It definitely has been a long time since I updated this story so please enjoy chapter 12 of BREAKING THE UNDESIRABLE CYCLE.

Chapter 12 (Being Lovey-Dovey)

oooOOOooo

Yuzu woke up an hour early than when she usually did which was still early compared to everyone else. Throughout the night, she had trouble sleeping. Her mind was filled with different thoughts that escalated to her inner conscious that effected her dream. It entailed her to move around unable to find peace within herself much less her bed. If that wasn't enough, she even made Toshiro's favorites for when he arrived but now that he was not there, she left it in the fridge. No doubt the favor and aroma would be tainted by the natural phenomenon of decomposition despite the dish being in the fridge.

No, the more she thought about it, the restless she became. Then a thought occurred that overshadowed the rest. It was rather potent as everything else became shoved to the side. It was about what she told her sister, Karin. They shared an unusual conversation about who Yuzu liked. It came out of nowhere, but then perhaps not. Still, should she have told the truth? She felt comfortable in lying to herself but to her sister, it felt wrong. Simply knowing that, ate the chain that was bound to her soul.

As she walked past her brother's room, she thought about Rukia and what Toshiro did despite what that would do to him in both the short and long run. She wondered if she should talk to Toshiro about it. Lately, she noticed that he had been neglecting to hang out with her brother and friends. They were once extremely close, but now. Whenever they try to invite him for something, he would always find a reason to not be able to attend. When she finally arrived downstairs, she headed toward the kitchen where she planned to warm yup both Toshiro's and Karin's dishes followed by washing any leftover dishes she didn't clean for last night dinner. She went to bed early while everyone else continued with the small party so there were a considerable amount of plates to be washed but she was fine with it. Doing them actually kept her mind distracted from what was at hand and even felt good doing them. Maybe then, she would be able to relax as the pile got shorter and shorter.

oooOOOooo

The sun didn't waste no time in getting up, and neither did Toshiro and Karin. They spend the night before at Toshiro's place, particularly in his room on his bed. Although it was not the first time they had slept together, it was the first they slept together in one bed. They had difficulties in sleeping from the loud thud sounds their hearts were making. Every second they were lying on his bed felt like an hour. It was a surprise they were able to fall asleep at all after having a heart-to-heart discussion.

As they left his place, Karin took the lead with Toshiro following behind. They knew the worse had yet to come. It wasn't until they got up in the morning that they realized they had forgotten about Yuzu and her "big dinner". Sure, they knew Ichigo and his friends would be there but knowing Yuzu, she would still be angry at them both for not being there. Even Karin had to admit that her sister could be, at times, frightening when provoked. Karin gave out a dead laugh as she tried to imagine what would become of them both.

Toshiro, on the other hand, was concerned for something entirely different. He remembered the conversation he had with Karin the last night of his stay in Kyoto. It seemed that Yuzu had a crush on a boy and finally told her sister about it. It was weird, as least for Toshiro. Out of everyone he knew, he thought he knew everything about Yuzu. Then again, this may prove that there were still things he didn't know about Yuzu but there was something about her having a crush on a boy that struck him the wrong way. He didn't really understand it but for some reason, he didn't like it.

Why? What was the reason for his disapproval. Was it due to being overprotective of her like an older brother would? Did they have a sibling-like relationship. Then Toshiro began to think to himself...

What is Yuzu to me?

He continued to look towards the sky, in hope that the answer would crash down with revelation. It never did as they entered Karin's house through the front door, prepared for the worst. "Yuzu! We're home!" Karin's voice echoed through the house. As they walked through the hall, they heard not a sound. Either everyone was deeply asleep or they left. Toshiro checked the kitchen first and smiled to himself upon finding Yuzu sitting with her head down on the countertop, asleep. In front of her were two plates, each one labeled "Toshiro's" and "Karin's".

Even with the yelling from before, Yuzu was still asleep. Toshiro could still hear Karin upstairs, probably looking for everyone. Still, with Yuzu like that, Toshiro couldn't help but move a strand of Yuzu's hair that was covering her front face to behind her ear. He then turned his attention to the two dishes, and began opening one of them, the one labeled "Toshiro". It was then that Karin made her appearance as she appeared by the opening to the kitchen.

