Hey all! Well as promised, here it is. One massive story edit complete for my readers viewing pleasure. I hope this will make it easier on you all!

Also! I am looking for an experienced Beta to help me along with this story. If anyone is Interested please PM me. Edited 4/12/13

Disclaimer: I don't Own Bleach


Karin

"AHHH! SUNAVA BITCH THAT'S HOT!" I screamed earning me glares and other unpleasant faces from the café.

"Eeh, sorry!" I said holding up my cup of coffee apologetically.

The people in the café muttered silently to themselves and turned back to whatever they were doing before I spilled coffee on myself.

To be perfectly honest, I'm a little shocked that my Babysitters didn't jump into action a second ago!

'It looks like Nina really pulled through for me this time.'

Carefully, I blew on my coffee and took baby sips.

Yeah, there was nothing like hot coffee on a cold winter night.

Don't ask me why, but I always feel much more comfortable doing my homework at a café during the evenings. Call me a stereotypical college student, but the truth is that I feel really cramped and stuffy in my apartment, especially as of late. The fact that I can do my homework in peace and indulge in my constant need for coffee is just an added bonus of this place.

The little café was colored in warm holiday colors. Light browns, Reds, Greens and Blue. Despite it being winter there weren't many people in here to begin with. It was a small family owned place and only people who were brought here by other regulars would have actually known about.

There was an elderly couple off the side, other college students hiding in the corner, and a family out together taking advantage of the cold weather and drinking hot chocolate. It's why I love this time of the year the most.

I tried to focus on typing up my slip for our simulated courtroom hearing in the next few days. But for some reason I just couldn't bring myself to concentrate. I felt that warm relaxing feeling I've been getting every now and then, but it's never a constant. Sometimes it would come out of nowhere, like when I was at the park, or when I go jogging around my apartments, and even (shockingly enough) the manor.

I don't know, Maybe this whole experience made me bi polar. All I knew was that I wasn't in an arguing mood and I couldn't finish my assignment.

With a huff, I closed my laptop, pushed my books a side and plopped a nugget into my mouth, and took a swig of coffee.

'Mmmm. Gotta love McDonalds nuggets'

"Bada-ba-ba-BA!" Man I was such a dork!

"You're loving it?" said an amused voice

I looked to said voice and choked on the offending nugget that conveniently lodged itself in my throat.

'Oh FUCK!'

'OH Fuck is right!'

"Are you ok?" the person asked

'NO!' I wanted to scream

I didn't speak. I didn't know what to say

'Say SOMETHING you idiot!'

'Like what? No I'm not ok! The very sight of you makes me want to scream and run away!'

'DON'T BE SARCASTIC!'

"Do you mind if I take a seat?"

'YES I MIND!'

I'm sure I looked as horrified as I Felt. Why? Because right across from me, was the very person I've been trying to avoid! The person who saved me… the person I ran away from… taking a seat… SHIT!

"I-I... I've... I've got to go!


Toushiro

If I had known that Rangiku was going to become a constant presence in my home, I would have started looking for new apartments the moment she walked through my door.

She's been over every single day since visiting the Kuchiki Manor. Keep in mind that the visit was over one week ago!

All week she has dragged me to different places all over the city. For what purpose? I haven't the slightest idea.

When I asked all I got was;

"Oh captain! Do I really need to tell you why you're going out in the day with your closest companion? Can't you just go a long with it? Please?"

It pains me to actually say it, but Rangiku actually is my closest companion. And so out of sheer obligation, I allowed her to drag me around the city.

At first to the Park. I saw nothing wrong with that, then to a Laundromat, then we drove around Karakura for the worse part of an hour.

We are now back at my apartment. And she is coming towards me with that loo-..

"No." I said continuing to read my book.

"But I only wanted to tell-"

"Not now Rangiku, I don't have the energy to be as active as you would like me to be. I am out of Coke and I need significantly caffeinated drink." I said a little grumpy.

She stopped and went to the fridge to see if my earlier statement was valid.

"Wo-ow. You really are out of soda! You must have been pretty aggravated this week if you ran out!"

Oh she had no idea….

