Author's Note:
Hello, my beautiful readers! Well, here we go with the first installment of our three-part finale! I can't tell you how much fun I've had writing this story, and I'm so happy you all have enjoyed it, too. I won't be putting any author's notes on parts two and three, so I want to say thank you now for all of the support, constructive criticism, and kind words I've received from you over the course of this story. Hearing how much you've looked forward to every chapter is what keeps me writing, and I hope I've given you a high-quality story that was worth your time to read.
Keep an eye out for the epilogue to this story after part three is posted! There will be several new additions to the bleach universe making their debut :-D I'll also include a final author's note in it, to send the story off, so I will talk to you all then!
I'm hoping to start writing another HitsuKarin story soon, but I need to spend some time on my other babies: Sym-Bionic Titan – The Final Chapter, and Run, Baby, Run, first. I've been neglecting them in favor of finishing this in time for the Bleach anime's return, so they deserve a little love before I throw myself into a new story.
I hope to see you all again soon!
Enjoy the finale!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. All credit goes to Tite Kubo.
Six months later…
It was already August, and Yuzu and Jinta's big day was finally here. The weather couldn't have been more perfect; there wasn't a cloud in the sky, and it was a beautiful 75-degree day. They'd gotten the last of the decorations and seating for the ceremony ready at the venue last night, and the caterers were already there preparing to feed close to seventy-five people. The grounds had just been mowed, and the pergola, with its garland of flowers and translucent white fabric, would make the most beautiful focal point for the young couple to say their vows; the sprawling expanse of aged forest behind it acting as their backdrop.
Karin still couldn't believe that Kisuke had built his own mansion and bunk houses on top of the site of the old Bount mansion; creating his own mini compound without anyone knowing about it. 'That's so like him to do something like that, but it does save Yuzu and Jinta the expense of a venue and hotel for the guests. So, I guess Kisuke's eccentricities were a good thing this time.' she thought to herself; an amused smirk on her face. Her twin had come home from looking at several venues with her fiancé one day, and declared excitedly that they had been offered the perfect place to host their wedding; expense free. Karin had been curious about the words 'offered' and 'expense free', so she'd asked her sister to explain. Yuzu proceeded to show her numerous pictures of the newly rebuilt mansion; complete with ballroom, industrial kitchen, two lounges (both with fireplaces), a library, a grand foyer, and a very large and impressive staircase leading up to ten guest bedrooms. Kisuke had even built another training room underneath the mansion. The interior was beautiful; the very essence of a grand English estate from long ago days. When Karin had asked who it belonged to, she was only half-surprised to find out that the odd-ball Shinigami ex-captain was the owner.
'You can always count on Kisuke to have a solution.' she thought; chuckling to herself.
Karin couldn't believe how quickly the time had gone by from her sister's graduation to her wedding day. It had seemed like only yesterday that she'd congratulated her twin on finishing medical school, and becoming a registered nurse shortly after. "Man, where does the time go?" she said; not speaking to anyone in particular. It was late morning, and she was getting ready to head back home so she and her family could get going to the mansion. The wedding was scheduled to take place at five, and they wanted to get there early so they could have plenty of time to get themselves and Yuzu ready.
Taking one last look over Karakura town for the next day and a half, Karin got up off the ground, brushed off her black exercise shorts and green cotton tank top, and hopped back over the railing to begin her journey home.
She paused for just a moment to stare at the railing that now held so much significance to her; once again feeling the empty longing she'd grown used to. 'I wonder what you'll be doing this weekend, Toshiro? Paperwork, probably.' she thought; a sad smile on her face.
It had been six months since Toshiro had returned to Soul Society, and all Karin had heard from him was a package he'd sent to her on her 26th birthday by way of Rukia, Renji, and Ichika when they came for her surprise party. The package had contained a necklace; the most beautiful necklace Karin had ever seen. The chain was pure silver; simple and subtle, but strong and elegant, just like her. The pendant that hung off of it was in the shape of a Daffodil, which she recognized as the 10th division's insignia; the petals comprised of white crystals she didn't recognize that seemed to have a slight purple hue to them under the right lighting. The corona (or trumpet) of the flower was crafted in silver; taking an appearance that seemed to resemble wind gusts. The stigma of the flower was the same white crystal with the slight purple hue, and the anthers were made of a crystal that had a slight greenish hue; once again, only under certain lighting.