Toshiro gestured with his hand to not make a sound as Yuzu was asleep. He then passed Karin her dish meant for her and they both ate in silence. The worst never came as the two looked toward each out and Karin gave out a cheeky smile, suggesting they got away with their punishment for now.

oooOOOooo

As Toshiro walked toward the convenience store, he continued with his thoughts from earlier. There were many things he had yet to settle and they were only piling on. He knew that something had to be done about them or else, it would only end badly for him and maybe even for everyone else; but where to start? Momo? Rukia?

As he crossed the road, he saw a few pedestrians alongside him. A few he knew of from simply walking through this path multiple times. He shook his head as he made note of the fact.

He spent more time with these strangers than with his friends. He finally arrived to the store and entered. The first he noticed was the sale on eggs and made his way toward there despite the milk being closer to where he was. Hopefully there were a few cartons left. When he that there were still a carton left, he reached out and grabbed one. Only for a hand to land on the carton before him. He looked at the owner of the hand and discovered it belonged to Orihime.

"Oh, Toshiro. I didn't see you. Are you grocery shopping too?" She left out a small smile before removing her hand from the eggs. Gesturing for him to take it, she spoke. "Here, you can have them. I'm sure I can still make some chocolate covered teriyaki chicken surrounded by bean paste, just without the egg omelets inside." She began to drool a bit as Toshiro saw how active her imagination was. It was slowly coming back to him of how Orihime used to bring her homemade food whenever they hanged out and how she was usually the only one to eat them. She still has that unique taste in food.

"Thank you." He said as he took the last one from the stand. Then they started talking while heading towards the section with the milk.

"Oh, before I forget…tonight we're going to Rukia's place for a BBQ. I hoped you can make it this time and if you can't, well…that's okay." When she spoke the last few words, her voice nearly dropped along with her smile.

Toshiro looked at his reflection from the glass door, separating him from the gallon of milk. As he opened the door, he spoke in a nonchalant matter. "Actually, I should be able to make it. What time should I be there?" He said as he turned to her. Her eyes widen before giving out an even more radiant smile than before.

"Anytime after 6pm."

"Alright. Then I'll see you and everyone else later." As he walked, Orihime waved to him. Paying for the eggs and milk only took a moment. From there, he was outside and with both things in hand along with the sense of accomplishment that he hadn't felt for so long.

oooOOOooo

When Yuzu awoke from her slumber, she saw the stars and rainbow stickers on the top of her room. She then realized that she was in her bed now instead of the kitchen. She looked around but saw no one there with her. She remembered taking a small break from washing just to rest her head. She didn't think she would fall asleep so easily. She slowly lifted herself off her bed for the second time today and began heading downstairs to the kitchen. Expecting to see Toshiro still here, she instead saw Karin washing the dishes.

"Oh hey, you're awake. I'm almost done with the dishes so take a seat." Karin said to her sister as she return her attention to washing the remaining dirty dishes. As she scrubbed off the traces of food still on the plate, she continued with the conversation. "Oh, and I'm having Toshiro pick up some more milk and eggs from the convenience store. Did you know we were running low on them?"

"Yeah, I was planning to go later today but I guess I don't have to go now… Hey Karin, was Toshiro the one who carried me to bed?"

Karin stopped washing for a moment, but then continued. "Yeah, he found you asleep in the kitchen and he suggested moving you. Something about having a stiff neck and back later on is bad… Why? You're worried he might try something on you?" Karin said though with the intention of being somewhat comical.

Yuzu slightly blushed by her sister's statement but continued with what she wanted to say. "No, it's not that. It just that, I'm shocked that I was able to sleep while being carried to bed…that's all." She looked down, flushed. Although she didn't remember at all of Toshiro and his chivalrous gesture, she felt like a princess after knowing that much. Knowing Toshiro, he would have carried her in a bridal matter, with his strong arms around her. She knew how fit he was from the different training he had that involved his physical body and the amount of pain he endured. "Hey Karin…"

"Hm?" Karin was now finishing up the last of the dishes but still kept her attention to her sister through listening.

"Remember the talk we had on Tuesday? You know, about him?" Yuzu said, though nervously. Although she was nervous, she was not at all flustered. Instead, it was more like the unease of committing a crime of some kind and still having the nerve to talk about it.