"Ok so because you don't have any here at the house I was thinking-"

"Rangiku, I'm going out some very strong coffee, I don't know when I will be back, but STAY HERE!" I said getting up and grabbing my coat.

"O-oh, well ok! If you're looking for some really good coffee there is a small café a couple of blocks from here. They also have the best scones! They're to die for!" she smiled widely.

"I think I will, do you want anything Rangiku?" I asked feeling slightly remorseful for my attitude.

Don't get me wrong, I love Rangiku like family. But there is only so much of her energetic happy go lucky personality that I could take.

"Hmmm, nothing I can think of really, just go and relax I'm sure things will only get better from here on out!" she said with a knowing smile and a tone that I wasn't at all comfortable with.

I needed out, now!

"I'm leaving; I expect to find the house exactly as I have left it." I said as I walked out the door donning my beige trench coat.

"BYYYEE!" I heard her scream through the door.

I sighed heavily.

Sometimes I just don't understand how it is we actually get along. We are polar opposites and yet here we are closest friends and comrades.

'The world is full of unexplainable wonders'.

The air outside was crisp and freezing. Not the windy annoying kind of cold, but the kind of cold that specifically held winter in the air.

I couldn't tell you why, but I felt much more at ease during the winter seasons. As if I was in my natural element. In all honesty I could walk around this time of night without my coat and be perfectly at ease with the cold.

But if I were to do that, then I would warrant much unwelcome attention.

After walking around for a couple of minutes the little café that Rangiku spoke of came into view. She was right, it was very small, and I would have completely passed it by had I not been specifically looking for it.

It was almost hidden between two rather large brick buildings that looked as if they were about to crumble on to the smaller building.

I was a bit hesitant to walk into something that might potentially send me to my death, but I was overcome with the strong aroma of baked French coffee beans.

'Safety be damned! I needed my Caffeine and I was going to get it!'

Without another thought on the subject, I opened the door and was hit with a wave of warm air and the beautiful smell of coffee beans.

There weren't many people here tonight. Or maybe this is just how it was all the time. I could understand how many people would miss a small little establishment like this one.

I stood off to the side looking at the assortment of different drinks and breads that they offered.

From the looks of things, everything was made fresh. There wasn't an extravagant sign that pointed out what was the best bread in town or which drink would have you crawling back for more. Just a simple Menu.

It was a family run Café that much was obvious.

I stepped up to the counter ready to order.

"Hello! Welcome to the Bakery! Is there anything I can get for you this evening? Said a petite young woman from behind the counter.

"Hello, I would Like a Double shot Carmel Macchiato" (I had NO idea how to spell it... or even what it is!)

'It needs to be a double!'

I thought to myself

"Hmm Ok! And is there anything else you might need?" she asked politely.

I gave the breads a once over.

"And a couple of scones it is not too much trouble"

"Not at all Sir! But we will have to remake the scones; those on display have been sitting there for over 3 hours. You will have your scones fresh from the oven!" she said smiling

"I thank you."

"No problem and that will be $7 in total." She said ringing up the cash register.

I pulled a twenty from my back pocket and handed it to her.

She smiled and began to count the change.

"Ms. Please, keep the change." I said holding out my hand.

She blushed "thank you!" then walked away.

I smiled to myself. This place had me feeling more relaxed than I have been in weeks. It felt just right to be here. Warm atmosphere, warm Holiday colors adorning the walls, it was quiet and peaceful.

It felt like Home.

"AHHH! SUNAVA BITCH THAT'S HOT!"

'Well, almost quiet'

I thought to myself

I'm sure every pair of eyes had turned to the person who had shouted out. An elderly couple shaking their heads disapprovingly, a mother holding her children's' ears closed and glaring. And students looking up only a moment and returning to whatever it was they were doing before they were interrupted.

"Eeh, sorry!" The girl said holding up my cup of coffee apologetically.

Everyone in the shop had turned back to their own little worlds, ignoring the girl.

But I didn't.

'There she is!

' My mind screamed at me.

I couldn't believe it.

The girl whom I rescued, the girl who ran away.

'The girl that has been invading my thoughts for the past few weeks...' I thought

'Now's my chance!'

What would I say to her? Will she freak out and run like last time? I hope she doesn't do that; it would make me look like I was trying to kidnap her or something.

