Phew, managed to write chapter number 14. I'm proud of myself.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach not any of the songs used in this. All belongs to their rightful owners.


Karin's POV
The next morning I woke up when I felt something relatively heave on my chest. I opened my eyes and stared into extremely blue eyes surrounded by white fur.

"Grimmjow? What are you doing in my room? How did you get in?" I asked the kitten sitting up. He mewled irritated as he had to move from my chest to my lap. I realized I was wearing the shorts and t-shirt I had pulled on when it had become too cold to be in bikini. Why am I always sleeping with my clothes on?

I checked around the room and saw that the door was open. I looked at the door and then at the kitten who was staring me.

"Either someone let you in or you're one smart kitten", I mumbled and picked him from my lap and put him on my bed. I grabbed my towel and some clean clothes and took a quick shower. The salty water of the ocean had dried in my hair and lumps of salt in my hair. I should have washed it yesterday, stupid me!

After the shower I went downstairs to get breakfast. Yuzu was practically running around the house.

"Hey, what's wrong Yuzu?" I asked calmly opening the fridge to check if there was anything good to eat.

"I can't find Grimmjow anywhere. I just set him on the floor for a second and then suddenly he had disappeared", she answered lifting the cushions.

"He's in my room. Probably sleeps on my bed, at least that was what he was doing when I left my room", I answered taking butter, a plate with some cucumber and tomatoes on it and a bottle of juice from the fridge. I kicked the door shut and Yuzu send a quick glare at me. She didn't like it when I kicked any doors. I rolled my eyes and put everything on the kitchen counter and started to look for some bread and a glass.

Ichigo came downstairs yawning and scratching his head, carrying Grimmjow. Yuzu spun around to look at him as she heard him mewl.

"Grimmjow! I was worried about you! You usually don't disappear like that", she said running to Ichigo and taking the kitten. He purred softly closing his eyes as Yuzu started to stroke him.

"He woke me up. Which one of you let him in my room, I'm sure the door was closed when I went to sleep", Ichigo asked. I raised my eyebrow surprised.

"He woke me up too. But he's too small to open doors on his own!" I said and looked at the kitten suspiciously. Ichigo glanced at him worriedly. Suddenly we heard giggling from the stairs. I sighed.

"Morning dad! What are you laughing about?" Yuzu asked hearing the giggling too. Our father stepped around the corner and smiled.

"Just that you two fear a kitten", he said pointing at Ichigo and me.

"I do NOT!" we both exclaimed together and Yuzu started giggling too. Grimmjow looked proud. It was pretty clear who had let him in our rooms.

Dad and Grimmjow really seemed to like each others. One day I saw dad wave a feather-thingy (Grimmjow loves that toy) for him about an hour. Grimmjow had also realized that dad was the one who would drop him some food from the table. Yuzu disapproved this, saying that Grimmjow was learning bad habits.

"How was the beach yesterday? I'm still so sad you didn't invite me too!" he said and I could tell he was just about to start crying to the huge picture on the wall.

"It was fun", I answered shortly starting to eat my sandwich. Yuzu started to explain more about what we had done, leaving out the fact I hadn't been with the group for almost the all day and the dance part.

"I'm going out", I informed after I had eaten. Dad and Ichigo just nodded and Yuzu smirked at me. She's creepy when she smirks.

After grabbing my cap, which I liked to use when I had my hair open, from my room and taking my cell phone and iPod from the table I started walking towards the park near Orihime's place. I put the earphones to my ears and put the music to so loud that I wasn't able to hear the noises from the street anymore.

I walked quickly, stepping according to the rhythm of the music.

I had planned to just take a walk in the park and then go to Orihime's place to see if Toushiro was there, and if he was I'd go shopping with him. Yeah, I was planning to go shopping. I had lost my best and only sweatpants and needed new ones. Plus Ichigo's birthday was coming soon, so I needed a gift for him.

In the park I walked to the tree I had sat when I had ran away from Orihime's place to get out of the house for a while. I sat on the branch again and just stared to the pond. A couple of swans were swimming in the other side.

I started to sing the lyrics I was hearing from the headphones so silently that no one walking on the street could hear me.

The daylight's fading slowly
but time with you is standing still
I'm waiting for you only
The slightest touch and I'll feel weak

I cannot lie
From you I cannot hide
I'm losing the will to try
Can't hide it (can't hide it)
Can't fight it (can't fight it)
So...

Go on, go on, come on leave me breathless
Tempt me, tease me until I can't deny this
loving feeling, make me long for your kiss
Go on, go on
Yeah, come on...

Unfortunately (or not) I hadn't realized Shinigami seem to have better hearing than normal humans.

I felt a cool hand grab my hand and pull me closer. I almost screamed, managing to swallow the sound as it was about to leave my mouth.

"Toushiro! Don't do that! I could have fallen to the pond like last time", I said as he pulled one earphone from my ear. He chuckled.

"You think I'm so left-handed that I'd let you fall like that? C'mon Karin, you know me better than that", he said and I turned off the iPod so that I wouldn't be bothered by the music.

"Still, don't surprise me like that. I know you can move silently and all so you can announce me when you're coming. No need to impress me", I said. He smirked.