"Yeah, I remembered…though I wonder why a guy like that? There's definitely better guys in the world than him. Like Toshiro for example, or even Chad. Heck, even Keigo might be better than him. You know?" Karin said as she finished with the dishes. She dried her hands on the towel and finally turned her full attention towards her sister.

"He's not that bad and he can be sweet …" Yuzu said in response to Karin's viewpoint on the guy. Karin replied back first with placing her hands on her waist and leaning forward.

"Well of course he would be sweet around you; ton of guys are with you. Or did you forget about your fan club at school?"

Yuzu nearly forgotten about that. Truth to be told, she didn't realize she had one until Karin pointed it out about a week or two ago. She simply thought that the boys in their school were overall nice in general without much intention than being fellow classmates. Then Yuzu realized they were going off topic and quickly recovered as she began to speak.

"Karin, I was wondering if you told To-" "Oh!" Karin gestured her hands that she realized something.

"Hey Yuz, did you know that Keigo and Tatsuki hooked up?!" Karin said in a surprised matter.

"W-What!" Yuzu said, turning pink. "Please, tell me more!" A switch was flipped upon hearing that. Yuzu had the bad habit of sticking her nose in other people business, especially concerning romance. A prime example was when Ichigo and Rukia were together. She and her father would spy on them behind the safety of Ichigo's door. With her trusty glass cup, she picked up a few things on the other side of the wooden barrier. Most of the time, they would be fighting over something silly but then, there were moments where they suddenly became quiet. Her face would turn red like cherry when she realized what was happening. Unfortunately, with her father by her side, they would get caught from the chanting their father was doing beside her. He talked about how he hoped that Rukia would, with Ichigo, provide him a grandchild. It was always something he would bring up to them which usually ended with their father being beaten up. That day was no exception as Ichigo suddenly opened the door, embarrassed and frustrated as he pounded his father for spying. Lucky for her, she only received a small scolding from her brother and Rukia would at times tease her that it would eventually happen to her in closed doors.

"Yeah, apparently they had feelings for each other but were too embarrassed to say anything." Karin stated, noticing Yuzu's interest.

"If they were too embarrassed, how did they get together?" Yuzu asked, curious without a doubt as she leaned forward with both hands close together.

"Well…"

oooOOOooo

Towards the end of the conversation between Toshiro and Karin during the last night in Kyoto, Toshiro revealed something to Karin.

"Then, I have something to tell you as well. It seems that Keigo and Tatsuki got together." Toshiro said as he looked down from his balcony before turning around and leaning back on the rails.

"You're kidding me… seriously?! How? Why?" Karin said in the other line, almost in a panicking matter.

"I guess I gave them a push towards the right direction." Toshiro said, with the two of them by the grassland near the hotel. They were by each other side, holding hands as they stared out to the sky. It was a rare moment to have Tatsuki without the punching and grappling. It was even rarer to have Keigo without his senseless and embarrassing self. It was a touching moment between the two as they said not a word in hope to not ruin what they were doing.

"All my goodness! So, did they kiss! Please tell me they kissed!" Yuzu begged, leaning towards her sister even further until Karin began to step back.

"I don't know! Sheesh… Toshiro wouldn't say. Maybe you can get it out of him." Karin suggested but then a voice broke out.

"Really? You still haven't given up?"

They turned and saw Toshiro by the opening, with two bags in one hand. Both Karin and Yuzu turned away, not sure what to say. Toshiro casually went to the fridge where he placed the milk and carton of eggs inside.

Karin and Yuzu nodded to each other as they formulated a plan without any verbal communication needed. Karin began speaking as the two girls turned their attention to the boy.

"Toshiro, my friend… we were just ta-" Karin began in a friendly matter as she took a step towards him.

"No." Toshiro said before closing the fridge.

"You don't even know what I was going to say!" She shouted.

"We were both saying romantic it was for people to get together. Like Ichigo and Rukia for example." Yuzu said, stepping in for her sister. Toshiro looked from Karin to Yuzu, with his sharp eyes.

"Does it have to do with Keigo and Tatsuki?" The look he received by them both, answered his question. Maybe they were more alike than they wanted to believe. "Look, if you want to know any more than what you know, ask them yourself." He said though not as stern as they would have expected him to be.

Then his phone beeped for a moment before he took it out from his pocket. A text message from Rukia appeared on the screen of his flip phone.

"Another meeting?" Yuzu asked.

