Author's Note:
Welcome back for chapter 6! Again, nothing super heavy, or any action scenes in this chapter; but we will be getting more of a look into Toshiro's changing perspective on his life and future, as well as some big news from Yuzu :-)
We also get another revelation about Karin's connection with Toshiro, relating to their zanpakuto; so hopefully you'll enjoy that :-D.
Have fun reading!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. All credit goes to Tite Kubo.
For the next four weeks, Karin and Toshiro made sure to spend time together every night after training. Whether it was going for a walk; sitting on top of the roof, and stargazing; doing homework together in her room, or playing with Kazui together; they took every opportunity they could get.
They were able to sneak in a kiss or two here and there, but they were careful to keep their new romance hidden from her family. Neither of them wanted Isshin or Ichigo involved in their private lives, and both knew that if their relationship was known to the family, that would be inevitable.
Toshiro also didn't want word about him and Karin getting back to Soul Society. Head Captain Kyoraku may be a broader thinker than Yamamoto was, but Toshiro doubted he'd be okay with a Shinigami engaged in a relationship with a human. After all, even though the scope of relations between Shinigami and humans had broadened considerably thanks to Ichigo's friendship with Rukia and Renji, romantic relationships were still strictly forbidden. The last thing he wanted was to be pulled from the assignment, brought back to Soul Society under duress, and subsequently cause Karin all kinds of trouble with both the Gotei 13 and Central 46. So, the two young adults were on high alert constantly.
So far, everything was going well for them. They were happy, and life was good. One thing that Toshiro had noticed over the past month that was puzzling him, though, was that Karin kept waking up at night from what she'd described once as 'bizarre dreams'. It was happening every night, and he didn't know what the cause was. She hadn't talked about it, so he hadn't asked; but he was getting more and more curious with each day that passed. He knew he'd have to say something to her about it soon if she didn't bring it up herself.
They were currently snuggled up together sitting on Karin's bed, watching a movie; a treat after finishing their homework. All the other Kurosakis had gone out for the evening; Yuzu on a date with her boyfriend Jinta; and Isshin, Orihime, Ichigo, and Kazui to a movie that the young boy had wanted to go see. They had invited Toshiro and Karin to join them, but the pair had declined; saying they needed to stay home, and get their homework done. It hadn't been a lie, per say, but they really just wanted some alone time together, and this had been the perfect opportunity.
Now that they were alone, Toshiro thought it might be a good time to ask Karin about the dreams. Looking down at her, he was surprised to see that she was actually staring up at him, and not watching the movie. Cocking an inquisitive eyebrow, he gave her a slight smirk. "Everything okay?" he asked; curiosity in his eyes.
Karin didn't reply; instead, she reached her hand up, and gently brushed some of his snow-white fringe away from his eyes.
Toshiro's face softened, and his smirk melted into a small but loving smile. Bending down, he gave her a kiss that started out gentle and sweet, but quickly deepened and intensified. Her hands found his hair, and his hands found her waist as the minutes ticked by on the digital clock next to her bed.
After a little while, they finally broke apart; both of them blushing, and breathing heavily.
Toshiro's eyes found Karin's, and they could see the love and desire hiding behind both stormy grey, and bright turquoise.
He gave her one more gentle kiss before pulling back just enough to rest his forehead on hers. "I love you." he said; holding her close.
Karin smiled affectionately back at him, bringing one of her hands over to cup his cheek. "I love you, too." she replied; closing her eyes, and enjoying the moment.
They didn't get time like this very often, so they took advantage of it when they could. After a few moments of quiet, Toshiro decided to speak again. "Karin?"
She merely hummed in response; opening her eyes once more, and finding his gaze with her own.
"Can I ask what's going on with you waking up from weird dreams lately?" he continued; curiosity evident on his face.
Karin pulled back slightly to look at him; a puzzled look on her face. "How did you know about them? I don't think I told you, did I?" she asked; her face adopting a confused look.
Toshiro shook his head in response. "Only once last month, but I know they've been persisting. For some reason, I'm having weird dreams, too; and I've been waking up suddenly at exactly the same time as you. I'm starting to think that maybe we're somehow connected through your dreams; I'm just not sure how."
