viii. Holiday: Part Two


Hyourinmaru and Yoruichi were right - he knew nothing about girls.

How had he not realized it before? The signs had all been there, right in front of him the whole time: Urahara and Matsumoto's remarks; how Karin would react to such remarks; all those awkward moments between them lately where she would blush and do that 'nervous chuckle whilst scratching her head' thing if they got to close, which, according to a certain and recently annoying ice dragon, was a huge indication of her feelings for him.

And of course, there was that time not too long ago when she had kissed his neck. That surely wasn't forgettable.

But, amongst all those, he had overlooked the most evident one: what she said the night before. Or rather, the huge neon sign that read 'KISS ME', or perhaps something else, if he were to let his thoughts drift to the tiny - yet gradually expanding - perverse section of his mind.

How he even came to the temporary conclusion that she was just teasing him, he couldn't fathom. And now, he could almost strangle himself for being so hopelessly dense. However, he had a resolve - a quick and lovely fix: while they were out and away from any possible interruption, such as her boisterous father or her overprotective idiot of a brother, he would finally make his move.


In the second story bathroom, Toshiro, dressed in a maroon coloured button up and black jeans, scrutinized his reflection in the mirror.

He had constantly ruffled and patted down his unruly alabaster hair, fastened and unfastened the second-top button of his shirt numerous times, and had overall become agitated by his sudden over-caring attitude towards his appearance. 'Will you stop being such a girl and get out there already?' And so had Hyourinmaru, apparently.

Toshiro merely grunted in response, and upon deciding to leave the second-top button unfastened, exited the bathroom.

"About time." Karin accosted dryly, pushing off the adjacent wall, "You take longer to get ready than Yuzu." she met his scowl with a chuckle and turned on her heel, "Come on, lets go."

Wordlessly, he obliged, following closely behind her whilst discreetly admiring her appearance of jeans, navy pull over and, surprisingly, let down hair, an anticipatory grin playing his lips. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, however, she caught him off guard by calling out, "Yuzu! Come on, we're leaving!"

"Er.." his smile faltered, "Yuzu's coming?"

"Mhm.." Karin affirmed whilst slipping on her coat, "She's never one to miss a shopping trip, and she has to get some last minute things for dinner.."

Ignorant of his crestfallen expression, she wrapped her scarf around her neck and began lacing up her boots, straightening up just as Yuzu, already dressed in her winter clothes, entered the foyer, "Jinta said he'll meet us at the mall."

Toshiro could only suppress a sigh and follow not too closely behind them as they began their journey to the downtown mall. He had overlooked the possible 'Yuzu and Jinta' interference.


His downcast aura in regards to his foiled plans took a turn in the irritated direction as they weaved through the loud and crowded shopping center. "Does everyone around here shop at the last minute?"

Karin chuckled, "Seems that way."

"Hey Karin!" Yuzu drew her attention, "Come look at this!"

Untwining her hand from his, Karin proceeded to where her sister, alongside her boyfriend, was admiring one of the various items in the store, and with her absence, Toshiro shoved his hands in his pockets and began wandering about, taking in all the merchandise with calculative eyes, carrying out his second mission of the day: getting her a gift.

But not without doing what most humans would deem psychotic: conversing mentally with an ice dragon.

'It'd be easy enough to just whisk her away for a few minutes and kiss her.' Toshiro rolled his eyes, examining a stuffed teddy bear from all angles, 'And where do you suggest I do that? This place is packed.' Dropping the inconsequential toy in with its clones, he continued on. 'I'm sure there's a real nice alleyway-'

'I'm not going to kiss her in an alleyway, you idiot.' He cast a glance in her direction to see her rummaging through a rack of colourful winter coats, evoking an instant smile, 'And, if I've learned anything, albeit against my will, from those romance films and soaps Yuzu watches, the 'first kiss' has to be special.'

'No, it's supposed to be clumsy and awkward. The second, third and so on kisses are the special ones.'

'Again, how would you know? I don't see you kissing any girls.' Tearing his gaze from her, he began sifting through a rack of t-shirts with various logos whilst ignoring the appalled retort echoing through his mind, 'Besides, the top priority right now is getting her a present.'