"No, a message from Rukia. Tonight, I'm going to a BBQ at her place with everyone else."

"Really?"

"Yeah, you guys can come too. I'm sure Rukia wouldn't mind having you two." He said before replying back to Rukia's message.

Yuzu was dumbfounded. Toshiro was making progress without her awareness which was a good thing, right? Maybe I should talk to him about it. They talked for a bit about the gathering, before Toshiro remembered something.

"Oh, and thank you for the food. As always, your food was delicious."

Yuzu was stained by cherry marks around her cheeks upon receiving Toshiro's comment on her food. Karin also thank Yuzu and she was happy to hear that they ate the dish she specifically made for them respectively.

oooOOOooo

As Toshiro said, Rukia had no problem with Yuzu and Karin coming over. Everyone who was coming over were friends of each other and there was plenty of food. Before arriving to Rukia's place, Karin and Yuzu went to buy two watermelons with Toshiro accompanying them. Although Yuzu said she was fine, Toshiro insisted in carrying both hers and Karin's watermelon. Of course, Karin believed Toshiro was implying something about her physical attribute rather than being considerate which ended with them both arguing.

Karin claimed that Toshiro was sexist while Toshiro said he would have done it with anyone who he believed may have trouble carrying something heavy. Yuzu smiled sheepishly as they both continued bonking heads with each other.

Upon arriving, most of everyone who was coming over was there already. Yuzu took noticed of both Keigo and Tatsuki. Tatsuki was eating heavily while Keigo watched before commenting on something. Tatsuki nearly dropped the piece of steak in her mouth before she drew back her arm and launch it directly to his face. The impact caused him to be propelled back before he was stopped by the stone wall surrounding the Kuchiki's estate.

Everyone shook their head at Keigo while Orihime tried to calm down Tatsuki. Chad was grilling some patties and hotdogs with Renji and Ikkaku waiting impatiently. Ichigo and Rukia were by the pond, seeing everyone else and talking to each other. Uryu was eating a hotdog with Orihime holding a plate of unknown mystery. She offered some to both Renji and Ikkaku but they politely declined. They couldn't stomach down the sight of what she had on her plate as they desperately awaited for their burgers.

When Toshiro stepped forward, Ichigo turned and noticed him along with Rukia and the rest of the gang. They were somewhat surprised by his appearance but were merry nonetheless. As they feasted and enjoyed the slight fire display courtesy of the Kuchiki's family.

It was only until an hour later that someone woke up from inside the mansion that things really got interesting. Her nimble movement made it difficult to notice at first, but when she appeared on the back of Toshiro's back, it became clear. Yachiru arrived half an hour earlier than Toshiro and his group but decided to take a small cat nap inside the Kuchiki's mansion. While asleep, one of her guard stood watch while the other enjoyed in the event. Now that she was awake, she re-attached herself onto Toshiro and remained there throughout the night.

Toshiro didn't seem to mind as he told both Karin and Yuzu that going against Yachiru usually was not a good idea. Everyone, including their own brother seemed to understand, all except Karin and Yuzu.

Yuzu wanted to talk to Toshiro but since Yachiru was practically stuck to him, Yuzu couldn't get a moment alone with him. Karin tried getting Yachiru to get off though subtlety. She tried inviting her to play with some of the smaller fireworks which resulted in Toshiro carrying her while she watched. Karin also offered to carry her but she refused.

"What about when he need to use the bathroom?" She asked the girl who was apparently her upperclassmen by a year. Yachiru smiled at Karin's inquiry before replying. Her usually pink pool that resemble candied apple became that of wine.

"By chance, do you want Toshiro to give you a ride too?"

The question may have sounded simple and minor but it may have a deeper meaning. Luckily for Karin, Toshiro explained that one shouldn't take seriously the young daughter of Kenpachi. So, with a monotone like voice, she said to the little girl. "Yes, I have been waiting all night to get a pony ride from him. He promised." She decided to add that last part just in case.

It worked for her favor because almost instantly, Yachiru jumped off and waved her arm at them. "Okay! I'm going to try out some of the meat!" She quickly ran to the table with Ikkaku followed her behind.

Toshiro gave Karin a smirk before leaving where they stood for-

"Hold it. About that ride?" Karin came forth with a wicked grin as she looked at Toshiro and his sea colored eyes.

oooOOOooo

"So, I guess our talk from before convinced you to start hanging out with them again?"