'How do I approach her with freaking her out?'

While I pondered this, I couldn't help but look her overall appearance.

The alabaster skin, Obsidian eyes, and shoulder length hair… not a bruise in sight of her beautiful skin…

'Wait… whah?

My brain obviously was functioning properly, I knew this because before I realized what was going on, my body; acting of its own accord, moved toward the girl.

She took a bite of what looked like a Nugget and drank a bit of coffee.

"Bada-ba-ba-BA!" she hummed a familiar tune

I found this humorous. And without thinking... again…..

"You're loving it?" I said like a dimwit.

I must have startled her because she looked like she was choking.

"Are you Ok?" I asked.

She nodded slowly, her eyes widening drastically.

"Do you mind if I take a seat?"

She looked like she was panicking; she might try to make a run for it.

'No… she is already here, this might be my only chance!'

"I-I…. I've… I've got to go!" she got out, trying to gather all of her things into her bag.

"No! Wait, please! Hear me out first!" I said grabbing her wrist.

She flinched at my touch, and I removed my hand immediately. I don't know why I was so desperate for her to stay, but I just couldn't let her go and become another figment of my imagination.

I pleaded with my eyes. I needed her to stay, but I wouldn't cause a scene, which would make things a lot worse, for her and for me.

I saw her looking out the window for something, and fallowed her gaze.

I saw nothing.

"Please..."

She hesitated, holding her wrist to her chest, but suddenly let her book bag fall to the floor. She sat slowly eyeing me, Ready to bolt at any given second.

"Thank you." I said let out a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.

We stared at each for what seemed like hours… though I'm positive it can't have been more than a few seconds.

"Well?" she said looking rather impatient.

'Well what? What had I wanted to say again?'

I couldn't remember. I just lost myself looking into her eyes and…

'And what?'

"Look, I don't know who you are, and I thank you for what you did for me before, but I really wanna get home now."

'She's leaving! Say something you Idiot!'

Of all the times for my brain to fail me, now is the worst possible time!

"Why did you run away?" I said quietly

She froze, and looked away trying not to meet my eye.

"… You weren't supposed to be home. You weren't supposed to catch me..."

'What? That doesn't make any sense'

"This might be the Understatement of the Century, but I think we got started on the wrong foot. My Name is Toushiro Hitsugaya; it's a pleasure to meet you." I said holding out my hand.

She stared at it as if it was going to bite her arm off, but she reluctantly accepted my offered hand.

"Karin." Was all she said.

"No last Name Karin?"

"…."

"That's ok, I guess it's none of my business anyway,"

She stayed quiet still not meeting my eye.

"Karin, Can you please tell me why you didn't wait for me to return and finish bandaging you? You were still in really bad shape when you left my apartment."

"I-I.."

"Yes?" I urged.

"… look again I Appreciate what you did, If you hadn't have shown up I'm sure I probably would have died that night, But I just. I didn't want you involved in what might be coming, ok?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean… my family is very different… and you were nice enough to pull me out of there, they just jump to conclusions and take matters into their own hands. Its better if there wasn't a trace to you ok?"

'What the hell could she possibly be mixed up in?'

"

And why would you think they would come after me?" I said seriously. I needed to know what exactly I was dealing with here.

"My brother... he can be a real hot head and... when he found out what happened to me….." she trailed off, but then shook it away. "When he found out I was raped, he went crazy. I'm sure he would have done whatever he needed too, to take of the situation…. Even if other people got in the way…"

'Ahhh, I see'

"I said I was going to return your clothes to you, I just never had the chance, and when I did I was scared. I ran off after you helped me, and I felt horrible. I figured I would just leave the clothes there and you would find them. I didn't think you would be home."

"Did you think I would Look down on you because of what happened to you? That I would be disgusted and turn my nose up at you?" I asked a little outraged that she would think so little of me.

"…"

"Listen, I'm a medical student. I knew all of the outward signs of rape, I couldn't just leave you there on the street, I don't know why I didn't take you to a hospital, I guess I Just got caught up in the moment. I'm sorry, it would have saved you a lot of trouble I'm sure."