Karin's puzzled look only intensified upon hearing her boyfriend's words. "How is that even possible?" she asked. Toshiro shrugged his shoulders in response. "I'm not really sure. I was wondering if maybe we should ask Urahara about it."
Karin nodded, agreeing that would probably be a good idea. If anyone either knew the answer, or could find one, it was Kisuke. "So, what have your dreams been about?" she asked him; now very curious.
Toshiro thought back, trying to recollect everything. "Well, it's always the same dream: I'm on Hyorinmaru's back, and we seem to just be flying in a pitch-black sky; our surroundings illuminated by the moon above us. The landscape underneath us goes from a barren, icy tundra, like my inner world, to a bleak, stormy field with incredibly strong winds. All of a sudden, Hyorinmaru picks up speed, and begins heading in a specific direction. Once we get to where he was flying to, he dives straight down towards the ground. Right before we smash into the ground, I catch a glimpse of what I think he's aiming for: a person standing on the wet grass with some kind of animal behind him."
As he finished, Karin blinked once, then twice; processing what he just said. "Toshiro, what you saw in your dream was my inner world. I was that person standing on the ground beneath you, and that animal was my zanpakuto spirit. My dreams have been me wandering around my inner world with Todoroku kaze, trying to find something that's calling out to me. I walk, and walk, and then, out of nowhere, this huge icy dragon comes barreling down from the sky directly at me. I close my eyes, waiting for the impact, when I suddenly wake up. Somehow, we're sharing the same dream from different perspectives." she said; bewildered.
Toshiro returned her bewildered and shocked look with one of his own. "That can't be possible…can it? I've never heard of a Shinigami entering another Shinigami's inner world before."
Karin didn't have an answer, so she just shrugged. "I have absolutely no idea what's going on, but we should probably ask Kisuke about it; he might know."
Toshiro nodded in agreement before he spoke again; seeming a little uneasy all of a sudden. "Before we do that, though, I'd like to try something first, if you're okay with it."
Karin gave him an inquisitive look; silently prompting him to continue.
A faint blush appeared on Toshiro's face as he spoke again. "The only time it didn't happen was that night I accidentally fell asleep in here; so, I was wondering if you wanted to try that again, and see if it makes any difference?" he asked; the red on his cheeks deepening.
Karin smirked in response; deciding to have a little fun with this before she gave an answer. "I don't know; It almost seems like you have ulterior motives, Toshiro. I warn you; I won't tolerate wandering hands."
Toshiro scowled back at her as his face began to rival the shade of a tomato. "Karin, please take this seriously." he replied; irritation evident in his voice.
Karin's smirk only grew as she watched his reaction. "I am! If we're gonna be sharing a bed for an experiment, I need to make sure you know there won't be any 'extra-curricular activities' going on…at least for now." she finished; enjoying watching her boyfriend sputter and squirm at her insinuation.
"Karin, come on! Are we going to try this, or no? Just give me an answer." he finally replied; embarrassed and uncomfortable in the extreme by the subject matter.
Karin started laughing; taking great amusement in seeing him so unwound. She loved it when she could make him embarrassed like this; it didn't happen often, so she relished the opportunities when they presented themselves.
It took her a few minutes to get her laughter under control, but once she did, she nodded in response. "Yeah, let's try it. Can't hurt, right?" she said; a triumphant smirk on her face, and her eyes bright with mirth.
Calming down a little from his previous embarrassment, an idea for retaliation popped into Toshiro's mind; a small but devious smirk making its way onto his face.
Karin watched the look on her boyfriend's face turn from frustrated to mischievous, and her attitude went immediately from amused, to nervous. 'What is he-?'
Her thought was cut short by Toshiro leaning in suddenly, grabbing the back of her neck, and kissing her hard. Her brain shut down when she felt him part her lips with his tongue, and she let him in eagerly. On instinct, she brought her arms around his neck, and pulled him towards her; wanting him as close to her as physically possible. Not really paying attention, one of her hands slid into his hair, and the other made its way under his t-shirt; feeling the muscles in his back.
As quickly as it started, Toshiro pulled away; a self-satisfied look on his face. "Now, Karin, I won't tolerate wandering hands. Make sure you keep that under control tonight." he said; enjoying the mix of confusion, frustration, and desire on her face. Secretly, he took a lot of pride in knowing he was the only one who could get her to look and feel like that…and he liked it when he could use it as a tool to get back at her for embarrassing him.
