"The First Time They Met…"
A Bleach story.
Rated T (for language, mostly)…rating may go up if the story continues.
Pairings: HitsuKarin…duh. OH, the other pairings. Only confessing to Ichirukia for now.
Disclaimer: Tite Kubo's mess. I'm just fixing and clarifying it.
WARNING: Major Spoilers for the end of the Fullbring arc. Like 479ish. Nothing too specific, but those of you that are spoiler sensitive may break out in too much information rash.
Synopsis: A half-naked, in shape, injured, dead, samurai ghost boy was sitting at Urahara's table drinking tea. With white hair…
Author's Notes:
I DEEPLY APOLOGISE OF THE GRAMMER/MISSPELLINGS/STRANGE WORDINGS… I PROMISE, there will be a scrub. Really. Trust me, it grates me every time I reread it and I see one.
Also, I made note that Youririchi's eyes in the first chapter to be green. They are not. It will be fixed in the scrub.
PLEASE NOTE: Some of this may seem OOC, but do realize this is from Karin's POV and she still doesn't know him yet. It makes sense at the end.
I repeat, I am an American. We use pounds, miles…none of that metric stuff. I refuse to convert, you can't make me!
REVIEWS: OMG.
Seriously. I have never got such a response. THANK YOU! I cannot believe the positive response for a story I am writing on a whim. While I have written PMs to several of you, yet again, decided to concentrate on writing the story. Trust me, I read every review at least 10 times!
JUST WATCH ME: Thanks. I really try to do good character development. To me, that's the best part of the story. Yeah, I'll say it again. Betabetabeta.
LAZYGUY90: Poof! Karin is a super amazing Shinigami with ridiculous powers. They did that already. It's Called Bleach. So yeah, I defiantly agree with you there. While Karin will be an amazing Shinigami, she is NOT her brother.
CA99OLINE: I didn't know there was a track there. I just pulled the name off the map where I thought the city west of Karakura town would be. Thanks for the info!
ANNE ROSE: Yup. I saw them too. I will start the scrub after a few more chapters.
DJANGELYNN : hmm...Yuzu…I really didn't think much of her, outside the fact she is seen in the anime to perceive the ghost world abet dimly. I'll have to think about that one.
ELLIE22: Thanks for both of your reviews. And the compliment about my writing (I blushed when I first read it) I understand how a good story can keep you up past bedtime! Never thought any of mine were that good.
GLOWING BLUE: OMG! Thanks! I have found that amazing characters doing the most mundane things are usually amusing. Karin is, after all, a Kurosaki. And as much as she should be perceived to be her own person, she still has some of the Kurosaki quirks. I believe she is the most patient of the family but is still short tempered. And she has her brother and father's tendency for violence; though she does keep it in check most of the time. Indeed, she is more like the males of her family than her own twin. But she has seen them over the years and strives not to copy their behavior (as much); probably the reason she looks so pissed off all the time.
WILLDIEFOREVER, COUNTDOWN, RAVENBLACK, MARYGOROUND, ELARHY, VOLRHEINRHEIN, KALI98, STELZARINTOR, BOSRONALD, SYLPH, FUZICLOUD, HUUSIN, ELLYHUANG1986, and VANILLAMOSTLY thank you all for your kind words. I hope you will all appreciate this chapter as well.
XXXxxxXXXxxxXXX
CHAPTER: 3 INTERACTIONS
Thoughts
Zanpakuto
XXXxxxXXXxxxXXX
KARIN
'Toushirou Hitsugaya,' Karin reflected. 'Is a really amusing guy to be around.' Her opinion had changed over the course of the day thus far, but she decided just watching him could be better than any TV programme she could ever think of.
This latest session involved him standing in the office supply store, watching him interact with the various sales clerks and managers. IT was downright hilarious to watch. Karin caught herself several times about to laugh out loud, which she was sure would bring the ire of the boy in center of everything.
Regardless, observing him made her realize another amusing piece of this strange, dead boy's personality; he absolutely, positively, with no doubt in her mind that he hated to be referred as a child. 'It explains why he got mad at my little ghost comment.'
Still, it was hard not to burst out laughing when the manager, at first, treated him like an errant schoolboy. She saw how Hitsugaya quietly steamed (and she swore that the store's ambient temperature dropped a few degrees) and stiffly handed two credit cards to the offending woman, saying, "Before you say anything else, I would highly recommend checking the cards and calling the number on the order."
Then, he positively seethed on the desk chair displays, waiting for the manager to return. Karin felt that if he had made eye contact with anyone who angered him, they would be incased in ice. 'Maybe I think cold stuff due to his hair, his name, and his wintery disposition.' She privately guessed.
A few minutes later Mrs. Oh!-what-a-cute-little-boy-here-have-some-candy-while-we-call-your-parents manager lady had returned with an army of salesmen behind her and an attitude adjustment. She became -my-god!-I-am-not-worthy-of-looking-at-you-can-I-lick-your-shoes? And indulged his every whim.
The change was not lost on Hitsugaya, and he took full advantage of it.
He commanded the mass of clerks, demanding to inspect samples of each and every item on his list. If it met with his approval, the item was placed on a new list, which one of the harried clerks was writing. If someone just looked at him wrong, Hitsugaya glared back at him icily, daring the adult to say anything.
He also demanded that 'Miss Kurosaki' be allowed to test all the office chairs for 'swivelability.' One of the clerks told her to stop rotating the chair she was sitting in while they were waiting for the manager. 'The guy was pretty nasty about it, too!' She was glad he included him in his revenge against the adults.
As amusing as the situation was, it just reminded her of who he is. Karin's list of the mysterious Ghost Boy's strange quirks was getting longer. 'Like how he seems to know what people are doing, even behind him.' She thought as swiveled back and forth watching him handle the adults with ease. He even made sure their frantic running around was efficient.