'I suppose that is rather important... What are you going to get her?'

He outwardly sighed, 'I have no idea. But it has to be something good.'

'Quite, since it has to exceed that bracelet you got her for her birthday.' Toshiro froze, 'Dammit, I forgot about that.'

'Oh! I know, how about, what are those things called.. 'mistletoe'?' This was not happening. 'Yes, get one of those, then hang it up somewhere private and lure her there like in that one movie where...' It was times like these that Toshiro questioned his zanpakuto's masculinity, and his sudden dreamy-esque explanation of how their first kiss could play out did little more than irritate the young captain, 'Well, now I know what I'm getting you for Christmas.'

'...Oh! You're getting me something, Master! What is it?!'

'A muzzler.' Yet another outraged snort echoed through his head, 'How dare you Master! Here I am trying to help and then you go and say something so disrespectful-'

"Hey Toshiro," Grateful for the interruption, he swivelled around to face Karin, who was holding both a black and forest green coat in her hands. She held the black one up first, appearing to be contemplating something, then retracted it not a second later and handed him the green one, "Try this on."

"Why?"

"Just do it." she ordered firmly, and once he complied, her eyes prominently brightened, "It's perfect!" she exclaimed happily, clasping her hands together and casting him a bright inquisitive look, "Do you like it?"

He regarded himself for a mere moment, then nodded, "Yeah."

Beaming, she took his hand in hers once more and lead him to the cash register with amiable force. Tearing the price tag off his sleeve, she turned to the clerk and handed it to him, along with a couple bills, and Toshiro's brow furrowed, "What are you doing?"

"Buying you this jacket."

His eyes broadened, "No, no no no-" his refute hitched at the sound of the register, and Karin spun on her heel to face him, grin intact and receipt in hand,

"Merry Christmas."

He gaped at her, 'Now you really have to get her something nice.' With an inward sigh, he cast her a faint and appreciative smile, "Thanks."

Her grin widened, if possible, and she ushered him away with her, "Now people will stop giving you weird looks."

"Who's giving me weird looks?"

"Everyone." she claimed, meeting his eyes, "I mean, your hair draws enough attention as it is, and the fact that you're walking around in only a dress shirt and jeans when it's twenty below freezing doesn't help."

Toshiro grunted quietly, shoving his hands in his newly donned coat's pockets, "I guess you have a point.." he admitted, rather grudgingly, and with a chuckle, she linked an arm through his once again, resuming her previous act of dragging him through the bustling crowds.


He had been unsuccessful in finding her a gift. Nearly three hours of a rather torturesome adventure through that godforsaken mall, and nothing. Not one thing would've sufficed as a proper present, nor would anything have exceeded the last present she received from him, and now he was even more disconcerted.

It seemed 'failure' was the tagline this holiday season.

Now, as he walked beside her through the streets of Karakura, he was in the process of putting together a short speech of repent, atoning for the his horrid inadequacy as a best friend and, although he wouldn't voice it, courter. However, he didn't get very far in this, as her next words put him on an entirely different thought train,

"I wish it would snow.." she uttered wistfully, eyes never straying from the clear late-afternoon sky, "It doesn't feel like Christmas without it."

His lips curved up into a crooked smile, "Who knows?" he murmured in unnecessary response, "It might.."


Upon entering the house, the four teenagers were immediately met with a full-hearted laughter fest taking place in the living room, courtesy of Urahara, Yoruichi, Tessai and Isshin. And, with regard of the rather sheepish and put out looking girl, Yuzu instantly asked, "Hey, Ururu, do you wanna help me in the kitchen?"

The girl in question wasted no time following the honey-blonde out of the room, having wanted a reason to escape the four ex-captains since the moment they arrived, and Jinta soon took his adoptive sibling's place whilst Karin and Toshiro set up residence on the floor, leaning back against the wall in partial seclusion.

"I don't think that's tea they're drinking.." Karin muttered, eyeing her father suspiciously as he laughed, practically to death, the questionable liquid in his teacup sloshing around incessantly.

Toshiro couldn't help his smirk, "You're keen senses never cease to amaze me."