Karin sputtered for a few moments before grabbing her pillow, and swinging it at his head. "That was totally unfair, Toshiro!" she yelled angrily; her face redder than Renji Abarai's hair.
Toshiro couldn't help the laughter that escaped his lips; cracking up on the bed while Karin walloped him with her pillow, which only added to the humor.
After sufficiently venting her frustration by means of the pillow, Karin soon found herself laughing at the situation as well. It quickly escalated, and before they knew it, both of them were flat on their backs on the bed; gasping for air, and wiping tears from their eyes.
They rested for a few minutes, and caught their breath, before Karin looked over at him. "I've never seen you laugh like that before. It's good to see these little reminders from time to time that you're actually human." she said with a smirk; her eyes shining with humor.
Toshiro smirked back at her; his own eyes bright. "I've actually never laughed that hard before. I guess Matsumoto's right; I'm not really normal, am I?" he responded; raising an inquisitive eyebrow.
Karin's smirk shifted into an affectionate smile as she leaned over, and kissed him on the nose. "You're one of a kind, Toshiro; you're the best man I know." she responded; her love for him evident in the way she looked at him.
Toshiro's smirk softened into an affectionate smile of his own as he propped himself up with his elbow. Extending his other arm out, he motioned with his head for her to come closer to him. Complying, Karin crawled over to him; his arms enveloping her, and pulling her body flush to his. They stayed like that for a while; neither saying a word, just enjoying the moment.
After a few minutes of quiet, Karin spoke. "Hey, Toshiro?" she began. The young captain looked down at her; locking his eyes with hers, and raising a curious eyebrow.
Taking a deep breath, Karin continued. "When your mission here is done, and you go back to Soul Society…would you take me with you?" she asked; hopeful he would say yes.
Not expecting her to ask that question so soon, but figuring it was coming at some point, he shook his head in response. "No, Karin. I'm sorry." he replied; sadness evident in his voice.
Karin frowned; a confused look on her face. "Why not? I'm already a Shinigami…well, kind of; I'll be trained, and ready to enter the Gotei 13. Plus, we wouldn't have to say goodbye. I wouldn't have to live my life without you in it." she said; reaching up, and running her hand through his soft white hair.
Toshiro's face was somber as he replied. "Because I won't let you give up the life that's ahead of you here, to jump straight into my world. It wouldn't be fair to you." he replied.
"But, I-" she tried to interject, only to be cut off by Toshiro. "A Shinigami lives for hundreds, if not thousands, of years; your life in the human world is short. You deserve to live the life that's in you here, before heading into the next stage of your existence. You should pursue your dreams; make a career, and a name, for yourself…have a husband and family of your own." Toshiro paused for a minute; seeing the sorrow on her face. It was killing him inside to say these words, but he knew she needed to hear them. He gave her a sad smile in return before continuing. "Kazui deserves for his aunt to be a part of his life. If you came with me, you'd have to die, Karin. Your family's already gone through the loss of a loved one once. What would it do to them to lose you, too? Would you really put them through that again?" he finished; seeing she was processing everything he'd just said.
Gradually, a look of sad resignation made its way onto Karin's face. "You're right; my family doesn't deserve that, and I do want to be a part of Kazui's life. One thing I know for sure, though, is that I'm never getting married." she said; somber determination in her eyes.
That statement surprised him. "Why not? Don't you want a family one day?" he asked; clearly confused.
Karin gave a slight nod in reply; her grey eyes finding his turquoise ones. "I do, but only if it's with you. I fell in love with you, Toshiro; nobody else. That's not going to change." she said, bringing her hand over to the side of his face to brush his cheek with her thumb.
Karin could see the conflict in his eyes; knowing he wanted her to have a full life before she passed on from the human world, but also not wanting her to move on from their relationship after it had to be dissolved.
Instead of replying, Toshiro leaned in; capturing her lips with his, and pouring as much of his feelings for her into the kiss as he could. In truth, he detested the idea of Karin with someone else; but he wanted her to live a full human life, too. He felt like he was lost in a maze, and couldn't find a way out.