"I like to impress you. You can sing pretty well, did you know that?" he asked suddenly and I opened and closed my mouth few times, not being able to say anything.
"You can't be embarrassed by that! You didn't blush a bit when I told you that you had a nice body and when I tell you that you can sing well you're red as a tomato and can't get a word out of your mouth", he said shaking his head. I got an urge to push him to the water. I didn't do it though; I would have fallen with him.

"I have had comments about my looks before but no one has really heard me sing. Except for Yuzu, but she would never say anything unkind", I told him still considering pushing to the pond.

"You have had comments about your looks? From who?" Toushiro asked, expression darkening a bit like he was thinking of beating those people up.

"Just from some guys in our school. They're all idiots", I said waving with my hand indicating it wasn't a big of a deal.

I noticed Toushiro wasn't in his Shinigami outfit but was wearing black jeans and a white sleeveless shirt with a black scarf and black wrist band.

"Since when have you been able to dress so well?" I asked raising an eyebrow to him. Usually when he was in his gigai her he had just some jeans or shorts and a simple t-shirt, no accessories or anything.

"Of you mean this", he said lifting the scarf. "Matsumoto insisted I'd use this. She bought it for me", he told.

"Okay. What are you doing here by the way? I thought you had to patrol around the city", I asked. He had told me that they all were here to beat the Hollows and try to figure out why were there so many of them.

"I am patrolling. I was just walking around here when I heard you singing. And that brings us to the question why are you here? There are parks closer to your home", he said raising an eyebrow at me. I shrugged.

"Well, I like this park the best. And I was planning to come ask you to come shopping with me. I thought it would be less annoying with you", I told him. He seemed to be surprised.

"You want to go shopping? I never thought you'd want to go shopping. Malls don't seem like an ideal environment for you", he said and the urge to push him to the pond returned.

"Didn't I say it would be less annoying with you? I'm going only because I have to. My only sweatpants were pretty much destroyed and I need a birthday present for Ichi-nii. So, can you come with me or not?" I asked.

"I don't see a reason why I couldn't. It can be patrolling when I'm shopping with you. At least Matsumoto sees shopping as patrolling. Oh, speaking of Matsumoto, she wanted me to invite you and Yuzu to Orihime's place. I have no idea why, she wouldn't tell me", Toushiro told. I was a bit surprised since she invited Yuzu too. Can't have anything to do with Shinigami.

"Today? I can come; I need to ask Yuzu about her. But normal humans can see that huge TV thing that has the connection to Soul Society, right? Won't she wonder what on earth it is? Oh, and do you know any shops that sell good sweatpants?" I asked and he looked at me like I was stupid.

"Of course you don't, it was a stupid question. Well, let's go to look for one", I said and stood up on the branch. Toushiro stood up too and we managed to get off it without falling to the water.

"About the Yuzu being able to see the thing in Orihime's apartment, I think if Matsumoto asked her there, she already has an explanation for it", Toushiro said as we started to walk out of the park.

We headed to the part of the town where (we believed) the shops that sold clothes were. It was a warm sunny day, so every shop where we went was full of people. It was a nightmare to people who don't like shopping at all.

Finally we found a shop that sold sport wear and other not so… girly clothes.

"Do you already know what you're gonna buy for you brother?" Toushiro asked leaning on the wall while I browsed through the sweatpants to find a proper sized ones.

"Not so sure. I was gonna buy something that has something to do with music, but now I think it's too unimaginative. So now I'm not sure",I told honestly. I wanted to get him something he didn't expect.

"Get him a box of strawberries. His face would be worth seeing", Toushiro said and almost snickered. I looked at him worriedly. He never even almost snickered. Maybe he's not alright?

"Nah, Renji told he'll buy a box and it's not funny if two people give the same present", I told. I had overheard Renji laugh at Rukia about his idea for a present to my brother. Toushiro raised his eyebrows surprised and chuckled a bit. Suddenly he stopped and his eyes widened as he looked over my shoulder.

"Then buy something from that shop. It looks perfect", he said and started shaking a bit as he stifled his laughter. I turned around to look at what he had seen. My jaw almost hit the floor before I started howling with laughter.

"I would have never believed there was a shop called 'Strawberry heaven'", I laughed as I stared at the shop. The name was written in red and surrounded by mini strawberries. In front of the shop was a human size strawberry statue and everything inside was red and green.

"Real world sure is weird", Toushiro said shaking his head. I grabbed a pair of my size sweatpants and paid them without trying them. It wasn't so important that they'd fit perfectly, it was enough if I just had a pair.

"C'mon! That's a perfect shop!" I said and grabbed Toushiro's hand dragging him after me.

Inside the shop we stopped to look around. There were mini statues, clothes, tableware, ornaments and even some furniture. A cheerfully song was playing from the speakers of the shop.

This is a world of dreams and reverie
Where I felt the stars explode around me.
A grass blade flashed with a gleam as it slashed open a moon beam
And I stared back breathlessly as mountains of fruit tumbled out;
I barely had the chance to shout.
A strawberry avalanche crash over me.

"Oh. My. God. This shop can't be real", Toushiro said sweatdropping. I was having hard time believing it too. I had never heard a fan shop for a fruit.