Upon closer inspection of the stunning pendant, she had discovered that it was actually a locket…and it had pictures in it, already. When she'd opened it, she'd almost cried. On the left side was the picture of her and her family before her mom was killed, and on the right side was a picture she and Toshiro had a couple take for them on their last date before he'd disappeared back to Soul Society. They'd gone out for the day to wander around, and see the decorations for Valentine's Day that littered the entire town. They'd stopped for lunch, and ended up at the park, where they ended up joining in on what seemed to be a park-wide snowball fight between the boys and the girls. Both children and adults were participating; consisting of over 100 people.
Despite Toshiro's hatred of crowds, it ended up being a lot of fun for the both of them; and, when everyone had decided to call it a draw, the entire group had gone over to a nearby shop for tea, coffee, and cocoa.
While there, they'd chatted with another young couple who'd just recently gotten married, and she'd picked their brains on wedding planning advice for Yuzu. The couple was very nice and engaging, and by the time everyone had to leave, they'd formed something of a friendship. Before they said goodbye, she'd asked them to get a picture of her and Toshiro; a request the Shinigami captain had not been thrilled with at the time. He hated having his picture taken, and she knew that; but she wanted a picture of them to have as a keepsake for when he had to leave. After she'd explained, his disapproving frown melted into a soft smile, and he'd agreed to it. She had smiled back at him, and he'd brought her into his arms; both of them facing the camera.
After the couple had taken a few shots of the two of them, Toshiro had leaned down, and kissed the side of her nose. She'd closed her eyes; a contented smile on her face, before they both heard her phone click again. They'd snapped back to attention to find the couple smiling, and handing her the phone back; stating they thought they'd gotten some good pictures of the two of them. She and Toshiro had thanked them, and they all headed back to their respective homes. It was still, to this day, her favorite picture of her and Toshiro, and she kept it as her cell phone screen's background photo.
Looking at that tender moment they'd shared that was caught on camera, it was still hard for her to believe that had happened six months ago already.
Unconsciously reaching up, and clasping the pendant around her neck, she held it for a few minutes before taking it off, and turning it around; reading the poem he had inscribed on the back:
"The Definition Of Love"
By Andrew Marvel
My love is of a birth as rare
As 'tis for object strange and high;
It was begotten by Despair
Upon Impossibility.
Magnanimous Despair alone
Could show me so divine a thing
Where feeble Hope could ne'er have flown,
But vainly flapp'd its tinsel wing.
And yet I quickly might arrive
Where my extended soul is fixt,
But Fate does iron wedges drive,
And always crowds itself betwixt.
For Fate with jealous eye does see
Two perfect loves, nor lets them close;
Their union would her ruin be,
And her tyrannic pow'r depose.
And therefore her decrees of steel
Us as the distant poles have plac'd,
(Though love's whole world on us doth wheel)
Not by themselves to be embrac'd;
Unless the giddy heaven fall,
And earth some new convulsion tear;
And, us to join, the world should all
Be cramp'd into a planisphere.
As lines, so loves oblique may well
Themselves in every angle greet;
But ours so truly parallel,
Though infinite, can never meet.
Therefore the love which us doth bind,
But Fate so enviously debars,
Is the conjunction of the mind,
And opposition of the stars.
He'd chosen the perfect poem: a poem that spoke of true lovers kept apart by fate. 'Yeah, that's us, alright. At least I have a piece of you with me.' she thought as she put the pendant back around her neck. She hadn't taken it off from the day she got it, and she still had the note that had come with it on her desk:
Karin,
I wish I could be there with you to celebrate your birthday, and I'm sorry I can't make that happen. So, instead, I'm sending a piece of me that you can carry with you. I know you already have a necklace from your mom that you wear consistently, but I hope you like this one just as much. The crystals in the pendant are made of Hyorinmaru's ice, and don't worry; they won't melt, even under extreme heat. I had Captain Kurotsuchi come up with a way to preserve them. I'm not sure how he did it, exactly, but rest assured, they're safe to wear.
I know keeping the bracelet on that you gave me for my birthday helps me feel closer to you, so I hope this necklace does the same thing.
I love you, and I miss you more than you know. You're in my thoughts every day, and my dreams every night. If I close my eyes, and concentrate, I can still hear your laughter; I can feel my arms wrapped around you, and see your beautiful eyes looking back at me. I carry the memories we made together everywhere I go, and I wait for the day when I can hold you again. I know it's not usually like me to be this sentimental, but I want to make sure you know that you're the most important thing in my life. I never knew it was possible to love someone the way I love you, and the separation is almost too painful to bare. That last day we spent together was when I knew for certain I was where I was supposed to be, and a memory I'll cherish forever. It was just our luck that we were star-crossed lovers. I won't be able to pass along much, if any, communication after this without risking suspicion from either the Gotei 13 or Central 46, so I want you to have something you can hold on to; and I want you to know I'll be waiting for you. When the time comes, I'll bring you back to Soul Society myself; but until then, I want you to have a life full of joy and laughter. Take every opportunity that comes your way, and make your mark on the world. You have my blessing for anything you choose to do, and you'll always have my undying love.