When they finally broke apart, Karin gave him a loving smile. She knew he just wanted what was best for her, and she admired him greatly for putting her needs before his own desires. She knew she'd never be able to love anyone else as much as she loved him, and she was surprisingly okay with the idea of not having a family until she could be with him in Soul Society. Yes, the idea of waiting potentially 60+ years was very painful, but she knew it was the right decision. She would stay true to him, and their relationship, no matter what. 'Oh! Speaking of years…' she thought to herself; abruptly shooting off of her bed, and running over to her desk.
Toshiro gave her a questioning look; wondering what on earth she could be pawing around in her desk drawer for.
After a few moments, Karin let out a triumphant 'Ah-ha!', and walked back to the bed; sitting down, and handing him a small wrapped box. "I almost forgot, it's December 20th; happy birthday, Toshiro." she said; a gentle smile on her face.
Looking surprised, the young captain took the box from his girlfriend's hands. "How did you know it was my birthday?" he asked, before the answer dawned on him. "Wait, let me guess…Rukia?" he said; suspecting he had the right answer.
Karin merely nodded in confirmation; a mischievous smirk on her face.
Smirking back at her, Toshiro looked back down at the box in his hands, and unwrapped it carefully. Inside the box was a hand-made rope bracelet with a silver soccer ball clasp. Inscribed on the soccer ball were their initials, and the exact date of when they first met. The colors of the ropes that comprised the bracelet were a combination of turquoise, green, dark grey, black, and white.
Karin watched with satisfaction as his facial features softened, and a small smile made its way onto his face. "I wanted you to have something from me to bring back to Soul Society with you. Do you like it?" she asked; her facial expression a little shy, but excited.
Toshiro put it on his right wrist; examining it for a minute, before looking back at Karin. Moving closer to her, he gave her a gentle kiss. "I love it; thank you, Karin." he replied; a genuinely happy smile on his face.
"You're welcome." Karin replied as she leaned her forehead on his; both of them closing their eyes, and enjoying the moment.
All of a sudden, they heard the living room door open and close, followed by Yuzu yelling "Karin! Toshiro! I'm back!" up the stairs.
Opening their eyes, they shared a smirk. "Well, it was nice while it lasted." Toshiro said, causing Karin to giggle a little. "Yeah, it was. Oh well. We should probably go downstairs, or Yu's gonna suspect foul play." Toshiro chuckled slightly in response, before nodding his head in agreement; both of them rising from their spots on the bed.
Heading downstairs, dirty dishes in hand, they entered the kitchen; dumping the dishes into the now hot soapy water that Yuzu was filling the sink with.
They both sat down at the kitchen table, noticing that the brunette seemed unusually happy. Karin, rather curious, decided to speak first. "So, Yu, how was the date? How's Jinta doing?" she asked.
All of a sudden, Yuzu's face lit up with the brightest smile Karin had ever seem. "Oh, Karin, I'm so happy!" she exclaimed; showing her twin the new diamond engagement ring on her left hand.
Karin was beyond surprised, but extremely happy for her sister. "Yu, that's awesome! Congratulations!" she said; rising from her seat, and giving her twin a big hug.
"Congratulations, Yuzu." Toshiro said from his seat; a small smile on his face.
Yuzu released her sister, and turned her attention towards him. "Thank you, Toshiro!" she replied; her smile stretching from ear to ear.
Adopting a smirk, Karin looked over at her twin. "So, he finally grew a pair, and asked you, huh? I gotta say, I'm impressed. Wasn't sure if he was brave enough. Has he already asked Dad's permission?" she asked.
Toshiro smirked at the remark. 'Classy as ever, Karin' he thought sarcastically while Yuzu nodded her head in response to her sister. "Yeah, he has. Apparently, he got Dad's permission last week."
Karin's smirk changed to a smile. "Wow, I'm surprised Goat-chin was able to keep it under wraps. Well, I'm really happy for you, Yu. So, when are you guys planning the wedding for, or have you not talked about that yet?" she asked.
Yuzu's eyes were shining as she replied. "Well, I'm graduating at the end of May, so we're planning for August. We want to make sure we have a couple of free months to get everything finalized without interruption. We'll do the rough planning, invites, and booking the venue while I finish school."