"Maybe a t-shirt would be good. Something that he could also use", I thought. Toushiro was still standing where I had left him, staring at a strawberry plushy.

"I can buy it for you if you like it so much. Just come and help find a shirt for Ichi-nii", I said and he snapped out of his trance.

We browsed through the shirts for about fifteen minutes before we found a shirt for Ichigo. There were shirts full of strawberry prints and little hearts, but I decided they were too girly for Ichigo. There were also shirts with texts about strawberries, and the shirt we decided to buy for Ichigo was one of those.

It was a black t-shirt with a red text 'The greatest Strawberry ever!' in the front. The dot in the exclamation mark was replaced by a strawberry. The text was written like graffiti, so it wasn't a shirt Ichigo couldn't use. He just had to hope no one read the text.

"I'll take this", I said to the shop assistant behind the counter. She had blond hair with pink ends and two strawberry pins on either side of her face. They were the same kind that Yuzu had. Maybe she knows this shop. I need to ask her that.

"Sure thing honey! Would you like to have a free keychain? They are a limited edition", she told with a bright smile. I shrugged.

"Sure, why not", I told her and she put the shirt and a small strawberry keychain into a pink bag with a huge strawberry printed on it.

"Here you go. Please come again!" she said and waved to us as we left the shop. We tried to leave us unnoticeable as possible, but still a certain someone noticed us.

"Captain! Karin! What are you doing here?" Rangiku called after us. We both froze and slowly turned around.

Toushiro's POV

We watched Matsumoto run to us. She was carrying a huge pile of bags of clothing. A vein popped in my forehead.

"Matsumoto. Shouldn't you be patrolling, not shopping?" I asked her. She stopped and thought for a second before smiling.

"I'm patrolling here, like you seem to be doing too", she smirked and I realized she was right. I was shopping. Oh, great. She's never gonna forget this.

"I'm helping Karin buy a birthday present for her brother", I told and closed my eyes to calm down. Somehow I knew I'd soon be annoyed. I wonder how you know that.

"That's so cute! And what a cute shop you came from!" she exclaimed and I opened my eyes to see Karin blush. It didn't fit her tomboyish attitude to go into shops like that.

"It's Ichigoish, isn't in?" Karin asked after she had managed to force her blush away. Matsumoto chuckled.

"It sure is. Did Captain already ask you to come to Orihime's place? Can you come? How about your sister? It would be so great if you both could come, so perfect", Matsumoto ranted happily and I started to get worried about the thing she was planning to do.

"I can come but I need to ask Yuzu about her. I could sent a message and ask her now", Karin told back smiling brightly, not suspecting a thing.

"That would be nice! I still need to do some shopping, so call me after you get an answer", she told and disappeared to another direction. Karin pulled her cell phone from her pocket and started to write a message to Yuzu. Out of habit I reached to take out my Soul Pager and when I realized my pocket was empty I remembered it was broken.

I sighed annoyed. It meant I'd have to pay a visit to Urahara soon, and everything he sold was just so damn expensive. Karin sent the message and looked at me.

"Something wrong?" she asked putting the phone back to her pocket. I looked at her.

"Not really, I just remembered my Soul Pager is broken and I need a new one", I told her. She looked confused for a moment.

"Soul Pager… Is that the name of your hollow detecting phone?" she asked. I simply nodded.

"Sorry about that. It is my fault it's broken… Where do you buy those things from?" she asked after staring at her feet for a moment.

"Usually from Soul Society, they're cheaper in there, but here in the real world is a shop that sells them. I think you know the shop", I said and she thought for a moment before her face brightened as she realized what I meant.

"Urahara! Of course, he is an ex-Shinigami. Are you going to go buy a new today?" she asked. I had been thinking of going today, since it was pretty annoying to try to work without it.

"Yeah, I guess I should. Wanna come with me, or do you have any plans?" I asked knowing perfectly well she didn't have any. She looked at me meaning she knew it too.

"Well then let's go", I smirked and we left the front of the odd strawberry shop as quickly as we were able.

The walk to the Urahara shouten was fast and funny. Karin was still laughing at the shop and I have to admit, it was a bit hilarious. But I will never go there again. I just hope Matsumoto won't tell anyone she saw me there. No one would respect me anymore. Oh, c'mon! You can scare them to respect you again. Don't forget that you're the feared kid captain of 10th division. You know, that would have been a nice thing to say without the 'kid' part.

"What do you think Rangiku is planning? It's a bit odd she wanted Yuzu to come too", Karin asked me after a short silence. Yuzu had answered that she would be able to come and Karin had immediately told it to Matsumoto, who seemed to get even more excited.

"I don't have the smallest idea. Nothing too dangerous, but it could be embarrassing", I told her. I had experiences of Matsumoto's planning, though usually it involved sake. I seriously hoped it wouldn't this time. Karin and Yuzu were only 16, which means they shouldn't be drinking sake.

"Oh! Captain Hitsugaya and Karin! So wonderful to see you two! What brings you here?" Urahara suddenly exclaimed making us both jump. We hadn't realized we were so close to the shouten already.