'That's some serious leadership skills.' Karin startled herself with the sudden thought. Her first year in middle school landed her the position of assistant captain of the girls' soccer club, plus all those times she led her elementary friends to victory when they couldn't lead themselves out of a box; Karin could say she had some experience with leadership. But Hitsugaya; he was on whole different level. It made her wonder what he exactly did in the world of the undead. Her sudden mental picture of him leading the charge of zombies up a hill to defeat daemons wielding REJECT stamps nearly made her laugh out loud.
Almost an hour later, Hitsugaya's was satisfied with the list. The manager ('who's still licking his boot heels,' Karin thought) informed them that the clerks would retype the order up and arrange a delivery date; however, it would take some time. So, if they wanted to, they could look around the store to pass the time.
'Like they didn't bring half the store to us already, 'Karin sourly thought as she stood up, brushing her jeans off. "Did you enjoy yourself?" She asked him as he approached her.
"Immensely. Did you enjoy spinning in circles until you were green in the face?"
She grinned. "Immensely" After a few moments she asked Hitsugaya, "Do you want to look around?"
"Not really. Do you?" He asked back.
"No, but I don't wanna sit anymore." He shrugged and grabbed his bag. Karin, upon looking at the bedraggled thing, Karin knew were to go in the store. "Come on, let's look at bags."
A confused look crossed his face but he followed her down the store aisles until they arrived at a wall of luggage. 'Well, it is,' she told herself. Backpacks, briefcases, tablet bags, schoolbags, book bags; the store seemed to have it all.
"So," he said, looking at her. "What are you looking for?"
Karin shook her head and tugged on the strap of his shouldered canvas bag. "I was thinking of you. I think that bag of yours is ready for retirement."
After an hour 9or more if you count the train ride) of Hitsugaya acting like an adult, seeing the child-like expression of absolute horror that he had as he clutched the old bag of his to his chest was startling. And amusing. And confusing. It just added more to the mystery that is Toushirou Hitsugaya, Undead Shinigami Boy.
However, his face very quickly reverted back to his usual (''Well, I think it is his usual,' she thought) steely gaze and frown.
"So this bag is a little worse for wear. It's still functional." His voice took a haulty tone.
Karin rolled her eyes and started to look through the endless racks of bags. "Its usability isn't the question. It's how it looks. You took the time to dress nicely and adultish, you should carry a bag that looks the part, too." She didn't look at him on purpose, but she knew she was right. He was dressed well, black button down shirt, white tie, black slacks and black loafers. All looking good and professional on him. Though the red and grey hoodie is slightly childish.' She silently giggled. She also vowed never to reveal that point to him on pain of death.
She heard him mumble. While she couldn't make it all out, she did hear the words "Worked…academy…two weeks…sensei…sanding floors…money…"
Again, Karin had to stifle a laugh. His swings from maturity to bratty behavior were extremely amusing. However, his mumbling gave her more information about his world. She wanted to ask questions about undead economy and education, but she elected not to let him know she had heard him. 'Besides, he'd probably clam up.' She silently decided. After a few moments, she heard him sigh and start to rifle through the miraed of bags.
After ten minutes of "Too girly," and "Too old manish," and "It's ugly" Karin was about to give up on the whole idea. Granted, it was her idea, but she was getting pissed off by his picky behavior. But she soldiered on, too stubborn to admit she was wrong. 'Like he's too stubborn to admit he needs a new bag.'
"Here's a black one- no you said you hated that style. Here's a pink, red, pink again. This one has a dragon on it, another pink…"
"What colour?"
He spoke so suddenly that she physically jerked. "Huh?"
"The dragon one, what colour is it?"
She shrugged. "It's black."
"The dragon or the bag?"
'Why was that important?' She turned to look at him. He was halfway down the aisle, hanging up a backpack on a hook. He then started to walk towards her. "Both are black," she finally answered.
He stopped and spoke up. "Well that's stupid. Why bother going through the expense to put a design on the bag if you are going to use the same colour?"
"Oh, no. The bag is MOSTLY Black. The dragon is on a panel of a different colour.
Karin swore that Hitsugaya's eyes lit up. "What colour?"
Again, she was curious why it was important. 'Guess he has a thing for dragons.' Karin knelt down to the hook of bags she was going through and found the one in question. "It's…baby blue." She said with some disgust. Blue was not her colour.
Hitsugaya kneeled down beside her and pulled on the one they had been discussing, causing the whole hook of bags to fall on the floor. Startled, she stood up and observed him stand and start to inspect the bag.
It was a simple basic messenger bag designed to fit a laptop. It was black with 1/3 of the over flap was in blue. There a Chinese style dragon motif embroidered on it. It had pockets for phones, pen, and such and over flap was closed by to clips. The interior design was one open pocket and a foam divider for the laptop. It was this cushion that was perplexing Hitsugaya, for he pinched the material and asked, "What's this for?"
"It's for the laptop."
"Laptop?" He looked confused.
'Another strange hole in his knowledge.' Karin rolled her eyes. "Oh wise and all-knowing Shinigami is familiar with computers but not laptops?"
He scowled at her. "I know what a laptop IS, but I didn't know they made bags for them."
"Well, duh. Wouldn't be as portable without something to carry them in. So they make specialized bags for them."
He blinked at her. Then slowly, he asked, "This store sells laptops, right?"
"Yeah, in the back. There's a whole section for them."
Without replying, Hitsugaya dropped the bag, spun around and headed towards the computer section. "Hey, Hitsugaya!" she called out, stopping him. "What about the bag?"
He paused, turning his head to look behind at her. "Bring it," he ordered and then continued on his way.
Karin stared at his receding figure, slightly surprised. 'Back to rude Ghost Boy again, eh?' She shook her head. After picking up the bag in question, she started to make her way towards the computer department. 'He's so strange. I wonder if all dead teens are like that.'