Karin nodded in reply. "Makes sense. Just don't pick out anything super frilly for the bridesmaid's dresses, please. As your Maid of Honor, I'm telling you right now: I won't wear a dainty fairytale dress. Give me something classy and sexy; no lace, ruffles, or sequins." she finished; the smirk back on her face.
Yuzu looked slightly bent out of shape; puffing her cheeks out like she used to do when she was a child and she didn't get her way. "That's not fair, Karin; it's my wedding! Besides, who said you'd be the Maid of Honor?" she asked; humor hiding behind her big chocolate eyes.
Karin merely raised an amused eyebrow in response. "Who else would it be?" she asked sarcastically.
Yuzu dropped the protesting, and sighed in resignation; a good-natured smile on her face. "Okay, okay, I can accommodate that. I promise, I'll think of something that you'd approve of."
Karin adopted a triumphant smile; pleased that her twin actually heeded her warning for once. "Sweet! I can't believe that actually worked this time."
Yuzu smirked back at her as she shook her head good-naturedly. "I've learned by now that I can't make you do anything you don't want to; even if it involves my own wedding. It's easier to just go with it."
Karin laughed in reply; knowing that what Yuzu said was 100% accurate. She loved her sister, and would do anything for her…except wear a frilly princess gown.
At that moment, the rest of the Kurosaki clan came through the front door; Orihime holding Kazui's hand while Ichigo and Isshin stood behind her, arguing.
Rolling her eyes, Karin gestured for her two companions to follow her as she made her way into the living room. Veering off to the right, Karin and Yuzu went over to Orihime; the looks on their faces asking 'What happened this time?'
Orihime gave them a sheepish smile before bending over to take off Kazui's coat and gloves. "Isshin accidentally took a wrong turn on the way home. Ichigo said we should stop for directions, but Isshin insisted he knew where he was going. We drove for a half an hour before we made it back to the main road."
Nodding in unison, both sisters headed over to their brother and father while Orihime got Kazui upstairs, and into bed; Yuzu taking hold of Isshin's ear, and dragging him away while Karin gave Ichigo a hard whack to the back of his head.
"Ouch! What the hell, Karin?!" ichigo yelled; whipping around to confront his sister, only to wither at the look on her face. Karin could be pretty menacing when she wanted to be; she reminded him of Kukaku.
"How is it that both of you are fathers, but you're still less mature than Ichika and Kazui?! For crying out loud, Ichigo, when are you and Dad gonna grow the hell up?!" she hurled back at him; anger radiating from every ounce of her being as she hit him on the head again.
Off in the corner, Toshiro watched with great amusement as one of the most powerful Soul Reapers to ever exist got knocked around and scolded by his younger sister; while his former Captain was being chided by his own daughter. 'I still don't understand how they function like this' he thought to himself; a humorous smile on his face.
Watching the familial scene before him, though, once again stirred something in him that he hadn't realized until recently he really wanted. Seeing Karin lecture her brother; he could picture her doing that to their own child one day. He could see it clearly: him trying to calm down a crying, bright-eyed little girl who'd just gotten hit too hard by her brother's wooden sword during playtime; and Karin, scolding their son for being too rough with his sister. He could picture family picnics, soccer matches after school, and him and Karin putting the kids to bed with a story.
Unconsciously, an affectionate smile formed on his face. He'd never thought he wanted a wife and kids; viewing them more as an inconvenience than anything else, and his past relationship experiences hadn't helped his attitude towards the subject, either. Since falling in love with the 5'6" stick of dynamite currently forcing her brother and father to make nice again, though; his thoughts had been drifting in that direction more and more. It had surprised and unnerved him at first; not used to this sappier side of himself. The more he thought about a future like that, though, the more he found himself wishing he didn't have the responsibilities of a Shinigami captain. He loved what he did, and he was one of the best and most powerful Shinigami the Gotei 13 had, but things were changing…no, he was changing.
Not even noticing that he'd retreated into his own mind, he was brought back to reality when Karin came over to him, and discreetly reached for his hand. He flinched ever so slightly from the contact, which Karin noticed. She gave him a look, and he knew she was trying to ask if he was okay. He gave her a reassuring smile and nod in return, which seemed to satisfy her; at least for now.
