I do not own Bleach

Chapter 8

No ones perspective

Toshiro and Karin are talking and Momo spies from behind a rock nearby.

Toshiro "And yeah? That's why I never told you about Sōjirō. He's probably gonna be leaving soon too." "Oh… but has he came yet today?" "Yeah. In fact he was the guy Matsumoto chased after." "She doesn't know about him does she?" "No. Only Ukitake, Kyōraku, and Nanao do. Because Ukitake and Kyōraku were Captains when he was here and Kyōraku told Nanao. That's it. Even his old Captains never knew his last name. He went by Kusaka Sōjirō. Using my old friends identity in a way." "Huh?" "I'd rather not talk about the old friend. It's… painful…"

Karin smiles at him "Ever need to talk. You know where I am." Toshiro smiles trying to allow a light blush appear.

"I know. Anyway what are you doing here?" "Well you haven't been answering your phone and I wanted to ask for your help." "With?" "I'm breaking up with my boyfriend. Can you come with me?" "Of course Karin. When?" "Now?" "Alright. Let's go." "Okay."

Toshiro opens the Senkaimon and they go through. Sōjirō comes into the private training room and sees them leave.

Sōjirō "Momo. Come out."

Momo shunpos to his side "Yes Sōjirō?" "What happened?" "Karin is gonna break up with her boyfriend. Shiro-Chan is with her." "Now?" "Mhmm." "Let's go." "Huh? Go where?" "What do you mean 'Huh? Go where?'?! We're gonna go spy!" "Sōjirō…" "I want to see how Toshiro acts with her afterwards." "Me too but…" "I'm going. You coming?" "Yes."

Sōjirō grins evilly and opens the Senkaimon.

"Remember. We need to completely hide our spirit energy. If our baby brother finds out. We both are dead."

"I know."

Human World

Karin sits with Rikichi and Toshiro waits for her behind a tree.

Rikichi "So what's wrong Karin? You seem upset? Is it something I did? I just want you to be happy. No matter what."

Karin nods "Rikichi. I'm so sorry. But I think we should take a little break. You didn't do anything! It's just that I'm not really the kinda girl to be in a relationship. I'm sorry." "Oh… Th-that's okay. As long as you're happy it's fine. If you ever change your mind I'll be waiting for you. Bye Karin." "Bye Rikichi."

He leaves. Toshiro comes over and sits beside Karin.

Karin puts her head on his shoulder "Toshi?"

Toshiro strokes her hair "It's okay. You did the right thing. I'm here for you." Karin nods and closes her eyes leaning against him. "Thank you Toshi." The words surprise him slightly "For what?" "Everything. I can't imagine my life without you." "Same for you. You've changed me so much. You're amazing Karin." "Toshi?" "Yeah?" "Can you stay here with me for awhile?" "As long as you want Karin. I'm here." "Thank you."

Sōjirō and Momo watch and listen from nearby

Sōjirō "Wow? Toshiro's really…"

Momo "Changed since the last time you saw him?" "Yeah? Last time he was stuck in that 'girls are icky' phase." "Haha Yeah. Actually that wasn't a phase. That was who he was forever until about 7 years ago when he met Karin." "Really?" "Yeah. He's always had a sweet spot for her just never realized or acknowledged it until Karin say him in adult form." "Wow."

They look at their younger brother. Karin's head rested on his shoulder and his arm around her holding her close.

"He's grown up a lot."

"He sure has." "Momo I'm sorry." "Huh?" "I'm sorry. For never being there for you two." "It's okay. You probably have your reasons for always disappearing. Me and Shiro-chan were only 7 and 5 when you left. We don't really have much memory of back then anymore. So it's alright. How long are you planning on being in the Seireitei?" "About that…" "You leave tomorrow don't you?" "There's something I need to get sorted out with Kyōraku sou-taichou. After that I'm not sure what will happen." "Huh?" "Let's get going. Toshiro probably should be alone with her for a while. They need each other." "Yeah."

Toshiro and Karin

Karin "Toshi?"

"Yes?" "Can we go to the Soul Society for a little? I want to leave this world for a little. I want to go where I feel more welcome." "Squad 10 here we come." "Mhmm."

Toshiro stands up and opens the Senkaimon "Soul Candy?"

Karin nods and eats her candy "Head back Home. If they ask where I am tell them Soul Society." "Yes Master."

Toshiro "Let's go." They step inside. Karin holds onto Toshiro's arm.

Toshiro "You'll be okay. I'm here for you. I'm not going anywhere." "Good."

They go to Toshiro's quarters

Toshiro "Do you wanna talk about it?"

Karin shakes her head throwing her arms around Toshiro "Toshi…" "I'm here. It's alright. I hate seeing you heartbroken. I'm here to help you. I promise. Even if you don't want to talk. I'm here."

Karin smiles burying her face in his chest "Thank you. That's all I need. I just need you to be here." "I'm here. I'm always here."

Karin nods smiling.

End chapter!!!