She finally caught up with him a few minutes later. She had taken the 'scenic' route through the store, stopping to pick up some pens and notebooks she suddenly remembered she needed for school. So when she arrived at the computers, the scene she witnessed was in full force. Whether or not it was hilarious or sad she could not decide which.
Apparently the computer department had heard of Hitsugaya's credit rating and were swarming around him like bees to pollen. And again, Hitsugaya managed to organize the cluster of adults to do his bidding and answer his questions. It would be impressive if not for the expression of incredulous wonder on the boy's face.
"So," she heard him speak when she approached the laptop display section. "With this computer and that word processing program, I can create documents that can be typed on but essentially not changed, so they can be used over and over again? And this program will work with this data base program and spreadsheet program I can manage book keeping, keep track of files and both programs can export their information to the documents to create forms that can be printed out – ready to sign?"
The swarm of nerdy sales clerks nodded. "Yes sir," one spoke up. "And, if you have a LAN or an internet connection and other terminals, you can have others use the program and the forms you created without touching this machine."
This time, Hitsugaya looked at the clerk like he just solved all the problems in the world. This time Karin could not hold back the laughter in. The expression disappeared in a flash as the boy frowned and narrowed his eyes at the girl. "Amused Karin?"
"Oh, hahahHAHAHAHAhaaaa! Oh yes, but you forgot to ask if it had a good video card. Or RAM or what the chip is."
Now Hitsugaya looked confused. But the sales clerk spoke up. "For what he wants to do, he really doesn't need a top of the line video card."
Karin looked at the sales clerk, who looked about one or two years older than Ichigo, and said, "Really? Look at him again and repeat that."
The clerk looked at the very confused Hitsugaya. The man opened his mouth then closed it. After a moment he replied, "The girl's right. He needs a top of the line system with all the bells and whistles." With those words, the clerks scattered to rummage through the in stock supply of laptops.
"What?" Hitsugaya closed his mouth. He shook his head. "Karin, I don't understand why it is so important about a video card and the other stuff you mentioned?"
She shrugged. "Photos and videos, but the most important thing a computer can be (and should be) used for is games."
"Karin, I am NOT playing games on my computer."
"Uh-huh."
"Besides, don't most come with games already installed like Ma Jong and solitaire?"
Karin shook her head and tapped him on the shoulder with her knuckles. "They do, BUT the best games are usually bought or downloaded. And besides, don't you want the best? You should get the best computer you can afford. It does make things go faster and look better."
"True, I suppose." He considered, crossing his arms. "But I don't plan on playing games on it! I plan on using it as a demonstration to my 'boss' on how technology would speed up work."
"Uh-huh."
"Whatever, I do not have to justify my reasoning to you."
'Yeah but I'd bet he buys a game by the end of the week. Boys and their toys, dead or alive.' She snickered to herself.
The clerks returned, interrupting the feuding pair. They brought the results of their search to Hitsugaya for his approval. After hemming and hawing (Not to mention Karin's input; which was not really welcomed by both parties) they were at the register checking out. Hitsugaya had in his possession a brown cardboard box with a handle, sporting the latest model 17 inch screen Laptop.
"Is that all you are getting?" He asked Karin, pointing to her small pile of stuff.
"Yeah, I needed some supplies for school."
He looked at her for a second then turned to the cashier. "I am paying for this stuff, too. Bag it separately."
Karin's eyes widened in surprise. Sure it wasn't a lot or even expensive, and she understood he just bought a computer and some very expensive business software on a whim, so he could afford it but… "There's no need," She protested, breaking out her wallet. "I can pay for it."
"Tch." He replied pushing her hand away and handing the cashier his credit card. "Who says you have a choice?"
Karin looked at him, frowning. "I don't need charity." She answered evenly.
Hitsugaya stared back. "Who said anything about charity?"
Karin realized he wasn't going to budge. "Ok," she answered, putting her wallet away. "But I am buying lunch."
"Whatever."
XXX
'Karin, you idiot,' she thought miserably. 'Living in a house with a teenage boy, you should have suggested something cheaper, like ramen, instead of American fast food. Especially when you are buying.'
But she did promise, and now she looked at her children's meal and his food. Which was enough to feed three people, and sighed. Her wallet was now considerably lighter. She ate slowly, trying to make it last, at the booth they were sitting. She idly watched Hitsugaya inhale his food without looking like a pig and pondering the white haired ghost boy.
'He is easy to like, I think. I like his gruff persona he displays. But underneath, he seems to be a softie.' She thought, chewing on a french fry. 'He's very commanding, and gives orders like he has done it all his life. But he has issues interacting with people, so he comes off grouchy and annoyed all the time, it seems.' She felt that her observations, though only for 24 hours were right on the mark.
Karin also considered his 'slips' of the tongue as he let out pieces of his world. She felt she may have to take notes soon to keep track of them all. While not answering her biggest concern, those vague choices, they were information. 'It was a good idea to tag along with him. Not the information I wanted, but I am getting some information about this shinigami world.' Still, following a complete (and dead) stranger to another town wasn't the smartest thing she ever did. 'Gotta love that impulsive Kurosaki quirk.'
"Are you still hungry?"
So deep in her thoughts Karin nearly jumped out of her seat. "Huh?"
Hitsugaya glanced at her, standing up. "I'm still hungry, are you? I noticed you didn't order much. But with your…" he paused, quickly glancing around the crowded dining room. "Gifts, especially at the level you are at, you need to eat more." Then he glared at her. "You aren't on some diet? I heard the girls…here…like to go on diets because of some toothpick in a fashion magazine."
"What?" She blurted, indignant. "No way am I on a diet!"
He nodded. "Good. You didn't look stupid or shallow, but you never know these days. I'll get food for the both of us." He left, leaving a baffled Karin in his wake.
'Problems interacting with people? Yeppers. However that explains why I can eat like a horse and don't gain anything and Yuzu so much looks at a sweet, she complains about gaining 5 pounds.' She sighed, her hand on her chin.