Turning back to her family members who were now all sitting in the living room, and chatting about Yuzu's big news, Karin let go of her boyfriend's hand, and went over to them. "Alright, everyone. Toshiro and I are both headed to bed now that everyone's home; it's getting late. Goodnight." she said; motioning for Toshiro to follow her.
Nodding back at her, he bid everyone goodnight as well; following Karin up the stairs.
After they'd gone up, and Yuzu was sure they were out of earshot, she looked back at everyone; a big, mischievous smile on her face. "Okay, I don't know about any of you, but I reeeeally want them to get together. Don't you think they'd make the cutest couple?!" she asked excitedly; her chocolate eyes shining.
While Orihime nodded excitedly in agreement to Yuzu's statement, and Isshin merely had a sly smile on his face, Ichigo looked like he was ready to have a heart attack. "Absolutely not! No! No way would I let that pipsqueak date my little sister!" Ichigo exclaimed; nearly knocking over a lamp on a nearby table with his flailing arms.
Yuzu looked over at him, confused. "Why not, Ichi? They're pretty much perfect for each other. Besides, he makes Karin happy in a way I've never seen before. She seems so…I don't really know how to describe it; at peace with herself and the world, I guess. Normally, she's constantly fighting, and pushing for more; for better. When Toshiro's around, though, she seems so relaxed and content. To be honest, it's really nice to see." she finished; a happy smile on her face.
Ichigo scowled in response; understanding Yuzu's feelings, but knowing the reality of the young captain's situation. "Yu, you're forgetting something important: Toshiro's a captain of the Gotei 13. He can't just drop all of his duties, and leave. Besides, I know Toshiro; he wouldn't do that, anyway, no matter what the circumstances were. They come from two different worlds; and, unfortunately, those worlds can't mesh. She'd only end up getting hurt. Anyway, they're just friends, too. I've never known Toshiro to view anyone as anything more than that…if you don't annoy him, that is; he's too much of an ice burg to think along those lines." he replied; his scowl having relaxed into a small, humorous smirk.
Yuzu nodded at her brother in understanding before turning to her dad. "Dad, what do you think?" she asked; wanting to know his opinion as well.
Isshin was silent as he considered what to say. Finally, after a few moments, he spoke. "I'm fond of Toshiro. I've known him since he was a bratty little kid, and I think of him as family. He's grown into a good man, and you'll never meet anyone more faithful or loyal. They seem close, and they get along really well…but Ichigo's right: he has a lot of responsibilities that aren't easily or lightly set aside. I understand his position better than anyone, since I've been in his shoes. Just wait and see, Yuzu. If anything happens, I have no doubt Karin will come to you at some point. Also, don't try to force it, either." He said with a knowing smile. "I know how much you love playing matchmaker, but you shouldn't get involved this time, okay?" he finished; giving his daughter a look that said 'Trust me; I know what I'm talking about.'
Yuzu sighed, but nodded in understanding; she would trust her father on this one. "Okay, I promise." She replied.
After everyone finished talking, they rose from their seats, said goodnight, and headed to bed.
On her way to her room, Yuzu sneaked over to Karin's door; pressing her ear up to the keyhole. From beyond the wooden barrier, she could hear her sister and the young Shinigami captain talking, and she smiled to herself. 'Good luck, Karin. I want you to be happy, too.' she thought as she made her way back to her own room.
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"Okay, Toshiro, what had you so spaced out in the living room? That's not typical of you." Karin asked, intertwining the fingers of her their right hands.
They were both tucked into bed; Toshiro in a baggy dark blue shirt, and black pajama pants; Karin in a black tank-top paired with fuzzy black and green buffalo check pajama pants. Toshiro was behind her, acting as the big spoon, while Karin was nestled comfortably into his arms.
Toshiro smiled affectionately at her, even though she couldn't see it. "I was just thinking about the future." he replied casually.
"Care to give details?" she asked; knowing he was being purposely vague, and wanting more information.
Toshiro gently kissed the back of her neck; a sly smile on his face. "Not really." he replied simply; waiting for the reaction he was sure would follow.
Turning herself around to face him, Karin was greeted by his smirking face. She gave him a scowl. "Why won't you tell me anything?" she asked; suspicion evident in her voice.