"Hi Urahara! Hi Yoruichi!" Karin exclaimed and I noticed the black cat sipping milk next to Urahara. She lifted her head and swayed her tail in greeting.

"I need a new Soul Pager. The old one was broken by a Hollow", I told the man. He smirked behind his fan.

"Oh no~! Those things aren't cheap I'm afraid. Hopefully you can afford it", he said and a vein popped in my forehead. I AM the captain of 10th division. Of course I can afford his ridiculously high prices.

"Urahara, do you have the katana you promised to make me? The one I could beat Hollows with?" Karin asked suddenly. I spun around to stare at her. She hadn't mentioned she had asked Urahara to make/get a katana for her.

"Ah, of course. Tessai! Could you bring Karin her katana?" he yelled and I heard Tessai start to rummage through the storage of the shouten.

"You have asked him to get you a katana? Don't tell me you plan on fighting even more Hollows?" I asked, though it sounded more like 'you're not going to fight anymore Hollows than you already are'.

"That's exactly what I'm planning. I decided that maybe I could become a Shinigami after high school, but until then I need a proper way to fight. So I asked him to make me a katana with what I can beat Hollows", she said glaring at me. That glare meant she had already made her mind up and wasn't going to discuss about this anymore.

"You really plan on becoming a Shinigami?" I asked, partly changing the subject. Karin nodded.

"What are you going to do then? Live a double life like your brother or move to Soul Society. Your brother was offered a place there but he refused claiming he wanted to stay with his family. And your dad is always welcome back to Soul Society, even if he really don't want to be a Shinigami", I said.

I knew that Karin knew about her father. He had once been a Captain in Soul Society, disappeared to real world and got rid of his powers, though they had started to come back now. At their house he was still the same person, partly for Yuzu, who didn't know anything and partly because that was just who he was.

"Dunno. If Yuzu could see Shinigami too then we could all move there, but since she doesn't it's a harder question. And I still would want to graduate, even if Yuzu could become a Shinigami too", she said. I knew I could never ask her to move to Soul Society. It would have to be her decision. But it would be very hard for her to leave Yuzu behind.

"Here's your Soul Pager. You know the price", Urahara interrupted smirking. That smirk was even scarier than his usual smirk, like he knew something we didn't. Though he probably knew a lot of things we didn't. And that I wouldn't even want to know. Why? He is a genius. Simply said, he's scary as hell.

"I hope it works properly. It is so expensive that you'd better fix it for free if there are any problems", I told and handed Urahara the money.

"No worries! My products have a perfect insurance which covers anything that isn't the users fault", he told and I hoped he meant it. Just then Tessai came from the shouten carrying a katana in a sheath. It looked really much like a zanpakutou but was just a normal katana.

"Here is your sword Karin. Do you have the payment?" Urahara asked and an evil glint sparked in his eyes. Karin smirked at least as evilly as he.

"Of course. Here's the tape", she said and handed him a see-through box which had a tape inside it. I wonder what that is. Judging by their expressions it's nothing good.

"What was that?" I asked and Karin glanced at me smiling guiltily.

"Well, you probably remember when you sang with our band. That was the tape of it", she answered squirming under my gaze.

"Wh-what? Why? Why did he want it? And why did you give it to him?" I asked. And why would it be worth a sword that can kill Hollows? Maybe your singing is so good. Maybe not.

"I gave it to him because he promised he wouldn't show it to anyone outside his shouten and I needed the sword. And why are you so shocked, you sing well!" she said getting a bit defensive. I glared at the smirking Urahara and scooped and arm over her shoulders.

"Hey, I'm not angry. Well, not at you. Where did you get the tape from?" I asked her. I saw neither his brother nor father use any video camera.

"Rangiku gave it to me. She told she wanted to spread some joy. And she thought it was a good idea that I had a sword", she told me.

"MATSUMOTO!" I yelled.

On the other side of the town

"Hmm, that sounded like someone called me. Must have imagined it", a busty Shinigami shrugged and went back to her shopping.

Back at Urahara shouten

"Warn me next time before you yell", Karin said holding her ears and glaring at me. I smiled apologetically.

"Yes, Captain Hitsugaya, that would be an excellent idea", Urahara said poking his ear to check if it still worked. You yell loudly. It echoes here! Gives me a headache.

"Karin, about that sword. It's made so that people without enough reiatsu can't see it so you can carry it around without having to think about looking funny", Urahara noted and Karin's smile grew even more.

"That's good. I was just thinking about how I could carry it around so that people wouldn't see it", she said and strapped the sword to her back.

"Thanks again Urahara! And remember not to show the tape to anyone outside your shop", Karin yelled as she waved at Urahara when we were walking away from the shouten. She turned to look in front of her and stretched her arms above her head.

"I hope we'll meet some Hollows! It would be fun to test the sword!" she said and looked around sharply. I hope the Hollows will stay away today. Oh c'mon! Don't be so protective! She knows how to fight and now she even has a sword! That's just it. When she sees how strong she is, she can get overconfident and then get hurt.

Thankfully, we neither saw not felt any Hollows anywhere and Karin didn't get a chance to try her new sword. When we arrived at Orihime's, I glanced at her over my shoulder.

"You're coming now? Don't you need to stop at your place?" I asked. She shrugged.