'Speaking of looks, he's nice looking. I mean, if he was just an ordinary boy at school, I'd might consider him 'cute.' Karin cringed at that thought as she chewed on her fries. Not because that he wasn't cute, on the contrary, he was very good looking by any girls' standards. It was because Karin had to continuously remind herself that he was a Shinigami. Like dead. She wondered if the boy has a sweetheart waiting for him in the 'Spiritual Realm.' He had to, someone like him. 'And probably better looking and acting than me.' Karin morosely thought. She knew she wasn't pretty enough for most boys and her personality was grating enough that it scared off the one who did think she was datable.
"Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, or banana?"
Again, Hitsugaya startled her, this time making the ketchup covered French fry fly from her hands and onto the floor. "What?" Slightly pissed. "He REALLY needs to stop doing that.'
Hitsugaya pointed towards the cashiers. "The lady asked if I wanted a shake and I do. Do you want one and what flavor? Hurry up, I am holding up the line."
"Chocolate?" she responded. He nodded, smirking, He turned around and started to walk back to the front counter, but said before he left, "Might want to wipe the ketchup off of your face."
'Ketchup? Oh, yeah. The fry, him jumping out of the bushes.' Then she remembered an incident yesterday involving a ghost boy and a pair of hakama. "Bastard!" she muttered as she wiped her face. "I'm taking back every good thing I ever thought about him."
He returned moments later with a tray ladened with burgers, fries and two shakes, one vanilla and one chocolate.
"Enjoyed your revenge?" Karin said primly.
"Importune as it was, yes, yes I did. Eat your food." With that Hitsugaya slid back into his seat and took a burger.
Between bites, they talked about the events of the office store. He told her that the delivery was on Thursday so he'd most likely would be leaving on Friday. This made Karin a little sad; she was enjoying her time with him. 'But he is an undead ghost that has paperwork to do. I may not see him again.' She decided to ask him, "Are you done shopping then?"
"I can only hope, but…" He paused, scowling. "I promised my 'sister' a shopping trip. Knowing her, she will drag me along to all the clothes and shoe stores." He made a face of pure horror and disgust.
"So, you don't like shopping then?" Karin was a little disappointed. She was enjoying herself thus far. As for shopping, she didn't mind it, even when Yuzu did the same thing, clothes and shoe stores. 'Must be an X chromosome thing,'
His answer was a very empathic, "NO."
They finished eating in silence. As Karin wiped her hands with napkins, she noticed the time on her watch. "Hey, if we hurry, we can make the next train back."
Hitsugaya blinked. "What about that sports store you were talking about? You want to come all this way without going?"
"Well…" She looked down her cheeks touched by a blush of embarrassment. "I really don't have…" Lunch, at least the part she paid for, was expensive. 'Besides, the money I've been saving for those new cleats is still at home.'
"Well," he said, standing up and piling their garbage on the tray. "We could at least look, right?"
"I thought you said you hated shopping."
"I do." Hitsugaya stood up straight, tray in one hand and pointing behind her with the other. "I just don't wish to run in that."
She turned in her seat to look out the window. 'Apparently the heavens decided to realize all their water at once.' She thought slightly dejectedly. 'Run? Hell, I don't want to walk in it.' Then she thought of something. Karin turned back around and asked, 'Hitsugaya, do you have…?"
He had returned from the garbage and was now holding up a small folded umbrella, not unlike the one around her wrist. He was smirking. 'Bastard! He DOES read minds!'
"Any more questions, queries or complaints? No? Then lead on, Karin."
'That smirking little brat!'
XXX
Karin was glad for the rain, despite her shoes getting soaked and being chilled even with a hoodie on. The two umbrellas meant they could not walk side to side on the sidewalk. Pouring rain meant both would rather hurry than walk and make idle conversation.
So she couldn't ask questions. But she really didn't want to talk to him at this moment. She felt an undefinable feeling of oddness that seemed to get stronger as the day wore on. At first, she chucked it as the fact he was dead, having spiritual powers of some sort, and/or being a shinigami. Now, she was wondering if it was just him; his personality. While she liked his personality, it was…unsettling. Like something was off. She didn't know him well enough figure it out, or even to be sure about the whole feeling. 'Women's' intuition or just the fact I'm reading too much into a person I barely knew, I don't know. Heck, I could just be crazy. It's like…a small cloud going a different direction than the rest. I know it's wrong, but I just don't know the reason yet.'
Karin also wondered if the feeling could be linked to the fact Hitsugaya simply did not want to discuss any 'Spiritual Realm' stuff with her. 'Maybe that's why he seems to throw me off balance so much.' After all, he said he could not talk about it. 'Maybe, but he started it. Like I'm not supposed to be curious after that speech about 'choices.' The thought was childish, but the truth.
Karin turned the corner to the street the store was on. But her thoughts were on the truth. The truth about the ominous choices. The truth about the world Ichigo is now re-involving himself in. The truth about this boy that was so much a kid but so much not. All these questions rolled around in her head until she wanted to scream out loud, "What is the meaning of all this?"
But Karin didn't. She couldn't. She already had the feeling that Hitsugaya held his cards close to his chest and he would not give any information up even if he was forced to. 'Patience, Karin, Patience.' She thought as she opened the door to the sporting goods shop. 'He tends to slip up when he isn't paying attention. I may not have my questions answered, but I am getting information. That's far more than in the past. I may have to accept that.'
Karin shut her umbrella and stomped the excess water off on the rug in the foyer of the store. Hitsugaya did the same. She looked around, trying to get her bearings. 'They rearranged the store again,' she sighed mentally. She glance to his direction and said, "It's been awhile, just give me a…" Then she saw IT.
Any thoughts of shinigamis or ghosts or choices completely left her head as she saw. These are the ones she had been saving for since she saw them in the soccer magazine. These have been haunting her dreams since she saw them in a store in KaraKura. Her holy grail. A primeval squeal worked its way up from her throat as she practically teleported to the display.