She sent him a hardened look, "Are you making fun of me?"

There was a nonchalant rise of his shoulders, "Maybe." he met her scowl with an even broader and more entrancing smirk, "You know that look doesn't affect me." His blatant mockery only served to deepen such a 'look', and he set his gaze on the decorated evergreen not too far from where they sat, letting an afterthought slip his tongue absentmindedly, "It's far too cute."

Obsidian eyes widened.

"What?" his attention was back on her, ignorant of his remark and covetous to why she was staring at him as if he'd just acquired a hollow mask.

"Er.." cheeks tinging, she fumbled beneath his intent teal gaze, but before a poor attempt of revival could spew from her voice box, she was saved by none other than Rukia Kuchiki,

"WE'RE GETTING MARRIED!"

All flustered cogitation and inebriated laughter ceased, everyone's attention averting to the tiny woman standing in the dining room, her left hand held up high in a triumphant manner, along with a slightly bashful looking Ichigo standing behind her, scratching his head.

Taking the opportunity, Karin sprung to her feet, "Congratulations!"

A collective uproar seconded her a split-second later, all wielders communing around the semi-young couple with uncontainable excitement and incoherent words of praise, practically strangling them in a fit of joy.

This had been a long time coming.

"I'm surprised Byakuya gave you permission." Yoruichi remarked with a cheshire grin, mostly due to alcohol consumption, and Ichigo merely chuckled, shaking his head,

"I didn't ask him for permission."

All went quiet as Rukia's expression changed to that of horror, "You didn't ask Nii-sama for permission to marry me?"

"Er.." Ichigo's face dropped as well, "No..?" Well, it wasn't as if he hadn't tried on numerous occasions.

"You BAKA!" she exclaimed angrily, giving him a roundhouse kick to the face, "How the hell can you be so dense!"

"Well," Ichigo started off calmly, nursing his aching skull, "maybe if you would stop KICKING ME IN THE HEAD~~

The group around them wasted no time dispersing and allowing a full on verbal and physical, the latter being conducted solely by Rukia, to happen in the dining room.

With the exception of Yuzu, "Guys!" she bellowed, putting her hands on her hips and attempting intimidation, "At least take it outside! I don't want debris to get all over the food!"


It was after dinner, that the time was right.

Yuzu, Ururu and Tessai were in the kitchen, cleaning up and talking about things only the three of them would care about; Yoruichi, Urahara and Isshin were off somewhere unknown, most likely still drinking 'tea' and reminiscing about the old days; and Rukia and Ichigo had disappeared, no doubt arguing and freaking out about the engagement.

Which left Karin on the sofa, in the deserted living room, watching Christmas Eve specials.

'Alright Hitsugaya, just be a man.' Confident as ever, Toshiro sauntered over to the sofa, taking his place beside her, and with a calming exhale, began to slowly close the distance-

"Hey guys." Ichigo accosted, appearing out of nowhere with a tray of butter tarts in hand and situating himself in-between the young pair - once again acting as the obstacle, oblivious or not, between Hitsugaya and his desires.

'This is just ridiculous.'

Seemingly ignorant of the hard, icy stare boring into him from his left, Ichigo gestured to his plate and cast them both a glance, "Butter tarts, anyone?"

Directing her attention from the television to her brother, she regarded the very noticeable bruises covering his face, and she barely stifled a laugh, "Rukia really is the one for you, Ichi-nii," she remarked with a smirk, admiration of said woman unmitigated, and took one of the treats, never able to resist, "Did you finally manage to calm her down?"

"Sorta.." he muttered, parroting her action, "She's on the phone with Renji now, they're planning a way to detain Byakuya if he reacts the way we all expect," he swallowed the tart whole before adding, "And he will, I'm sure."

"Kuchiki does loathe you." Toshiro grumbled, now on the opposite end of the sofa, both his tone and demeanor reflecting his own contempt towards the fifth squad captain at that particular moment.

Not five minutes of dismally watching television later, Yuzu appeared in front of him with her ever present bright smile intact, "Guess what!" he made a noncommittal noise of acknowledgement, and she soon thrust a DVD boxset into his view, "Jinta got me season two of Hana Yori Dango!"