"Why would I need to do that? I don't need to pick up anything and I don't see a reason to change my clothes. And I think my katana and Ichi-nii's present are safe here", she said and I had to admit she had a point.

Just when I was about to open the door it practically flew open. I pulled Karin away and the door missed my head by just millimeters.

"Captain! You're here! Yuzu has already arrived so we can start our party! Huh… Why are you sitting on the floor", she said looking down at us. I was still holding Karin tightly to my chest with one arm and was holding myself up with another. I glared at her.

"You almost hit us with the door", I growled at her and loosened the arm around Karin a bit. She turned her head, but didn't have room to move anymore. Yuzu peeked around the door to look what was taking so long. She sighed a long *aww* when she saw us.

What's with the females and the *aww* noises?

"Sorry, you were just taking so long at the door. We heard you talking", she said, still not doing a movement to help us up.

I released my hold of Karin and stood up, helping her at the same time. I knew Karin didn't want to be helpless, but at least in Soul Society chivalry isn't dead.

"This 'party' better not be like your usual parties", I said walking inside. I carefully checked, but didn't see any sake bottles around.

"Of course not! I know that Karin and Yuzu aren't allowed to drink, I'm not stupid!" she said pouting. I took the bag from 'Strawberry heaven' that Karin was holding and held my other hand for her sword. With a sigh she quickly took it off her back and handed to me.

"Where did you get your sword from?" Yuzu asked suddenly. Both me and Karin froze and slowly turned to look at her. She was looking straight at the sword.

"You can see it?" Karin asked quietly. Matsumoto smiled behind the small blonde girl before disappearing somewhere.

"Of course I can. As easily as I can see Hollows and Shinigami", she said and I swear Karin's jaw was near hitting the floor. I was surprised by the fact that she could see Shinigami, so Karin should be completely taken off guard, since she has been living with the other girl.

"Since when?" I asked because Karin didn't seem to be able to get a word out of her mouth. Yuzu thought for a moment.

"I've been able to see clearly for about six months. I was buying stuff from Urahara's when I saw nii-chan run away from the shouten in a black kimono. I asked Jinta what was that about and he took me to Urahara who explained everything. After that I've been watching you and nii-chan to see if you realize I know everything", she said. Karin was opening and closing her mouth, but no sound came out.

Seems like the whole Kurosaki family can see Shinigami, two of them even are Shinigami. They would be safer in Soul Society. Karin wants to graduate first. I'm going to honor her decision.

"Oh, and I also know Toushiro is a Shinigami. I've seen him sneaking in your window really often. Does nii-chan know about that?" she asked and Karin's brain finally seemed to catch up with the situation.

"No, he knows nothing about that. Though there has been few close calls", she smirked. Wow, she seems to take it well after the first shock. I'm proud of her! Hyorinmaru, there is a line after which your statements start to be creepy.

"Oi you three! C'mon in already! Yea, yea, Yuzu knows about Shinigami, big deal!" Renji yelled from the kitchen. I raised my eyebrows as we walked to the kitchen. Besides Renji and Matsumoto there were also Tatsuki, Orihime and Ishida.

"Who else is invited to this party thing?" I asked Matsumoto who was doing something in the living room. That something included a lot of electronic stuff.

"You're the last ones. Chad couldn't come and Rukia is keeping Ichigo away", Renji answered for her. Karin glanced at Matsumoto's work and swallowed.

"You can't be serious! Karaoke?" she said staring at all the electronic stuff. Now I was able to see the microphones and piles of discs on the floor.

"Matsumoto. Don't tell me you expect me to sing too? And I need to talk to you about 'spreading joy' to Urahara", I growled at her. She glanced over her shoulder and chuckled nervously.

"Oh, the tape… I thought he'd find it inspiring", she said and pulled some wires which seemed to be tied non-untieable. Ishida and Renji went to help her and Orihime continued making the snacks. Mental note: do not eat any snacks.

"Inspiring is a great word. Just what do you think he'll be inspired to do?" I asked smiling annoyed. Karin and Yuzu moved to kitchen to check what Orihime was doing and asking if they could help. Mental note: at least taste the snacks.

"Captain, you know he would have gotten his hands on the tape no matter what I did. Isn't it better that he at least made a promise not to show it to everybody", Matsumoto whined, trying to get off the hook.

"I assume you have copies of the tape. I need to have them all. No one in Soul Society will see the show", I said to her and stretched my hand forward.

"But Captain! You were so cute when you were singing! Please, don't take the tapes", she whined, pouting. I cocked my head still glaring at her. She sighed deeply, went to her room and returned with three tapes.

"There better not be more copies", I said to her and took the tapes to my room, hiding them well. When I returned Renji and Ishida had managed to get the karaoke stuff ready and were browsing through the discs.

"Do you plan on singing?" Karin asked coming from behind me. I almost jumped, because I didn't hear her footsteps. She looked at me smirking.

"I surprised you! That doesn't happen very often", she said and I fought the urge to stuck my tongue at her. She was brining the childish side of me to the surface.

"You should definitely sing! You have such a great voice. You could sing a duet with Karin", Yuzu suggested joining her twin. Karin turned to look at her shocked and I smirked.

