sense of tranquility. She felt that his tonsils were inflamed and his neck was abnormally hot. She didn't know that the heat came from the blush.

She put a thermometer on the side of his forehead and waited. The thermometer read 101 degrees Fahrenheit.

"Do you have difficulty eating?" she asked.

"Well… Miss…" Daisuke looked at her nametag, "Karin. It hurts to swallow."

Karin was not amused by his use of her first name. They were not on a first name basis in her mind. She rolled her eyes and turned to the cabinet. Karin put on a fresh pair of latex gloves and pulled out two long swabs.

"I'm going to do a test, Mr. Nakatani," she said with an emphasis on his last name. "Please open your mouth and hold still."

"How long will it t-"

He was cut off when Karin shoved the swabs down his swollen throat. He gagged and twitched, yet he was able to keep still while she swirled the swab around. Karin was unaffected. She actually liked watching him struggle with the simple test.

When she was done, Karin put the swabs in a small test tube and waited. Karin kept her eyes glued to the tube because she wanted to avoid conversation with Daisuke.

"So… Any hobbies?" asked the sickly man.

Karin rolled her eyes and fought the urge to punch him. She found him extremely annoying for no reason.

"Do you really think that's appropriate, Mr. Nakatani?"

"There's no need for the formality. Please, call me Daisuke. Being called Mr. Nakatani reminds me of my father, and I'm not ready to be like him yet."

"Please, allow me to do my work, Mr. Nakatani."

With that remark, Daisuke clamped his mouth shut. Karin did not like his conversation. He turned to look out the window. He could remember how he got sick. There was a worker who sneezed in his face. It was truly a disgusting moment. Daisuke wished to be outside, but his illness was a thorn in his side.

"I really wish I could go play baseball today. Today's a perfect day for any sport. It's too bad I'm sick and can't enjoy it. Did you enjoy it? Perhaps with a hobby?"

Karin was not fooled and whipped around. "I saw right through that. If it's so important to you, I really like to play soccer."

"Soccer? Now that's one sport I never was good at."

"Enough with the chatter. The test is done," Karin told him to shut him up. They paused for a moment. "Yep, you have strep."

Daisuke blinked and his soft smile broke. "Shoot."

"Come with me. My father will get you a prescription," said Karin.

Daisuke just sat there and sighed. "Now, that's a real downer. My day was so nice until just now. I mean, work was easy, AND I got to meet you."

Karin scoffed and smiled ever so slightly. "Mr. Nakatani, I think you need lessons on professionalism. Didn't anyone tell you that you shouldn't flirt with your doctor?"

He flashed a smile that only Karin could hate. "Now, who said I was flirting?"

Karin had enough of his debonaire attitude. She wanted to be done with this annoying patient. His suit was too tailored. His smile was too bright. His shoes were too polished.

"Sir, it is pretty obvious."

Daisuke started to speak, but Karin didn't let him. Her hard eyes were enough to give him the hint. She showed him to the door and lead him to her father. He walked a few paces behind her and looked around as if he was at a museum.

"Dad, Mr. Nakatani needs medicine for strep throat," said Karin.

Daisuke laughed a little. "I told you. Call me Daisuke."

"Well, come with me, Daisuke," said Isshin warmly. Karin looked at her dad in shock. How could her father automatically accept the rich boy?

Yuzu turned to her sister and smiled. Karin looked absolutely disgusted. Her face was wrinkled in concrete confusion. Karin was never able to believe the unbelievable, like ghosts or love. What Yuzu saw was interest. Karin was disgusted by this man, and that was more interest that she had even any other man.

Karin rolled her eyes and the "charming" scene in front of her. After a firm handshake, Daisuke turned around to leave. He stopped at the door as if he forgot something. Daisuke turned his head and waved at Karin, which was not reciprocated. Daisuke finally left and Karin could finally breathe.

"Karin, I don't know what you did, but keep doing it! Daisuke gave us five thousand extra dollars as a tip! You're finally getting the hang of charm!" Isshin rejoiced.

"Oh, please. I didn't do anything to Mr. Nakatani," Karin responded.

"Then he must be taken by you. I always knew you could do it," said Yuzu.

"He… No… This whole conversation is nonsense! You all are out of your minds!" spat Karin as she rushed upstairs. Yuzu and Isshin gave each other looks.

Karin just needed some alone time. Something about that man suffocated her patience. She looked at a family picture when her mother was still alive. Her mother was so, so beautiful. Beauty wasn't the deciding factor, it was kindness. Karin couldn't remember the last time she didn't miss her mother.

Karin loved her twin sister with all her heart, but she was jealous that Yuzu looked just her mother. Karin wanted to be that living relic. Karin looked nothing like her mother. Even Ichigo looked like her mom. It was unfair, but that was how life was for her: unfair.

Karin had a few wishes in her life. Seeing her mother again was one of them. That was something that could not be. Her mother was gone. There are no ghosts.

That was a bitter truth in Karin's life. Karin was too smart to believe in things that can't happen. It didn't make her a pessimist, but it did. Karin wouldn't describe herself as sullen, but as real. She knew there were some boundaries that couldn't be broken.

Karin sees spirits, but she chooses not to believe. Karin turns a blind eye to the ghostly apparitions that call to her during the day. This makes Ichigo and Rukia's lifestyle seem idiotic to Karin. Spirits don't draw out fear in Karin. The real fear is belief.


PPLLLLEEAAASSEE tell me know you liked it!

I think Karin Kurosaki was way too underrated in Bleach and I wish a spotlight was on her.