I hope you enjoy your birthday, and your family.
Please stay safe.
Yours always,
Toshiro
She rarely ever cried, but she'd cried after reading that note; and, so had her sister, whom she'd showed the note to.
When Yuzu saw the items, she burst into tears. That was one of the few times Karin had been appreciative of how easily her sister cried over things, because she'd needed someone to cry with at that point in time.
The her family had been wonderful with her ever since she'd told them about her closely-kept secret. Contrary to her original beliefs, and outside of her dad and sister, who'd known almost from the start, the rest of her family had actually suspected her relationship with Toshiro towards the very end of his stay. Out of respect for her privacy, though, they didn't say anything about it to her; even Ichigo, which surprised her. Instead, they'd decided to let her come to them on her own time, and either confirm or deny their suspicions.
The day Toshiro had left confirmed those suspicions when they saw her later that morning: red-eyed, and visibly broken; with tear-stained cheeks, and not a single semblance of the usually strong and willful Karin left.
The moment Ichigo saw her, he scooped her into the best protective hug he could give her while she cried in his arms; her father, sister, and sister-in-law looking on with sad expressions while Kazui hugged her legs. The entire family had made sure to be home that day, so they could give her as much, or as little, of themselves as she needed or wanted.
She'd spent a good portion of the day alone, not wanting company, before being coaxed out of her room by her nephew. He'd persuaded her to play a game with him; and, before she knew it, the cheerful and loving little boy had managed to put a small smile back onto her face. After that, she'd spent the rest of the day in the company of her family; watching movies, checking up on sports, and just hanging out around the house doing whatever they felt like.
Later that night was when she'd told them about everything. Her father, of course, already knew the details, so he sat quietly while she explained what had been going on to the rest of her family.
When an enraged ichigo asked why Isshin was so calm about Toshiro breaking Karin's heart, and violating their trust in him, the elder Kurosaki replied that he already knew about the situation.
Everyone had looked at him with shocked expressions on their faces, and Ichigo had demanded to know why Isshin hadn't done something about it; to which Isshin had asked Ichigo what he possibly thought he could do, given the circumstances.
That had shut Ichigo up, and the orange-haired Kurosaki sat there grumbling and stewing while Isshin explained all about how he'd confronted Toshiro when he left; telling them how devastated the young man looked, and that, for the first time in his life, the Kurosaki patriarch had seen the white-haired captain shed tears.
No one could believe that Isshin had actually managed to get the truth out of the usually icy and reserved captain, given how much Toshiro hated discussing his personal life.
Ichigo was ready to travel over to Soul Society, and give Toshiro a swift, permanent end; but Karin was able to keep him in check. She explained how she and Toshiro had discussed the inevitable end of their relationship multiple times, and that they both knew what they would be putting themselves through. It had been a tough decision, but a mutual one. They'd decided that they were already in too deep with their own feelings by the time they told each other, so they wanted to make the most of the time they had together. She insisted that she was just as responsible for everything as he was, and Ichigo knew he couldn't dispute that claim.
The substitute had still been furious with the young captain after the explanation, but it had calmed him enough to prevent him from flying off the handle, and doing something stupid.
Once they all knew the truth, they offered as much support as she needed, and she was very grateful for that. Yuzu, in particular, had made sure to be there for her even before she asked. Her twin had an uncanny ability to tell when she needed her there, and Karin was very grateful for it this time. Yuzu made sure to spend time with her every day, no matter how busy her schedule was; and the girls' already strong bond had grown even stronger because of it. Normally, Karin was the strong one in their relationship, so if felt strange to her for Yuzu to be the one to take care of her this time; but, she was grateful to her sister for the role reversal. 'I have the best family ever…even if we are weird as hell.' she thought humorously; a smile on her face as she made her way back to the clinic.
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Upon entering the front door, Karin quickly stepped to her right; watching her father go flying through the doorway in a high kick as he yelled her name.
'I don't understand why he still insists on trying these stupid surprise attacks. They never work.' she thought; rolling her eyes at him, and closing the door in his face before making her way up to her room.