"OH MY GOD! They have them, and far cheaper!"
She heard Hitsugaya come up behind her. "What the hell was that all about?" He grouched.
"These!" She pointed to the display of a soccer cleat.
"They're…shoes." He sounded disappointed.
"Not just shoes, but the best cleats ever! They were designed by the best (and my personal favourite) player in the entire world! They even have his name stitched on them." She gushed in excitement. She had squirreled away a part of her allowance (so far) for half a year for them. She figured she would have to purchase them this fall. 'But this store's prices, I may be able to get them in time for the summer!' And just in time, too. He old cleats were beginning to get snug and there were holes starting to wear.
Hitsugaya sat his laptop down between them and picked up the display sample. He examed the shoe, tugging on the tongue, looking inside it, bending it. Frowning he looked at her and said, "They're crap. And for the yen they are charging for it, not worth the material they are made of."
His pronouncement stunned Karin. He dreams of this most coveted cleat now deflated. Whisked away by an undead ghost boy that she did not think was lying, even though she only knew him for 24 hours. SO, after a moment of crestfallen despair, she managed to squeak out a "Why?"
Hitsugaya looked at her puzzled, but he shook his head and spoke up. "If you look at the inseam, it is an only a single stitch. There's no reinforcement on the toe and…"
He continued long enough for Karin to move past depression and become curious. 'How does he know this?'
She asked him that when he finished his speech. He sighed, putting the shoe back on its display. "I learned it from my 'sister,' the one I mentioned? Well, she loves to shop for shoes, and she manages to drag me along. She loves to talk about her purchases. Actually, she just loves to talk. So over the years, she has shared with me her knowledge of finding quality made shoes. After so many repeats, the information just got stuck in my brain." He frowned. "And, I really hate to say, when it comes to quality in shoes and clothes, she's generally correct. Now, her fashion sense, well…"
Karin looked at him, jaw agape.
"Karin?" he queried, looking concerned.
She shook her head. "I think that's the most I have ever heard you say and it was all about shoes. My sister would have a field day with you."
Hitsugaya's eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to say something back at her when he was interrupted.
"Can I assist you?"
Both Karin and Hitsugaya turned to the sound of the voice. A male salesman. Looking to be in his mid-20, stood before them.
"Actually you can," Hitsugaya spoke up, his arms crossed. "Do you have better quality footwear than this piece of junk?" he asked, head nodding at the shoe in question.
Karin could see what was going through the salesman's mind as he looked at the punkish white hair, then to the computer box, then to Hitsugaya's piercing eyes. 'I'd bet he's thinking that the kid has money, and he'd be right.'
The salesman smiled, a rather slippery oily smile, and gestured. "Indeed we do, sir. This way to our top of the line sports shoes."
They followed him to a display near the register. The shoe he was interested in showing them was locked up in a clear box. 'What the hell?' she thought surprised as the man opened the box up with some keys. 'Why do they have it locked up? Who would steal one shoe anyways?' The man handed the shoe to Hitsugaya who inspected it for a few moments.
He finally shrugged and handed her the sample. "It's well made, what do you think?"
Karin did her own observations. The colour wasn't her favourite, a pale green and black. Some of the leather was suede, which Karin thought 'Was a bitch to clean.' But the overall design was pleasing and the cleats were removable, unlike her dream pair. "I dunno, ok I guess," she finally spoke up.
"The real test is how they feel, madam," the sales clerk blithely said.
"Oh, I can't," Kari replied waving her hands in front of her. "My socks are soaked and besides they are not the proper socks, so I don't think I get a good feel for them if I tried them on." She was, however, getting an ugly feeling that she could not even dream of purchasing the cleats; not in a thousand years.
Hitsugaya scowled at her and pointed to an end cap nearby filled with socks. "Are they the correct socks?"
"Uhm…yeah?"
He marched over to the socks, grabbed a 3 pack, marched back over and tossed them at Karin. "Tell the man your size." And to the salesman he said, "We are buying the socks."
Numbly, Karin did what she was told. She peeled off her damp shoes and socks. Opening the bag, she placed the new socks on her feet. She fidgeted a little waiting for the salesman's return. 'It's like what I was thinking before; I'm getting the strange feeling again.' She did want to try them on, but personally, she did not want to. She was afraid that she was going to like, no love, these cleats and she would not be able to afford them, ever.
The man returned with a box holding a pair of the offending shoes. Karin sighed and pulled the shoes out and placed them on her feet. Standing up, she walked around and rotated her ankles and flexed her he toes.
They were like walking on clouds.
Meanwhile the salesman was going on and on about how remarkable they are. How they came with 3 kinds of cleat studs, one set in metal and another in hard plastic. How there was entire teams in Europe and South America wearing this shoe. And all Karin could do was sigh. She loved them. She sat back down and, a little sadly, started to remove them.
"Well?" Hitsugaya asked.
"They are expensive and way too good for me."
He scowled. "I'll clarify: Well, how do they feel? Do you like them?"
She reverently placed the cleats back in their box. Looking up she saw the anxious salesman and the impatient Hitsugaya staring at her. 'I could lie, but I think he could see right through me' she took a deep breath and released it. "They are perfect. Like perfect clouds. Like the ones I cannot afford."
Then, in that split second she knew what Hitsugaya was going to do; he was going to buy them for her. "No, no, NO!" She abruptly stood up, leaning furiously towards the boy. "Don't you DARE!"
The boy crossed his arms again and cocked an eyebrow. "Dare what?"
"Excuse me…" the salesman started to say.
"Get lost!" Both Hitsugaya and Karin chorused in unison, scaring the salesman who immediately went scampered off.
"Again, Karin, what do I dare?" His voice was tense and even.