"No.. I'm glade you didn't…. I would have had a lot more explaining to do then, and things were taken care of…. Quietly…." She said trailing off.

'Taken care of quietly…. Aka: The Bastard is dead.'

"Kari-"

"Sir! Your Double shot Carmel Macchiato and scones are ready!" the young woman from earlier said handing me a tall cup and a warm white bag.

I smiled and thanked her.

Karin looked at the size of the drink and arched her brow. "A double?" she asked giving a smile.

I smirked. "You've no idea the kind of week I had.."

"You have no Idea what you just ordered. You're going to be up the rest of the week if you drink that!" she said laughing.

Her laughter, It was a beautiful sound…

'Get it together Hitsugaya!'

"So you're a Coffee expert are you?"

"Actually, yes, I am! I live for it!" she said smiling proudly

"And… I'm just assuming here, but I'm going to guess Nuggets are placed in the same category?" I asked sarcastically eying the few pieces left un eaten.

"You would assume correct."

Then I couldn't hold it back any longer, a loud rumbling laughter escaped me. After a second or two, she followed suit.

I couldn't remember the last time I had laughed like that, Just out of nowhere.

I calmed down enough to where I could actually take a sip of my drink and not spit it out.

"Yikes!" I said….

'Yikes? Really?'

"Hahahaha! Yikes? Really? Didn't I warn you?" she managed to get out through her laughing.

'Oh she thought this was funny?'

Quickly before she could react, I grabbed one of the few remaining nuggets and chucked it into my mouth.

She immediately ceased her laughing, all humor gone from her face.

"You didn't just go there.."

"And if I did?"

She was about to respond, but her cellphone went off. We both stared at it for a few seconds letting it ring.

"We can leave this world, leave it all behind.

We can steal this car if your folks don't mind.

We can live forever if you got the time, you muther fucker!

Woah-ahoah!

Through the broken glass and the morning light

Be a burning star if it takes all night, so just save yourself and I'll Hold the back tonight!"

'My Chemical Romance. Very nice.

She answered.

"Hello?... Yes…. Yes I understand…. Alright, I'll be there, Thank you Nina. Bye."

"I have to go, They are getting a bit paranoid now so I guess I'll see you around." She began to gather all of her things again. Though she had that tone that said she wasn't.

But I wasn't exactly ready to sever this tie.

"Karin, wait a moment."

She stopped after taking a step. "yes?"

'ok here's your chance.'

" I don't really think we finished our conversation…"

She frowned

'shit!'

"Look I really don't want to talk about that anymore. It's all in the past and I just want to move forward." She said lightly

'of course she would, think of something! Use that genius brain of yours!'

"I didn't mean that conversation."

"Then which?" she said looking confused.

"About how you developed a habit of eating nuggets and coffee together." I said smirking

"I never said anything about that!"

"No, you didn't. It's just something I noticed about you."

"Care to Share your Tale over a cup of Joe at a later Time?"

She beamed at his choice of words.

"I'd like that."

"Great! Meet me here tomorrow around 6?"

"Alright, I'll be here. Bye Person who's Name I can't Remember!" she said sticking her tongue out.

"ITS HITSUGAYA!" I yelled after her.

"Yea Yea!" she called from behind her shoulder. And she disappeared into the night.

"Well, I certainly wasn't expecting that..." I mumbled.

all I really was expecting, was meeting her here tomorrow.

'Yes, Tomorrow.' I thought.

and with that, I began my trek home.


Ummm.. Hello? I want to formally apologize to all of the readers out there. There isn't any excuse other than I was very busy with college and work and family life... I would like to dedicate this chapter all the reviewers and people who added this story even after it looked like I would never ever update again, it was you who gave me the strength to finish this story... I was also very guilty.

I have one announcement. I will be removing the AU of Ch. 6 so it will still like 7 chapters when I add this one up... please review. I worked hard so you guys would be satisfied with their meeting, next chapter Karin's side of the encounter and something a bit un expected... stay tuned?

I want to thank those three people who reviewed. You are all new and I thank you for taking the time to read my story with horrid grammar. And some reviewers who were out there and gave me the silent treatment... well that hurt. But it doesn't mean I don't deserve it. I will win you all back! This I swear!