They walked in an uncomfortable silence. She gave him a worried look as he fiddled with something he had in his Shihakushō. She sighed, finally giving up. She let go of his hand, "Toshiro, what's up with you today?" She asked. He wouldn't meet her eyes, hell he wouldn't even look at her.
"What do you mean?" He snapped at her, his voice cold and distant. He glanced at her, immediately regretting it. She looked hurt, like she would cry at any moment. He realized what a harsh tone he had used, he sighed deeply.
"I-I'm sorry." He stated. "I haven't been getting much sleep lately an-" he then caught sight of her. She looked tired and irritable.
"You haven't gotten much sleep? What about me huh? I haven't slept in weeks with Kuchiki Taichō working me like a friggin' slave!" through her speech, she had given up on having a civil conversation and started shouting. The look in her eyes was unmistakable, she was clearly upset today and he had just made it a hell of a lot worse.
"Karin…" he said gently, reaching out to put his hands around her waist.
"No." She stated firmly. "You obviously don't want me around today so I'll just leave." She turned and started walking away from him and towards the squad 6 barracks.
He sighed as he pulled something from his Shihakushō. In his hands lay a small black velvet case. He popped the lid with his thumb and starred at what lied inside.
"Taichō!" the unmistakable voice of his fukutaichō rang. She approached seeing him starring at the small box in his hand. She gasped. "Taichō? She didn't say no did she?" She asked, completely surprised.
He gave a sad smile as he shut the box and put it back in his Shihakushō.
"Somehow, I wish she had…"