A/N: Hi! I'm really sorry that I didn't update on time last week (or this week T_T). I'm officially changing my update schedule to once every 2 weeks because my schedule is getting busier and busier, and one update each week is simply not going to happen. Instead of updating once a week and then going on a month-long break, I would rather space out updating intervals. If I'm super busy, I'll try to update every once in a while, but don't count on it. Thanks for the patience!

In this chapter: A lot of blushing, a lot of fluff, and a lot of action! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach in any circumstances whatsoever.


Ch. 6: An Unexpected Visitor

Karin gestured toward a booth. "There it is," she said.

Hitsugaya flushed, nodding. Karin approached the booth. Thankfully, there was almost no line, and within 3 minutes they were walking away from the stand, Hitsugaya holding a thin paper package. Traces of the blush still remained on his face.

Hitsugaya looked around. "Matsumoto was going to meet us here." His expression turned sour. "If she's off drunk…" His words were greeted with raucous laughter. Matsumoto stumbled up the hill, her red kimono slipping off at the shoulders. "Taicho!" she slurred happily, waving a bottle of sake at them. "Let's drink!"

Without another word, Hitsugaya grabbed Karin's hand and sprinted as fast as he could in the opposite direction. Fortunately, Matsumoto didn't pursue them. They could hear her tripping her way back down the hill, shouting drunkenly.

Hitsugaya was so embarrassed at his lieutenant's behavior, he didn't realize how far he was leading Karin. It wasn't until she tugged at his hand in a reminding way that he slowed down, eventually coming to a stop on yet another hill. Karin was panting, although she gave him a strong smile.

"I haven't run like that since I died," she said matter-of-factly.

Hitsugaya felt a smile break over his icy features. "Playing soccer?"

"A-a," responded Karin, a little surprised that he guessed it spot-on. She grinned. "Yeah. Playing soccer. Oh, speaking of which… before I go to Soul Society, would you play with me, a little?"

Hitsugaya blushed a little, hoping that Karin couldn't see it. "Sure," he replied.

Suddenly fireworks burst through the night sky, showering them with light. Hitsugaya looked at Karin, and caught her gaze. He was surprised at the depth of her dark, glittering eyes. They held much more sadness than what he could usually see from behind the mask she set for herself.

"Did you know… that Ichi-nii and Oyaji used to take us to the Festival every year… before Oka-san…"

"What happened to your mother?" said Hitsugaya bluntly.

Karin flinched slightly at his insensitive tone. "She was killed by a Hollow," she replied expressionlessly, regaining her composure. "I only found out about them - Hollows I mean - a little after Ichi-nii became a shinigami."

Hitsugaya felt himself, for the umpteenth time that night, turn red. "Oh. Sorry."

Karin brushed his apology off quickly. "I'd rather you knew."

They stood together silently, watching the exuberant display exploding in the sky. Hitsugaya suddenly became aware of the fact that he was still clutching Karin's hand. He relaxed his hold on her hand, but didn't let go. The feeling of holding her hand was too warm and fuzzy. Hitsugaya decided that since Karin didn't seem to mind, and he once again tightened his grip.

"Ne, Toshiro," said Karin suddenly. "Did you have Firework Festivals in Soul Society?"

Hitsugaya started. "Umm, yeah, every year at about this time. I have to miss it though, because of-" He stopped abruptly. He didn't want to say because of YOU. It wasn't exactly the most polite thing to say to a ghost, especially since his mission was for him to specifically perform Konso on her. Oh, yeah. Konso. When would he do that?

"Because of me," Karin deadpanned.

"Well, yeah," admitted Hitsugaya uncomfortably, glancing at her. He looked down and realized Karin had plopped down on the grass, with total disregard to her rather expensive kimono. Hitsugaya paused before joining her.

"So… when am I going to Soul Society? What will it be like there?" Karin asked, finally breaking the silence.

"Err, whenever you want to, I suppose." Hitsugaya narrowly evaded her swipe at his head. "I'm guessing you want the truth?"

The look he received left him in no doubt of her answer.

"According to calculations from Urahara, you have about a week until your natural Hollowfication process begins. We also got a request from an unknown source to make a copy of your memories so we can restore you as soon as we find you when you appear in Rukongai."

"Eh?" said Karin, looking surprised. "You can do that?"

Hitsugaya allowed himself a small smirk. "We record your memories onto a Hell Butterfly. It'll stay with me until I can find you."

"Wouldn't you have a lot more important stuff to do? It sounds like Matsumoto isn't much help around the office, anyways," Karin pointed out.

The white-haired kid simply sighed. "I'll manage," he said. "Besides," he murmured, "it was a request of my previous captain."

Karin turned to him. "Who?"

"Nothing. Forget about it."

Karin shook her head. "So… that means I have a week to say goodbye to my family, get my memories recorded into a butterfly, and learn some soccer moves."

"Umm, that last one…"

The girl looked expectantly at him. "You will teach me. Won't you?"

Hitsugaya could feel his signature scowl slipping, and he made a conscious effort to keep it in place. At last he couldn't hold it in, and threw his head back in peals of laughter.

Karin looked confused. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing," said Hitsugaya, calming himself. "Of course we can play. Let's do it tomorrow then. Deal?"

Karin opened her mouth to agree. However, she caught sight of something behind the white-haired boy. Instead of replying, she gave a small squeak of terror. Hitsugaya whirled around, springing to his feet. His eyebrows creased into a scowl, his face a mask of surprise and fury.

The Hollow was - there was no other word to describe it - huge. It had 3 pairs of arms, 6 total, waving threateningly in the air above its head. Its mouth was agape, displaying teeth dripping with saliva. Its torso was a giant affair, and the hole in its chest was ringed with faded red tattoos. It opened its mouth wider and roared.

Hitsugaya reached in his pocket for a soul pill. He cursed as his hands met nothing but silky fabric. "Stay back," he ordered Karin.

Karin did the exact opposite. She picked up a medium sized, chunky rock, and, letting out a bellow, flung it with all her strength at the Hollow. The rock bounced harmlessly off the Hollow's leg, barely causing an itch. But it was infuriated that something so small tried to retaliate. It screamed even louder and advanced toward Karin and Hitsugaya.

"YOU IDIOT!" Hitsugaya roared, flinging himself at Karin and knocking her over. He crouched over her, shielding her body with his. Karin was speechless with shock and surprise that the white-haired shinigami was actually protecting her.

The Hollow stepped forward with a bellow and swung a giant fist at the pair.


Please follow/favorite/review if you like it! See you in a little bit!