I don't own Bleach.
Sun-Bleached Streets Pt. 1
They are twenty and twenty-two. They drift apart.
After Momo hears of Karin's confession, it doesn't sit well to have Toshiro alone in the same room with Karin anymore.
Understandable. Karin has no ill feelings about it.
It doesn't help that she's actively avoiding him either. She does this out of the desire to move on and her own embarrassment (as much as she doesn't want to admit).
Eventually, he quits trying so much.
Karin is sad about their separation, but she acts like she's not affected.
She immerses herself in school and hangs out with her other friends, Yuzu, and even Ichigo more.
"Hey, how are you and Rukia?" Karin asks one morning.
"We're... okay," her brother answers vaguely.
"Hows... Renji?"
"Still not talking to us."
"Oh. I'm sorry."
"He talks to everyone else though. Grimmjow and them. They say he'll get over it. I mean, they dated in high school, but..." Ichigo scratches his head awkwardly when he realizes he's babbling. "You know, you and Grimmjow-"
"Stop right there. We're good. I'm twenty now, and I can take care of myself." Karin doesn't leave room for any more conversation, and she steps away.
She appreciates her stint with Grimmjow, but her interactions with him eventually fell flat, resulting in an amicable break up. She doesn't get hurt and neither does he. Karin considers them friends even. Sometimes, when either of them are feeling lonely, they still meet up.
...
Soon her "fake it till you make it" tactic works, and thoughts of Toshiro cross Karin's mind less often. She only gets reminded of him when she runs into a familiar strawberry blonde while grocery shopping.
"Rangiku?" Karin feigns uncertainty. She knows it's her because Rangiku is hard to miss. Karin thinks she should have not approached her, but she's too old for being scared of trivial small-talk. The woman turns, her beautiful hair dancing from the movement, and a set of perfect teeth show themselves.
"Karin!" She engulfs her a big hug. "I've missed seeing you! And Toshiro has too!"
Karin ignores the last part. "I missed you too! How have you been?"
"Oh, great! Gin and I are going strong, but I can't say the same for my cousin and Momo..." Rangiku continues on, but it falls on Karin's deaf ears.
After a few more sentences of catching up, they bid farewell.
She hears that Momo and Toshiro break up, but she doesn't act on anything. There's nothing to do.
She feels like she's over him, and she continues to have more flings here and there but nothing serious.
Karin is twenty, and she thinks that maybe she's afraid of commitment.
She wouldn't be surprised.
They are twenty-one and twenty-three. She gets caught off guard.
Karin goes out drinking with her friends she's known since she was nine. It's a long night, but Karin doesn't remember much of it.
She wakes up in her bed, and her head throbs. Regretting the cheap alcohol, she stretches her arms weakly, and she's surprised that she hits something. Someone.
Heita.
Karin frowns and tries to piece together what happened in the last few hours.
She figures that she couldn't have slept with him. She has most of her clothes on, and they're all practically siblings now. It would be gross. Heita probably wanted a place to crash for the night to get away from his full house, and Karin let him. Yeah, that must be it.
Karin gets up and goes to the bathroom quietly. Her face is discolored, and she looks like a mess. But it was a fun night, right? After stripping down, she hops into the shower and wraps herself in a towel when she's finished. She heads to the drawers in her bedroom to grab her clothes, and the edges of her eyes catch a body in the doorway. Her head darts, and the look of shock takes over.
Toshiro.
Then her mind catches up to her. She decides to take him to the living room, dragging him by the arm.
"What are you doing here?" she hisses. She's glad Heita is a heavy sleeper.
"Me? You told me you loved me! I wanted-" He pauses, and Karin uses the time to pounce.
"That was two years ago! I can't wait for you forever, Toshiro!" Karin is mad. Very mad. Emotional with too many mental speculations running through her head.
What does he want? Did he expect her to jump into his arms? Like he's her knight-in-shining-armor?
Because she won't, and he's not and never will be.
"I... I just want you back in my life, Karin."
She considers his desperate confession. Karin isn't a mean woman. She's neither cruel nor manipulative, and she isn't one to hold grudges. She concludes that the rift in their friendship isn't solely because of him. It is a two-way street, and she's mature enough to realize that it's her fault too.
Now she thinks she's ready to let him in again.
"Well, Toshiro, first of all, you can call before you visit out of the blue."
They exchange optimistic looks.
Karin is twenty-one, and she forgives him.
They are twenty-two and twenty-four. Now back to childhood best friends.
Karin and Toshiro pick up their friendship as if time hasn't passed by them. Karin has long days at the office, and she doesn't like coming home to an empty apartment. So, she makes a habit of coming to Toshiro's during most weekdays. He still lives in the big house he inherited from his grandmother. She's sure he likes her company as much as she likes his.
"It must be so nice to work from home so much," Karin puts her feet up and turns on the television.
"Some days," Toshiro shrugs and starts the microwave.
"What do you wanna watch today?"