He strained not to shudder, "Um.. that's nice."

"Let's watch it!"

"Er.. no, I don't really-'

"But Toshiro!" she persisted, brows knitting together, "Don't you wanna find out what happens?!"

"Uh.. you know, I'm pretty content with how the first season ended," he claimed in the most convincing tone he could muster, "and I think watching more would just ruin it for me.."

Yuzu's lip turned up into her trademark pout, evoking utter cuteness, and before Toshiro could reluctantly cave, as no one could ever say 'no' to such an expression, Karin rose to full height, acting as his saviour, "Actually, Yuzu, Toshiro and I have a very important game of checkers to play," grabbing his hand, she pulled him to his feet and weaved around her sister, "But, I'm sure Ichi-nii will watch it with you."

Said person's eyes widened with utmost repugnance, but with his mouth stuffed full of delicious treats, he wasn't able to protest in time before Yuzu, having already put the first disc in, flopped down on the sofa beside him and exclaimed in undeniable glee, "Thank you Ichi-nii!"

Meanwhile, now in the next room, "Thank you."

Karin chuckled, taking her place on the arm of a nearby chair, "No problem."

"I think I'd rather die again than watch another episode of that awful show..." Toshiro professed blandly, raking a hand through his hair as he leaned back against the wall.

"Suppose I'll have to keep on saving you, then," she surmised with another low chuckle, "Can't have you dying on me."

He merely smirked in response, and it was only then that Toshiro took note to the fact that they were, once again, alone, evoking a further upward curve of his lips. Confidence reprised, he made to swiftly approach her, but as he came closer, her nose wrinkled, and in a split second, she had turned away with a not so refined sneeze, sending him back a step.

'Minor set back, just wait till she composes herself and-'

"Oh no!" Isshin exclaimed as he appeared out of the blue and made to embrace his daughter, "My darling Karin-chan's sick!"

But of course, she sent him soaring back several yards with a kick to the stomach, "I'm not sick!" she vouched irritably, acquiring a kleenex, "It's just a little sneeze.."

The eldest Kurosaki pouted, "Well excuse me for caring too much."

"As always.." Karin murmured into her tissue, scowling in regards to the entire situation.

Not a moment later, Yoruichi, Urahara and Tessai entered the room, commencing what was surely going to be a relocation of their prior boisterous laughter, and Toshiro found himself almost sulking, frowning yet again with lost opportunity.


He felt that akin to deja vu wash over him as he sat on the futon in Karin's bedroom later that night, leaning back against the wall and awaiting her return from her shower.

It would be his last bit of alone time with her that day, his chance to make a move, and there wouldn't be anyone or anything around to screw it up.

The timing was perfect.

"Well," Karin began a moment later as she proceeded to her bed, scrunching her damp hair with her fingers, "that was an interesting Christmas Eve-'

Having bolted to his feet the moment she entered the room, he cut off her next words by crushing his lips to hers. Perhaps it wasn't as graceful as he'd planned, but it was no less intense, no less doting, and she wasted no time responding, wrapping her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him-

"Toshiro?" he blinked, "You okay?"

"Er.." straining to keep the reddening of his cheeks to a minimum - with little success - he met her gaze, "yeah, I'm fine; why?"

"Dunno.." she tilted her head to the side, eyeing him intently, "just that you've been staring at me weird since I came back.. Were you even listening to me?"

"Uh.. no, sorry," he scratched his head, ruffling the dishevelled locks, "what did you say?"

Straightening up, she continued on the short path to her bed, "I was just telling you that we're all going to the ice rink tomorrow," she crawled into the comforts of several pillows and blankets, "should be fun."

"Yeah.." he affirmed with a nod, his outward facade opposing the internal ailment that had commenced due to his utter idiocy.

She cast him a heart melting grin, "Goodnight."

"Night."

The room was soon bathed in darkness, save for mere streaks of moonlight leaking through the curtains, and with a defeated exhale, he slumped against the wall, perfectly mimicking his previous night's position.

'Wow-'

'Don't even start.'

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To Be Continued

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