"That sounds like a good idea. But I want to hear her singing by herself first", I said smirking at her as she spun around to stare at me. She squinted her eyes.

"In that case, you need to also sing by yourself", she said leaning so close that I was able to fee her warm breath as she said the words. She was wearing a black baseball cap which created uraharaish shadows to her face.

"Take this off, I like to see your eyes", I said and took the cap off for her.

"Hey, give it back!" she exclaimed reaching after the cap. I lifted the cap high above her head, so that she wasn't able to reach it. She rose to her tiptoes, but I had expected that and did so too.

"You're sure having fun. Everybody else is taller than you so you tease the only person shorter", Renji laughed from the living room as he put a disc inside the karaoke machine. Seemed like he had chosen a song for himself.

"Abarai", I growled a warning. It really seemed like we had been in real word way too long and he had started to forget who I was.

"Sorry, Captain Hitsugaya", he said almost right away and took the mic, ready to sing.

Karin took advantage of the distraction and tackled me to the floor. I let out an *oof* noise as the air escaped from my lungs as Karin fell on top of me. She reached for the cap again, this time managing to get it.

"Yes! I win!" she laughed, not realizing she had moved so that her breasts were literally in my face. I think I've never been that red.

"Karin… I think you should get up. That isn't the best position to be in", Yuzu giggled to us. Karin moved obviously realizing what Yuzu meant.

"I'm so sorry Toushiro! I… I don't really know what to say", she mumbled, face red as tomato. Of course, everyone in the apartment had come to look what had happened when I fell to the floor and I was able to see everyone (including Orihime) smirk widely. Renji was snickering and missed the beginning of his song.

"Argh, now I'll have to restart it!" he said and ran back to the karaoke machine.

Karin stood up and reached her hand to me. She pulled me up and looked away, clearly very embarrassed. I wasn't sure what to say either.

Should I say I liked it? Or would that sound way too perverted? Or should I say I'm used to it, referring to Matsumoto? Hyorinmaru, I need help! Hey, don't ask me. I haven't been a situation like that! Great, you give advice when I don't need it and when I do, you don't have anything to say.

"Stupid me!" Karin growled and hit her head with her fist. I looked at her confusedly.

"What is it? You don't need to hit yourself", I asked and tried to make eye-contact with her.

"I'm just so stupid! I didn't realize I'd make you feel uncomfortable, or that I'd lay on top of your face", she said and avoided my eyes. I sighed a small laugh.

"Karin, don't worry. It wasn't anything serious, nor was it anything bad", I said and she finally turned to look at me. Her cheeks were still a bit red, but were returning to her normal tanned color. She raised her eyebrows and smirked.

"'It wasn't anything bad' you say. You are a little pervert, aren't you", she said and I heard Renji and Matsumoto stifled laughter from the living room.

"You really don't need to eavesdrop on every single conversation we have", I said loudly enough that they surely heard it. I heard quick movement and the music of Renji's song started again.

There you go
You're always so right
It's all a big show
it's all about you
You think you know
What everyone needs
You always take time to criticize me

It seems like every day
I make mistakes
I just can't get it right
It's like I'm the one
You love to hate
But not today...

So shut up, shut up, shut up
Don't wanna hear it
Get out, get out, get out
Get out of my way
Step up, step up, step up
You'll never stop me
Nothing you say today
Is gonna bring me down

"Hmm, seems like he's dedicating this to Kuchiki", I thought out loud. Karin raised an eyebrow quizzically as we moved to sit on the couch.

"He doesn't really like his captain, Kuchiki Byakuya, or the guy with pink sword as you know him. Though nowadays their relationship is better, but Abarai still sees him as his rival", I explained, even though I was sure Karin had heard something about it from her brother.

"Right, he wanted to become stronger for Rukia… I don't really understand it. Does he love her?" she asked quietly enough so that Renji didn't hear her.

"I've heard they grew up together, so they're really close. But I think they're like me and Momo, they see each other as siblings", I told. It was usual for kids in Rukongai to think about the person who they grew up with as a sibling. Sometimes they fell in love though, but the sibling like feeling was more usual.

"Is this Momo the girl who is like your sister? You mentioned her often, but you're never told me her name", Karin asked. I thought about our talks about my past for a while and realized I really had never mentioned her name.

"Yes, she is. I think you'd like her if you two met. She's a bit like Yuzu, same kind of kindness and caring for others. She's the vice-captain of the 5th division. That was Aizen's division, though now the spot of Captain of the division has been offered to your brother. I think he'll make a fine captain once he gets his temper in control", I told. Karin chuckled.

"Karin, you sing now. I already picked a song for you!" Yuzu exclaimed from the karaoke machine offering a mic to Karin. She stood up and took the mic.

"Well, let's hear it", she smirked. Ishida pushed the play button. The lyrics appeared on the screen in front of Karin and she smirked, lifting her eyes. It seemed like she didn't need the screen. She started to sing almost immediately when the song started.