"You could say that. It made me at least think about what I should do and for that I thank you."

"Hey, enough with the formality. A simply thank you will suffice. Anyway, what's the deal with her? Why is she so stuck to you?"

"I've known her since she was but 7 years old. I had to perform several duties, one of them was to be taught by her father, Zaraki Kenpachi. Still, even when I was being taught by him, she was there alongside me. As daughter, she had her own set of duties and eventually, will have to inherit the family dojo. Even so, she somehow maintained that carefree expression. Since we were both around the same age and, close in height, a bond was forged between."

"A bond?" Puzzled Karin as she looked down.

"It's difficult to defined it but a bond was established nonetheless. It is because of this bond that she's so keen to remain close."

Karin decided then and there to change topic. She really felt the need to converse about something other than Yachiru. As she dropped her head down and rested her chin on his gravity defying hair, she spoke. "So I guess you'll be spending more time with them and less time with Yuzu and I, huh?" She didn't dare to look down as the cherry marks were faintly present around her cheeks.

Toshiro didn't need to look up to see the sort of expression she carried. Instead, he chuckled a bit before maintaining his composure. Karin could feel the trembling vibration and the insulting laughter as she looked down. Her hands were on his hair with tight grips. She was preparing to punish him but waited for his response.

"Are you saying I shouldn't be friends with your brother so I could spend more time with you?" He said despite feeling her iron-like grip on his hair.

"NO! More like me just stating the fact. Sure there would be moments where everyone is together but then, there would also be moments where you'll be with them and not with us."

"There would also be times where I would with you and not with them." He said, as the grips around his hand tightened.

"E-Either way, you better see us frequently because I'm sure Yuzu would begin to miss you if you don't."

"Right. I'll be sure to do that so neither one of you would get to miss me." He said with Karin retorting back a 'No! That wasn't what I said. Toshiro!', as he continued to laugh despite Karin bashing his head repeatedly.

oooOOOooo

"So what now?"

"What do you mean?"

Two figures were currently walking down the deserted road. The lights were scarce as they were derived only from the lamp posts stationed alongside the road and the crescent moon.

"I mean about us…are we always going to be like that? You saying something stupid and me responding back with either a punch or kick. It's not what I had in mind for a couple…it's not lovey-dovey."

"You mean like with Ichigo and Rukia."

"Exactly. They bickered here and there but still managed to act all couple-like. Why can't we be like them?"

"Well, you're not a refined woman like Rukia and I'm not a bad boy like Ichigo. We both lack femininity and masculinity respectively to begin with but that wasn't why I confessed to you. I don't want you to be someone you're not. I love the fire that dwells inside you and every punch and kick I ever got from you made it easier for me to get a glimpse of that fiery spirit." As he spoke those words, his companion could not contain the marks of the cherry around her face that resonated along with her heart. Each passing word made her heart beat faster than before until it felt like it could depart any minute now.

"So, you're saying I should just be myself?" She said with her bangs playing the role of a veil.

"That's right." The guy said while smiling with the same goofiness he was known for because he was goofy and stupid. Upon completion of what he said, she stopped walking. He noticed the sudden halt from her part and turned around.

She muttered something before grabbing his shirt tightly with both of her hands. For a moment, he thought she was about to perform a take-down or some massive impact with either her leg, head, or knee. Instead, without having time to react, he was pulled into a kiss. A kiss similar to what they recently shared during the trip but also something entirely different. Within this particular kiss, he felt that burning sensation that he would usually get from her blows but amplified. It had been way over the 5 second lapse but her lips were still on his. He then lifted both his hands and went past her hands, before reaching her face. The feel around the side of her face as they kissed made it the more endearing as she rested both of her hands on his chest as he began to take a prominent approach.

The night was certainly young as the two teens went well over half an hour embracing one another. It was actually an amusing sight. If the moon and stars were able to speak their minds, they would certainly say that these two young teens before them were currently displaying the rich and tender qualities of lovey-doveyness.

-End of Chapter 12

It certainly been awhile since I wrote something this long. I grew accustomed to writing short chapters, but somehow found a way to write this. Also, although it may seem somewhat obvious, who were the two teens that were being lovey-dovey during the night?

-sorrowXdarkness