She knew she was right, this strange feeling she was having all day, his pattern of behavior thus far. 'Why? Why is he doing…! She gasped out loud when the revelation hit her. 'Is this about Ichigo? I bet it is!' Kari took a deep breath and released her fury in a calm even voice. "I DO NOT want my brother's hand me downs and I DO NOT accept charity when I do not need it!"
"This isn't about your brother…"
"Then what is this about?" She scathed, not letting him finish. "If not my brother then what? What would compel you to buy expensive stuff for a complete stranger? Charity? My Dad may not be the richest doctor in town but he does provide for us pretty well. So Hitsugaya, what is your reason?"
His face faulted into a dozen emotions quickly, until it settled on what Karin perceived was his normal apathetic scorn face. "My reasons are my own…"
She interrupted again. "Wrong answer! I will not accept that!" Karin grabbed her stuff and returned his glare. "I don't give a shit what you do but I will NOT accept your charity or things that should be given to my brother!" She stomped off, throwing the statement, "AND I paying for the damn socks. SO THERE!" to the flabbergasted Hitsugaya and retreated further into the store.
A few minutes later found Karin on the concrete floor nestled between bins of new and used soccer balls, she wondered if she went too far. 'What if he hates me?' she thought and she slowly put on her damp socks and shoes. 'And why do I care? No, no, I KNOW I was right! Stationary and lunch is one thing, but those cleats…'
She sighed. Karin did want them, badly. Heck, she needed them. She was starting to get blisters with the current pair. 'But are they worth the emotional drama?' The day, thus far, had been, confusing emotionally. And it was wearing on Karin's nerves. At this point she even felt like crying, something she hasn't done in years. 'It's all so confusing. Why, why, WHY? Why me? And why (and how) does he push my buttons so? And why the vague choices, the real reason I followed him around today? I have gotten nothing about them and I get the feeling that's important…and deliberate. Maybe, maybe the gifts are a distraction...no, no…' She sighed closing her eye as she rested against the cement block wall. 'I dunno what to do now. He's probably taken off now.' Somehow that hurt. She didn't understand why.
After running her mind in circles and getting no conclusions, Karin decided she needed to move. Eyeing the used soccer bin next to her, she figured she could burn some of this anxious nervousness by finding a decent used ball. After about ten minutes of digging, she found one that was reasonably intact. Armed with her purchases, she headed towards the register to pay.
Hitsugaya was there, checking out.
"He's still here? Why didn't…?'
Her thoughts were once again interrupted by the boy in question. "What colours do you like: Shades of blue, black and white, black and red, black and pink, black and blue or pink and white?"
Taken aback (again!) Karin answered truthfully, "Red and black."
To the man behind the counter, Hitsugaya said, "The black and white one and a red and black one, please."
Karin's mind finally caught up. "What's this about, Hitsugaya?"
"Well, since we are both getting new shoes, I figured we could get these shoe bags for them, too."
"Both..?" Apparently, by one of the boxes on the counter, after she stormed off, he found some running shoes for himself... the other cardboard box on the counter both frightened and thrilled her. "Oh no, I told you, you are not buying …"
"Bought." He replied easily, retrieving his credit card and the receipt from the cashier.
She watched in awe as the cashier placed her ('Yes HERS!') shoes and shoe bag in a plastic sack and handed it to Hitsugaya. "I don't…" she began feebly.
"Don't. Don't mention your brother and don't say the word 'charity.'" He looped the plastic bag around her wrist and grabbed his purchases. Walking towards the exit, he shot out, "Hurry up and pay for your socks. I don't have all day!"
XXX
'This day…this day has been between great and horrid but always confusing.' Karin thought glumly on the train ride back. Outside picking some food up to eat while they waited for their train to arrive, they did not speak to each other.
Now the silence continued on yet another empty train car. She was leaning against the window facing the rest of the seat. She had tucked her knees up under her chin and wrapped her arms around them. Karin stared blankly at the bag that was at her toes. 'The bag that holds the 800 lbs. gorilla…wearing cleats.'
Embarrassed by the fact she fell in love with the cleats so fast, she desperately wanted to look at them. To hold them. But she wouldn't, couldn't. To acknowledge and approve of their existence meant… 'Meant he won.' What he won, she didn't know. 'And the consolation prize is nice shoes and a gorilla.' Karin had no doubt what the gorilla was, and how Hitsugaya deftly steered her way from talking about it all day.
Those…vague…ominous…choices.
She sighed audibly, loud and rather drawn out for what seemed a thousand times since boarding. Hitsugaya apparently chose to ignore her, and she refused to start the conversation. 'At this point, I'll take any victory, even one as petty as not breaking the silence first.' To achieve her goal, she had been refusing to acknowledge his existence, in the bench seat next to her.
"You have my permission, you know," Hitsugaya finally spoke up. She peered at him out of the corner of her eye. He was also leaning against the window, eyes closed and his white hair silhouetted against the darkening sky. Flashes of lightning could be seen in the distance. He was, however, sprawled out, with the laptop tucked under the crook of his knees.
She wanted to punch him. Anger, confusion, and despair warred inside of her. 'If I shake him enough, will the truth come loose?' Again, she sighed. She didn't know what to say or do.
One eye opened ad Hitsugaya peered at her. "You can look at the shoes, they are yours, you know."
"Why are they mine? Why me? Why this? Why my brother? Why do I have to make choices about things I don't understand? Why, why, WHY!" The questions bubbled out until she was screaming at the end.
Outside the train, thunder rumbled.
Hitsugaya, sighed as he shifted from his reclining position to face her. "Look, I told you this isn't about your brother…"
"You know, telling me that and not giving any reason doesn't help! So why? Why would you buy such expensive gift to a complete stranger? Why? Why do I matter? Why am I important? What's special about me that you would do such a thing? The only reason I can see is Ichigo. He's the only connection between me and you. So I HAVE to ASSUME it's has to do with whatever you guys 'owe' him."
He sighed, yet again, looking at the floor. "No that's not it."
"Charity, then? Look, I told you I don't need it."
