If I could tell you what this bit of writing is, I would. But, seeing as I don't know myself, I cannot. I don't read/watch Bleach consistently, so I'm not sure where this would fit in. It was just a drabble, so I decided to write it. After some deliberation, I decided to finally post it.
I hope you enjoy. :)
Disclaimer: All characters and rights belong to Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach.
"What are you doing here?"
Toshiro pursed his lips slightly, his eyes narrowing.
Karin turned to him from where she sat at her desk, defiance written across her face.
"If you're looking for Ichigo, he's not here. As always."
Toshiro noted the small lilt of bitterness in Karin's voice. He absently wondered how long it had been since she'd seen her brother.
"I'm not looking for Ichigo," Toshiro returned measuredly.
Karin glared at him, her eyes as dark as a shadow's depths.
"Then what are you here for?"
To the point then, Toshiro thought.
He had mulled over what he would say the whole journey into Karakura Town. He hadn't seen Karin in over a year, and their last meeting hadn't ended on pleasant terms.
Karin did not wait for an answer. She stood to confront him.
Toshiro noticed she'd grown taller. In fact . . . she'd grown physically in several different ways.
Toshiro looked away, ashamed of himself.
"Are you still hunting down Ichigo and Rukia?" Karin demanded to know.
Toshiro sent her a glance, wanting to be understood.
"They're orders, Karin."
"Orders? Toshiro, you chose to accept those orders! You don't have to do anything that old—!"
"Karin, if I were to refuse, I would be evicted from my position as Captain of Squad Ten!"
Karin stared at him, a gleam of hurt in her eyes.
"So, it's all a matter of pride to you?" she posed softly.
Toshiro swallowed, clenching his jaw.
"I didn't come here to argue. . ." he forced out, attempting to sound levelheaded.
Karin crossed her arms.
"Then what are you here for, Toshiro?"
Toshiro didn't hesitate, guiding the conversation back to more general subjects.
"I'm here tracking some Hollows that have grouped up."
"No, Toshiro, why are you here?" Karin emphasized, gesturing around her small bedroom.
Toshiro hesitated to speak his mind.
"I wanted to see you."
"Why?" questioned Karin.
Toshiro treated her to a sarcastic look.
"Why do you think? I haven't seen you in a year. I've missed you."
Karin considered this for a few minutes, her expression softening.
"Have you seen Ichigo lately?" Karin asked, tone nicer than before.
Toshiro frowned and shook his head.
Karin nodded; she had expected as much.
"Well, how's Rangiku?"
"Annoying," Toshiro answered firmly.
Karin smiled.
"When you guys aren't here, it's like I'm the one living the false life, and wherever you guys are, that's where the true life is. I miss you a lot when you're not here. All of you."
"I'll try to come around more often," Toshiro promised.
Karin shook her head; that was like him promising her the moon.
"Is school—?"
Karin made a face, forbidding the subject.
Toshiro raised an eyebrow.
"I hate it when you ask me stuff like that. You treat me like a little girl still."
"You are a little girl, compared to me," Toshiro joked.
Karin shook her head again.
She treated him to a look that Toshiro knew but had never personally received.
Toshiro backed into the light emitting from the window, realizing it was time to be responsible.
Karin's face adopted shadow. Toshiro did not need to see her to know that disappointment was written all over her features.
"I'll see you soon," Toshiro murmured.
"You're a liar, Toshiro."
Toshiro slid open the window, sad.
As he exited her room, he replied in a whisper, "I know."
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