"Hmm, anything." He grabs the popcorn when it's finished and situates himself next to her.
"The Fast and the Furious, it is."
"We watched that yesterday," he frowns.
"You said anything, and I like that movie," Karin reaches over for a handful of the snack. "Don't worry, 'Shiro, we're gonna have a marathon soon."
Toshiro massages his temples, but doesn't protest.
When Karin accidentally falls asleep midway, she wakes up on Toshiro's lap, and he's absently combing her hair with his fingers, his eyes glued to the screen. His touch is cool, almost cold, but she still feels drowsy. She hazily rationalizes that it's a Friday night, so she slips back into unconsciousness.
Karin is twenty-two, and she feels at home.
They are twenty-three and twenty-five. Wedding dates.
Karin and Yuzu are both having a weekend breakfast in the dining room when Ichigo and Rukia announce their big day.
"Finally?" Karin gets up from her seat, too excited to sit.
"Yes, finally," Ichigo affirms.
"How'd you do it?" Yuzu starts her interview, her dazzling smile showing itself.
Rukia blushes at her question. "Oh... you know... the usual... One knee kind of thing..."
Karin rolls her eyes because she can guess what happened. Her brother was never the romantic.
Karin sits back down, and the chat continues, with mostly Yuzu and Rukia talking about wedding logistics. Flowers, table cloths, and centerpieces fly by both Karin and Ichigo, who have their own conversation.
"Hey, Ichigo?"
"Yeah?"
"How'd you know that Rukia was the one? Marriage is a long time." She gives it an afterthought. "Well, it's supposed to be, anyway."
Ichigo purses his lips. "Well, we've been friends for a long time and dating for years now. I think... just the thought of being with Rukia for the rest of my life makes me feel at peace," he answers while looking at his fiancee.
His reply makes Karin smile. She's glad her brother is happy.
"Take care of her, Ichigo."
Karin is laying in her own room when wonders if she will find what Ichigo has. She laughs at herself when she realizes that those were the same thoughts she had when she was a child. She shakes her head. She's twenty-three now. She graduated college, moved out of her family house, and started her career. She's all grown up now. Other than the fact that she hasn't had a relationship that lasted a few months. But minor details, Karin excuses herself. Maybe long-term relationships aren't for her.
She's content, and that's all that matters.
...
A day of work is over, and Karin does her usual raid at Toshiro's house.
"Did you hear the news?" Karin asks through the refrigerator door.
"About your brother and Rukia?" Toshiro already has food in front of him.
"Yeah, them. Oh, and you're out of milk, 'Shiro." Karin settles with just dry cereal and seats herself in front of him.
"Karin, I cook extra dinner because I know you're going to be here, and you... eat breakfast," Toshiro frowns at her measly meal. "You're already-"
"Okay, Dad, I get it. I eat like crap," Karin chows down nevertheless. Toshiro sighs.
"I don't like leftovers, Karin. Eat them tomorrow."
"Yeah, yeah. Anyways, you're not dating anyone right?"
"No."
"Wanna be my partner? You're in the wedding too, right? One of the groomsmen?"
"Yeah, I think so."
"Okay, it's decided then."
...
When the planned date comes around, everyone is excited. In the morning, the girls have made base in Karin's old room. Yuzu and Orihime both gush at Rukia while helping her with her makeup, hair, and dress. Karin is beyond estatic for Rukia, but she feels more in the way than useful. She secretly texts Toshiro to pick her up earlier than planned.
"Thanks. I was dying," Karin smiles gratefully when he pulls up.
"Of course, m'lady," he mocks as Karin lifts her dress to ungracefully slide in the passenger's seat.
Karin rolls her eyes. "Yuzu said we can't be late for pictures, but we have time to kill. Want to grab some food? I'm starving."
"Food before pictures?"
"Okay, okay. How about your favorite?"
"I can do ice cream," Toshiro agrees. "Don't stain your dress. We're partners for pictures too."
"I wouldn't dare."
...
The pair make it to pictures right on the dot, and the ceremony continues with only minor problems. Rukia and Ichigo are both glowing. Orihime and Renji both make their speeches as maid of honor and best man. There's a cute dance with Rukia and Byakuya before Ichigo cuts in, and the newlyweds are in their own world. The cake is sliced, and everyone is left to enjoy the wedding how they want.
Karin goes around and gets acquainted with all of the guests. She knows most of them. Ichigo and Rukia have had the same friend group since they were children, though there have been some additions. She meets Tatsuki, Keigo, Uryu, and more people she can't remember. She says hi to Grimmjow and Nelliel, who are back together for now, and it's as if her and Grimmjow never shared the bed together those sneaky nights.
...
"Ooh! My favorite song! 'Shiro dance with me!" Karin tugs on his sleeve, but he stands still.
"No."
Karin purses her lips, "Fine. I'm going without you." She hands him her second champagne glass and makes her way to the floor.