Here's to the ones who don't give up
Here's to the ones who don't give up
Here's to the ones who don't give up
This is your anthem
Get your hands up

We are fire inside
We are lipstick and cleats
We are not going home
And we are playin for keeps
We are girls who skin knees
We are concrete and grace
We are not what you think
Can't keep us in our place

Here's to the girls on their boards with bruises and scars
Here's to the girls whose fingers bleed from playing guitar
Here's to anyone who never quit when things got hard
You'll never let them say
"You'll never get that far."
"Never get that far."
"Never get that far."

We are fire inside
We are an army asleep
We are a people awaking to follow their dreams
We don't have time for your games
We have our own goals to score
There are trophies to win
Instead of being one of yours

I had heard Karin sing before, but when she was performing to an audience she seemed to sing even better. She really got into the song and let her eyes wander the room until they stopped at me for a moment. Then she closed them again, concentrating only on singing.

"Wow, you really are a good singer kid! I never would have believed that from a sister of the Strawberry", Renji said staring at her eyes wide. Karin looked at him almost bored and surprised at the same time.

"Have you ever heard Ichi-nii sing? He has a really nice voice! I think he's a better singer than me!" she said and Renji raised his eyebrows so high that if he had had any hair on his forehead they would have disappeared.

I don't believe that Kurosaki is a better singer. Of course you don't, you're not in love with him. Once again you're stating facts.

Karin walked back to sit next to me with a big smile on her face.

"I love that song! Brings out my tomboy pride!" she laughed and kissed my cheek quickly. Matsumoto turned to look at me.

"C'mon Captain! It's your turn! You promised to Karin!" she said. I looked at the list of songs Matsumoto had put on the table and one hit my eye.

"Ishida, put track number 15. I think I'll sing that", I said and took the microphone from Matsumoto, who was holding it for me. The music started quick and I started to sing right on time.

She's got tattoos, and piercings
She likes Minor Threat she likes Social Distortion
My girl's a hot girl
A hood rat who needs an attitude adjustment

Christina, wouldn't wanna meet her
She hates you Britney so you better run for cover
My girl's a hot girl, a riot girl and she's angry at the world

Emergency call 911
She's pissed off at everyone
Police rescue, FBI
She wants a riot, she wants a riot

And everywhere we go, she gets us thrown out constantly
But that's okay
'Cuz I know, I know, I know my baby would do anything for me
Yeah

Christina, wouldn't wanna meet her
She hates you Britney so you better run for cover
My girl's a hot girl, a riot girl and she's taking on the world

I said

Emergency call 911
She's pissed off at everyone
Police rescue, FBI
She wants a riot, she wants a riot

I stared only at Karin while I sang, smirking for most of the time. Of course I had to occasionally glance at the lyrics so I knew what I needed to sing, but otherwise my eyes were on her.

When I stopped singing everyone was smiling and/or smirking. I sat down next to Karin and she smirked at me raising her eyebrows.

"So, I'm your riot girl?" she asked and I smirked back.

"Well of course! At least I could never describe you as a kind and calm girl. You do what you want and you say what you want", I told her. She started into my eyes curiously, like she was trying to read something from my mind.

"Thank you Toushiro. That was sweet", she said and grabbed the hair on the back of my neck pulling my mouth to hers. This was the first time she had kissed me when we knew people saw us (somehow usually when we kissed someone managed to wander to the place to see us).

My eyes widened and I was trying to ask her something (I really don't have the slightest clue what) but she pushed me down on the couch and crawled on top of me. I forgot everyone else in the room and put my other hand on the small of her back on other on the back of her head kissing back.

Just when I licked her lower lip we heard several someones clear their throats. Karin lifted her face and turned to look at Matsumoto, Renji, Tatsuki and Yuzu (Orihime and Ishida were in the kitchen to get more drinks) who were all smirking at us, though Yuzu was also blushing brightly red.

"Right… we're not alone", Karin mumbled and rose up. I sat up on the couch too and glared at Matsumoto who seemed to be just staring to *aww*.

I don't like the *aww* at all.

"You forgot we were in the room? Man, captain Hitsugaya seems to have the ability to make her forget pretty important things", Renji chuckled. Karin rolled her eyes and looked at Tatsuki.

"Who will be singing next?" she asked. Matsumoto looked at Renji raising an eyebrow and Renji nodded. I squinted my eyes suspiciously.

"No one will get a video camera, is that clear?" I said and glared at the duo. They both smiled innocently, which is something Renji really don't know how to do.

"Could you sing your duet now? I mean you did agree to it earlier", Orihime said returning to the living room, carrying a huge tray full of glasses. Karin and I looked at each other before she shrugged.

"Okay, why not. We'll have to sing it at some point so why not now", she said and stood up taking the microphone from the table. I stood up too and caught the other mic Renji threw at me.

"I picked a song for you already, I'm sure it's perfect!" Rangiku said and picked track 17 for us. She pushed the play button and a bit slow music started to play from the speakers. On the screen blue words appeared, indicating I was the one who'd start singing. Neither I nor Karin heard the small noise of a electronic machine being turned on.

She was like
April sky
Sunrise in her eyes
Child of light
Shining star
Fire in her heart
Brightest day
Melting snow
Breaking through the chill
October and April

I looked deep into Karin's dark blue eyes and realized how the lyrics really were describing her. She seemed to be a bit surprised as she realized it too. She glanced at the screen and realized that the red lyrics for her to sing had already appeared.