"It's not that, either."
"THEN WHAT?" Karin yelled, her voice echoing in the car. She stood up, glaring at the top of his head, her hands fisted at her sides. "What is the REASON? Because, after today, I believe I deserve and explanation!"
He didn't speak.
"Damn you." Karin's voice was pure venom. She flopped back down on her seat. Elbows on knees, she covered her eyes with the heels of her hands. She was so precariously close to tears. 'Why is he so…so frustrating? I don't understand.'
"Karin, look at me." Hitsugaya spoke, but she could not look at him, not right now.
After a moment, she felt something cool on her cheek. Startle she looked up to see it was his hand. Finally, she met his eyes and she saw they were in pain.
"Please listen, ok?" He said quietly. Numbly, she nodded. She felt his fingers graze across her cheek as he pulled his hand away.
Hitsugaya sighed, pinching his bridge of his nose. "It isn't about your brother or that I thought you were too poor. It's not even about you. It is about me."
Surprised, Karin sat up, her head cocked to one side. "I don't understand."
He took a deep breath, hands on his knees. After a moment of apparent thought, he looked at her, his face solemn and 'so very mature and adult-ish.' She thought.
"I…I," he sighed. "I have to tell my 'boss' about you."
"Ok, and?"
"That means…look. I…messed up. I said some things to you that I shouldn't have."
Karin could tell this was difficult for him. "You mean the choices?"
"Yes. Sometimes, my mouth moves before I think. It's very rare but it does happen. I was very tired yesterday and you were…intriguing. But, now that I know you, more importantly I know who you are, it changes everything." He rested head in his palm, staring at the floor.
Karin waited a bit before asking in a neutral tone, "There is a lot of 'but's' in that statement. You can tell me, I'm a big girl. I can handle it."
He sat up straight so suddenly that Karin was compelled to jerk back in her seat. "That's not the issue. The issue is after tomorrow, your world; your life will most likely change completely. You see, my 'boss' has put together a 'plan' for any gifted humans here. We-They never activated the plan because your brother's power was gone.
"But, now due to some…issues…here and your brother's wish; we returned his powers to him."
"What, you gave Ichigo's powers back?"
Hitsugaya's gaze hardened 'like steel' she thought. His voice hardened too, gruffer. "Yes. The reasoning was sound and he wanted them back. Look the problem isn't the fact that your brother HAS powers; it's the fact he essentially leaks power and that leakage can, and has, triggered similar abilities in others. Now you show up, gifted beyond we imagined. Your twin, as you say, cannot see ghosts yet, but it is clear she is walking down the same path is you and your brother. And there are others, too. His friends. Only a few. Now Ichigo Kurosaki's lack of control will accelerate you, your sister's and his friends' development."
"And that's bad?"
"Yes." He pounded his fist against his thigh. "It's like a domino effect, and your brother is the first one in the chain. He will spawn others and they will spawn more and more...basically others will trigger others. Worse, is those 'white faced monster' as you call them. More and more will be attracted to Karakura and there will be more attacks in stronger numbers. "
"Oh." It was seemingly underwhelming thing to say, but Karin's mind was buzzing with the ramifications of what he said. "A lot of people would be put in danger."
"Yes."
She thought for a moment. "That explains a lot, and a little of those mysterious choices. But it doesn't explain the cleats."
Hitsugaya took a long shuttering breath. "Yeah, the shoes. Because that the choices, the changes will be triggered by you through me. I bought them…" He sighed and looked away, staring forlornly out the window. "I bought them to assuage MY guilt. And also to give you something to remember that I…" he paused, closing his eyes. "Look, I think you are a great person and I actually enjoyed today's outing and I want you to…" his voice lowered to the point Karin had to strain to hear him over the train. "…you not to hate me for all of this."
'Oh.' Her mind numbed by the shock of his confession. But the gears started to turn and after a moment she replied, "You know, I can separate the message from the messenger."
"I didn't know that, I couldn't know that. I also didn't know you would be offended by me buying you stuff. Look, I'll give you the receipt and you can return them or exchange them for whatever. I'm sorry…"
She grabbed his hand, stilling his apology. Startled, Hitsugaya looked up, wide-eyed. A faint blush tinged his pale cheeks. She manulipated their grasp until she was shaking his hand. "HI! My name's Karin Kurosaki. I can see ghosts! I like to read and anything that has to do with soccer! Bad thing may happen tomorrow but I know two things: I have a new friend who will help me understand everything but (2) is a total idiot if he thinks I'm gunna return those shoes! SO, are we friends?"
Hitsugaya looked at her, a blushing disbelief covering his face. "Twenty-four hours isn't enough time…"
She shook his hand harder. "Don't be difficult. Just say 'Yes,' Hitsugaya!"
He blinked, and then strangely, miraculously a real genuine smile appeared on his lips and spread to the rest of his face. "Hello. My name is Toushirou Hitsugaya. I am NOT a ghost, I am a shinigami. I like to read and practicing my Zanpakuto skills... I suppose I could learn to tolerate you."
She grinned, relieved. Most of the tension left her. Still there was issues and maybe major life changes before her, but the gorilla had disappear and was replaced by an orangutan. She was sure she could kick that monkey out of her shoes.
The rest of the ride passed happily as Karin tore opened the box and looked at her new cleats for the first time. She and Hitsugaya jabbered about her shoes, and soccer in general. They also talked about their favourite books.
Then, about 5 minutes from their stop, she got a feeling, like a needle was stuck in her neck. She turned behind her to look out the stormy dark sky... 'It was that power. The 'gift.' And it feels familiar somehow.'
"Your brother has returned." She whirled back around to see Hitsugaya staring unfocused over her shoulder. 'The same place I was looking.' "He's not near your house, though. He may not go straight home though."
"Ichigo…" She whispered.