She dances with a couple of strangers before going back to her table, where Toshiro has been after Karin left him.
"You think Renji would be good in bed?" Karin is tipsy when she says this. She sees the red-haired man on the other side of the room and reminisces on her childhood crush.
Toshiro doesn't answer, sipping his alcohol instead. She thinks he's a bit drunk too.
"He looks sad, doesn't he? I mean, he dated the bride before."
"Yeah, he did," Toshiro enunciates slowly. "Like a decade ago."
"I should go over and cheer him up?" Karin downs the rest of her drink and moves to get up, but her companion stops her. "What are you-"
Lips crash onto hers and the hints of alcohol mingle together. She doesn't have time to register what really happened until he pulls away.
"Let's go."
"But the-"
Toshiro is kissing her again, and she loses her senses.
...
Somehow, they end up in a hotel room. Flurries of light caresses and gentle kisses turn into rough grasps and harsh pants. His suit is off, and she's working on his tie.
All his articles of clothing are soon on the floor, and he helps her out of her dress. There is a release of pent-up emotion and bottled up words throughout the night.
They take a break after the first time. It was quick and raw, and they're both breathing hard.
"Karin-" She silences him with another kiss. She doesn't want this to end, and she doesn't want pesky rationale to get in the way. "Karin, I love you." He manages to get out.
She stops abruptly. "Now's not the time."
It isn't because she doesn't want to deal with this. Not now and maybe not ever.
Toshiro doesn't have time to react to her statement because Karin places her lips all over his neck and continues down. He groans before pulling her into him a second time.
...
When they're finally done, the moon has been up, and the sun will take its reign in a few more hours. They're both sweaty and tired, falling asleep after their last round.
...
...
...
...
...
...
In the afternoon, Karin wakes up in Toshiro's arms. Evidence of the night is smeared all around. However, the thrown clothes and crinkled linens only tell half the story.
She untangles her body from his, dresses herself, and closes the door gingerly.
Karin is twenty-three, and she's terrified.
They are still twenty-three and twenty-five. It's complicated.
Karin doesn't talk about it. When they see each other again, Toshiro's mouth moves, but Karin cuts him off, changing the subject she knows he would bring up.
She doesn't want to talk about it. She tries not to think about it. She acts as if it never happens.
Weeks following, Toshiro tries a little bit more, but Karin always finds a way to shut him down. Soon, he stops.
Karin doesn't think that anyone notices their discord, but, of course, her twin does. It's a weekend, and Yuzu visits.
"Karin, what happened during Ichigo's wedding? You disappeared," Yuzu brings up innocently. But Karin knows Yuzu too, and she knows her question is anything but innocent.
"I-I was feeling tired," Karin stammers.
"Toshiro wasn't there anymore either," Yuzu voices, tapping her index figure to her cheek with her other arm akimbo.
"H-he helped me find somewhere to sleep," Karin mentally slaps herself for her lame justification, though it wasn't a complete lie.
"And you guys have a weird kind of-"
"Okay, Yuzu, I get it. I know you know, and you know what? Not everyone can be like you and Yukio! Who, by the way, bugs the shit out of me. You guys are always peachy, always-"
"Karin, you're deflecting."
"I know! I don't want to talk about it, Yuzu!" Karin wants to storm off, but she knows her sister won't let up. Instead, she cross her arms childishly. Yuzu sighs.
"You're hurting him, Karin."
"I-I..." Karin scrambles for an excuse but comes up empty. "I know... It's just-" She gives up. "He told me he loved me, Yuzu."
"That's good, isn't it?"
"I'm not sixteen anymore," Karin furrows her eyebrows.
"Then you shouldn't be scared anymore."
"I don't know what I want, Yuzu. Relationships- they're not for me, and I can't... I can't lose him."
"Karin, he's been your best friend for how many years?"
"A long time."
"So what makes you think going a step further will make you lose him?"
"Well, I did, didn't I? I confessed, and he left," Karin huffs.
"He had a girlfriend at the time, and you pushed him away. More importantly, he came back to you."
"Well- I don't even know if I love him back! That was a long time ago!"
"It will be too late when you realize what you've lost," Yuzu states matter-of-factly.
"You've said that already," Karin mutters below her breath.
Yuzu is the one to walk away. She got what she wanted out, and she knows how unyielding her sister can be. She goes to cook something for Karin, and Karin is left to think that she doesn't deserve her sibling. And even seven years later, she still wonders what good traits, if any, she got from her parents.
Nevertheless, Karin doesn't bring anything up to Toshiro, and things get less awkward. Pretty soon, it's back to smooth smiles and conversation.
Karin is twenty-three, but she can't shake the feeling that she's back in high school.
My favorite chapter! Toshiro can use a little hurt. A little revenge from their adolescence. I also don't like the thought of Karin completely jumping into Toshiro's arms either. It's not that easy. There's a lot more dialogue and scenes. Hope it's not too out of character. I tried. Next is the riveting conclusion!