He was like
Frozen sky
In October night
Darkest cloud
In the storm
Raining from his heart
Coldest moon
Deepest blue
Tearing down the spring
October and April

Those lyrics were perfect to describe me, anyone could agree with that. Karin stared in my eyes and sang the words that they sounded almost like they were coming straight from her heart. I heard Yuzu sniffling as she started to cry. We don't sing that well, do we? We sang the chorus together, not breaking the eye-contact for other reason than to check the lyrics.

Like hate and love
Worlds apart
This fatal love was like poison right from the start
Like light and dark
Worlds apart
This fatal love was like poison right from the start

Worlds apart. That's something we truly are. She's a human and I'm a Shinigami. But she's Karin. In her eyes I saw that she thought about the same things.

We were like
Loaded guns
Sacrificed our lives

I sang closing my eyes for a moment.

We were like
Love undone
Craving to entwine

She continued and I opened my eyes to look into her flaming ones.

Fatal touch
Final thrill
Love was bound to kill
October and April

We sand together slowly walking towards each other.

Like hate and love
Worlds apart
This fatal love was like poison right from the start
Like light and dark
Worlds apart
This fatal love was like poison right from the start

We were finally so close to each other that when we lifted our hands we were able to entwine our fingers. We didn't break the eye-contact anymore.

Hate and love
Worlds apart
This fatal love was like poison right from the start
Light and dark
Worlds apart
This fatal love was like poison right from the start

October and April
October and April
October and April

The song ended and I wrapped my free arm around Karin's waist and pulled her closer. We stared each other deep in the eyes for a moment before I kissed her. The kiss was the most passionate, the gentlest, most loving kiss we had ever shared. When we pulled apart I saw from the corner of my eye how tears were running down Yuzu's face.

"My my, Captain Hitsugaya, I didn't know you could sing so well", a familiar, old voice said. I spun around keeping Karin behind my back. Once I saw who had spoken I relaxed but also got more confused.

"Captain-Commander Yamamoto", I greeted. "How long has the connection been on?" I asked carefully. I didn't see anyone behind him, but the room was big so it was possible someone was there. Karin peeked around my back to see the man both me and Ichigo had told about.

"Since the beginning of the song. Who might this young lady be?" he asked gesturing towards Karin. She stepped to my side.

"I'm Kurosaki Karin. And before you ask, yes Ichigo is my brother", she said confidently and the Captain-Commander opened one eye to look at her.

"I can see. You have the same attitude as him. The same determination in your eyes", he said and to me Karin looked a bit proud. She should be. It was Captain-Commander who was telling her a compliment (yes, that was a compliment).

"But Captain Hitsugaya, I'm glad Matsumoto opened the connection. I was going to ask you to come to Soul Society as soon as possible. It's nothing serious, we just need to have all of the captains for few meetings", he told. I nodded. I had been expecting being called to Soul Society soon.

"Excuse me gramps, could I come too", Karin asked. I froze as I heard her calling Captain-Commander gramps, but the man just laughed.

"Of course, I think that will keep Captain Hitsugaya's concentration on things it should be a little better", he said and Karin beamed with happiness.

"Thank you so much! I've been waiting for a chance to visit Soul Society", she said and bowed a bit.

"My pleasure young lady. You just need to use Urahara's gate to get here, since you aren't a soul", Yamamoto told and we both nodded. The connection went off and Karin was practically jumping.

"Finally! I've been waiting for this", she said smiling at me. I sighed smiling too.

"You need to tell something to Ichigo. And someone needs to take his present to your clinic", I said her. Yuzu stood up. She had wiped her eyes and was smiling brightly now.

"I can take care of the gift, but you have to tell nii-chan yourself", she said. Karin shrugged.

"Not a big deal. Wait a sec", she said and took her cell phone. She hit a speed dial and lifted the phone to her ear.

"Ichi-nii, it's Karin here. No, I'm okay. I just called to tell that I'm going to Soul Society. And no, I'm not dead. You won't be seeing me for a while. Bye bye~", she spoke quickly and clapped the phone shut.

"Okay, now he knows. But we need to hurry to the gate. I hope it doesn't take eternity to open", she said and stuck the phone to her pocket.

"No, now that it's connected to official gates it should open in a minute. Just grab your sword and were ready to go", I told and she spun around to get her sword form my room.

Ok, hello, welcome to the world


That's it this time. Next time Karin and Toushiro will go to Soul Society and the actual plot part of my story can begin.

Songs used: Breathless by the Corrs

Strawberry avalanche by Owl City

Shut up by Simple plan

Anthem by Superchick

Riot Girl by Good Charlotte

October and April by The Rasmus

Song quote: Welcome to the world by Kevin Rudolpf

I really loved writing the part where Toushiro and Karin sang October and April. The song is just like written to them.

And about my last chapter, as omnipotent Porunga reminded me, Jai Ho is originally sang by A. and Pussycat dolls just made a remix. Sorry for the mistake!

I hope you liked it and if you did, please review. Reviews mean really much to me. Even an 'update soon' makes me smile. To me it means people like the story!

A big hug to all of you!