Toshiro's smirk grew as he enjoyed watching his girlfriend get more and more frustrated with him. He couldn't help it; she was just too fun to tease.
Karin narrowed her eyes at him; rising up on her arms so she was looming over him. "Toshiro? What's going on in that big brain of yours?" she asked again; irritated that he was being so evasive.
Meeting her eyes, Toshiro brought one of his hands up to gently stroke her cheek with his thumb; his smirk fading to a soft smile. "I never thought the day would come where I wished for a different life than the one I have." he replied as he tucked a strand of black hair behind her ear.
Her inquisitive and suspicious scowl faded away; replaced by a confused look. Cocking her head slightly, she asked, "What do you mean? Haven't you liked being a Shinigami?"
Toshiro nodded once in reply; keeping his eyes on hers. "Yeah, I have. I worked hard to get where I am, and I don't regret my decision; I just never thought I'd want anything other than what I had in my career…until you came along. You've changed me." he replied; cupping her cheek.
Karin could see the conflicting emotions in his eyes as he spoke, and she understood how he felt. "I know what you mean." she replied; her eyes searching his.
They were both silent for a moment, before she smirked at him again. "So, will you please tell me what's been running around in your head now?" she persisted, not giving up on her curiosity.
Toshiro smirked back at her, knowing exactly how to respond to get her to drop the subject for good. Bringing his hands to her waist, he slid his fingers under the hem of her shirt. "I don't think you want to know what's running through my mind right now." he replied; playfulness in his eyes.
Karin felt her face warm up, and she plopped back down beside him; her back to him once again. "Nevermind…" she mumbled as she heard her boyfriend begin laughing behind her.
They stayed awake for a while, talking about various things. When the subject of training tomorrow came up, it brought to mind a question that Toshiro had been meaning to ask. "Hey, Karin? How did you learn to perform Jinzen so you could communicate with Todoroku Kaze? No one taught you, did they?"
Karin smirked, even though he couldn't see it. "I've seen Ichigo and Dad do it a few times, and I just taught myself."
"Hmm…impressive." he replied; a proud smirk on his own face. The ease with which everyone in the Kurosaki family seemed to learn things continued to astound him.
Pleased with the admiration, Karin turned her head around, and kissed him. "Thanks." she said; a warm smile on her face.
Toshiro smiled back at her, and pulled her closer to him. "You're welcome. Now, we should get some sleep. We're on Christmas vacation, so I'm going to be working you extra hard to make up for the lack of training during the mid-term exams. Get some rest, because you're going to need it; we're refining that Shikai of yours in the next month." he said, replacing his smile with a smirk.
Karin groaned in response. "Damn, I don't get any time off. It's either school or training…or both!" she complained, before adopting a more playful tone. "Oh well, I guess it's not all bad; at least I've got a good-looking teacher that I can trade barbs with." she replied; a smirk on her face.
Toshiro closed his eyes, and shook his head on the pillow; a humorous smile adorning his features. "Sometimes, I just don't know what to make of you." he said; playfulness evident in his bright turquoise eyes.
Karin smiled good-naturedly in response. "Good; It'd suck if I was predictable." she replied; laughter in her dark eyes.
Smiling, Toshiro leaned in, and gave her one more lingering kiss before gently pulling her flush to him. "Goodnight, Karin. Love you." he said, finding one of her hands, and intertwining their fingers.
Karin smiled affectionately back at him before turning her head back around to face her door; closing her eyes. "Goodnight, Toshiro. Love you, too." she replied, before both of them fell into a deep sleep.
So, what did you guys think? I'll admit, I don't think this was my best chapter, but it was a necessary one. It was important to show Toshiro's changing mindset now that his priorities are shifting, and how that's going to affect him later on. I know he may seem awfully mushy now that he's dating Karin; but I personally think it's legitimate to believe he would be much softer with his significant other than he would be with others around him. Besides, he's gotten older, and has been a part of the Kurosaki family for several months now; so, I can see him being less uptight, and a little freer with his emotions.
Also, anyone figure out what Karin's zanpakuto spirit is, or why she and Toshiro may be visiting each other's inner worlds? All will be revealed in another six chapters, but I'm looking forward to seeing if any of you guess correctly. :-D
See you back for chapter 7!
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