The train was silent as they quickly gathered their things and waited for it to stop. After the disembarking, Karin really looked around. The sun had already set and a storm loomed. 'Thank god I'm only a few blocks from home,' she thought as she opened her umbrella. 'Perhaps I should text them to tell them I am on my way home.'
She turned to say goodbye when Hitsugaya grabbed her arm. She felt a trickle of coldness through her hoodie, causing goose bumps on her skin beneath. She looked up into his eyes, again, emanating age and innocence like when she first met him, ages ago yesterday.
"Karin," he spoke, the thunder gave his voice a solemn urgency. "No matter what time he comes home, talk to your brother. Make him tell you his story. Regardless of what he says, come by Urahara's tomorrow after school. Even if my 'boss' doesn't activate the plan, I will ask him if I can inform you about…all of this, our world. But do realize that knowledge alone will come with a price. The more you know the more risk you may be in. Just warning you.
"But, and this is absolutely vital, make your brother talk."
Karin nodded. "Ok." He nodded back, and released his hand; warmth returned to where his grip held her 'I wonder if it is because he is a ghost, he's so cool.' She started to walk away and realized she forgot to say goodbye. She turned around, but Hitsugaya was nowhere to be found.
XXX
TOUSHIROU
He entered the darkened hotel suite and turned on the light. Kicking off his drenched loafers, he plodded over the couch and unceremoniously dumped today's purchases on the couch.
"All frivolous purchases, especially the computer.' He thought, running his fingers through his hair. 'I know the Old Man won't change anything regarding paperwork, so why did I get it again?'
Showing off your paycheck to impress a pretty girl? Hyourinmaru teased.
'I was NOT!' He groused mentally. 'Besides, you were less than helpful today. I could have used your advice, you know!'
Well, someone told me to shut up and hibernate. SO I did. Naps are good. You were not in a listening mode today, master. I have learned just to let you make the mistakes, as long as it doesn't harm you. The dragon rumbled.
'Damn. What a fucking long day,' Not caring he was swearing in his head.
But the end result was promising, correct, master?
'I supposed…' Toushirou did like the girl. She was far more agreeable than Kurosaki, and more intelligent, too.
And prettier.
'Yes, yes prettier. Now stop hounding me about that!' Toushirou groused. Then he realized something rather someone was missing from the room "Where in the hell is Matsumoto?" he spoke to no one in particular. He couldn't feel her spiritual pressure coming from her room.
'No matter, I have business to attend to' he picked up what looked like a typical ordinary wheeled carry-on bag. He sat it on the small round table when he noticed a small but very neat pile of papers. 'So she did do the report.' He idly flipped through the stack, and with years of paperwork (and Matsumoto) experience allowed his eyes to quickly find any mistakes. Amazingly, there were none.
The top page of the stack was a note hastily scrawled. It read, "Captain, went out to get dinner. Finished paperwork including today's patrol…XOXOX –Rangiku."
He rolled his eyes. Though Glad she did he work for a change, but Toushirou knew she didn't want her shopping trip to be cancelled. Doing things right was her way assuring it would happen. He replaced the paperwork, vowing to look through it more in-depth later, he went to the luggage.
He unzipped the bag. Instead of clothes or any other mundane items, it was filled with tubes and knobs and dials. There was a screen affixed to the lid of the bag. He stared at the quiet machine, debating. Finally, and reluctantly, he turned it on. 'Might as well get it over with…'
XXX
Forty-five minutes after he arrived, the door opened to reveal his missing (and conservatally dressed 'Well for her it is') Matsumoto. She took her heels off and said, "Captain, you're back! How was the trip?"
But he didn't reply. Toushirou was still sitting at the table, staring at the device's empty screen. One leg was brought up, his elbow half hooked over it. He had been thinking since he made the call.
"Hmmm…oh…Matsumoto." He finally replied, by way of a greeting. He knew that she knew something was wrong.
"Captain? Did you see the report? Is it ok?" Her voice was soft and unsure. 'Not like her at all.' He sighed.
"Sorry, yeah, the report is fine. Thank you." He looked over at her. "The black plastic bag on the couch; there's a present for you."
"For me, thank you Captain." None of the normal squeals of excitement accompanied her statement. But she did go over to the couch and look in the indicated bag. "Dried persimmons? Thank you sir. Looks like you went shopping for yourself as well." He got them at the grocery store that they stopped at before boarding the train. Toushirou felt a little guilty about the work he gave her.
As you learned today, master, buying gifts is not a good way to apologise.
'I know. You are right. We'll talk later, ok?' He felt the wordless agreement.
"Captain, is there…something wrong?"
Toushirou glanced back up at his lieutenant. Abruptly, he stood up; the chair he was sitting in nearly fell over in his haste. "Yes. A schedule change among other things. Matsumoto, contact our team. We are going to have a meeting tonight."
"Yes sir," was her crisp and professional reply. Then she asked in a more hesitant voice, "Did something happen?"
"Yes. Starting tomorrow, there is going to be a lot of changes."
"To our schedule?"
He looked at her; part commanding and part upset. "To everything."
XXXxxxXXXxxxXXX
Read, Review, and tell me you want more. Please.
GOD this was a bear to write and type. Originally it was going to longer, with the Head Captain's call and all, but Ii just got tired. And to think the last chapter on this one were supposed to be together.
What Toushirou is wearing is a nod to episode 316.
As I said, It took me forever to write and forever to type up (yeah I hand write all my stories.) Please tell me what works and what doesn't.
ABOUT THE SHOES: It's kinda based on a real life story. When I was young, I worked in a shoe repair. The number one shoe I would get in for repair? First Gen. Air Jordan's (They had just come out, yes it dates me!) I could not understand why people paid so much money for a shoe that fell apart after a month. I finally asked one of the owners and he said, "Cuz Michael Jordan is cool and this is his shoe." Because it has your favourite person/athlete/rock star on it, doesn't make it good.
PS: No beta. This was written pretty fast. Let me know if I misspelled anything important, like names.