Grabbing her mostly packed suitcase, Karin gathered up the remainder of her needed clothes, makeup, and hygiene products; stuffing them in any free space she could find. She hadn't realized the amount of work, preparation, planning, and…well, just everything, that went into a wedding. She had no idea how Yuzu had done it, and made it look so easy. There seemed to be a million different outfits for a million different events and rehearsals, enough makeup the make even Quasimodo look like a fashion model, and so many people hounding you for one thing after another…Karin was sure she would have gone crazy, and murdered everyone by this point, if she'd been in Yuzu's place. 'If I were Yu, I would have just eloped, and said screw you to everyone else.' she thought sarcastically.
Zipping the last of her luggage closed, she brought two suitcases (One of which contained her sister's honeymoon clothes) downstairs, and loaded them into the already jam-packed car. Checking her watch, and seeing that they didn't need to be on the road for another half an hour, she decided to see if Ichigo needed help with anything.
Popping her gikongan into her mouth, her soul emerged from her body. Before taking off, she looked over at the bright-eyed Teru, and decided to have her be helpful while she was gone. "Teru, could you go upstairs, and ask Yuzu if she needs help with anything?" she asked, to which the girl happily nodded; bounding up the steps, and over to the direction of Yuzu's room.
Satisfied that her Gikongan would be kept busy by her sister, Karin stepped outside; shunpoing over to the mansion.
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Upon arrival, Karin quickly maneuvered through the flurry of people finishing up last-minute details around the mansion and grounds; finding her brother barking out orders for table setup in the ballroom. She snickered to herself when she saw Rukia whack Ichigo upside the head; telling him to stop being an asshole, and help them with the actual work.
Walking up to her brother, Karin gave him an amused smirk. "Man, I miss the days when she'd constantly beat up on you. Feels like old times again."
Ichigo gave her a scowl; clearly not amused. "Very funny, Karin. What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to come in your body with Dad and Yuzu?" he asked; confusion on his face.
Karin nodded in response. "Yeah, we'll be heading out in about a half an hour. I just stopped by to find out if you either needed us to bring anything, or needed some help."
Ichigo thought for a second; putting his hand on his chin. "Hmmmmmm, let's see…" he said, pausing for a moment before continuing. "Naw, I think we're good; thanks, though. Orihime is getting the flowers ready, we both have our clothes for the ceremony, Kazui has the rings and his suit, and Ichika is all set with her dress and basket of flowers. We're just finishing getting the ballroom set up, and we'll be home free after that."
Karin gave a nod in reply. "Okay, sounds good. Thanks, Ichi." she said; turning to leave.
Before she could take off back home, Ichigo put his hand on her shoulder; stopping her for a moment. When Karin turned around to look at him, he had a sad smile on his face. "I just wanted to let you know that Head Captain Kyoraku just sent word. He doesn't think anyone else from Soul Society will be able to make it. I'm sorry, Karin." he said; his voice melancholy.
Returning her brother's sympathetic look with a sad smile of her own, Karin tried to mask the disappointment on her face. "That's okay, Ichi. I figured he wouldn't be coming, anyway. He just got back; I doubt they'd let him leave again so soon." she said; doing her best to conceal the immense pain she was feeling.
Ichigo stared at his little sister intently; searching her eyes. Finding hurt and sorrow hidden in them, he was both sad for her, yet once again impressed with her maturity, strength of will, and ability to deal with things so well. She and Yuzu truly did amaze him at times, and he was very proud of them both.
Nodding, he let her shoulder go, and watched as his broken-hearted sister Shunpo'd back to Karakura Town.
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Upon getting back home, Karin took her body back, helped her sister finish packing her wedding dress and veil, and got the three of them on the road to the mansion.
When they arrived, there was no longer a flurry of people, and everything looked immaculate.
As they unloaded the car, Kisuke came over to greet them. He had Tessai help them with their suitcases, and had Ururu bring Yuzu's luggage to the nearby guest cabin she and Jinta would be staying in tonight before they left on their honeymoon tomorrow morning.
Karin had to admit that Kisuke had done a great job with rebuilding the place, and adding the guest cabins. 'Yeah, cabins my ass. They're fancier than most houses.' she thought sarcastically; looking towards the north of the property at the compound nestled in the woods.
After finishing her quick scan of the area, she brought her twin up to her room in the mansion, and began helping Yuzu with her makeup and dress.
It took the girls three hours to get themselves ready, but the results had been well worth it. Karin styled her sister's hair into loose curls, while giving her bangs a wavy appearance. Her hair was too short to do a bun, or anything else fancy; which was a good thing, as Yuzu had wanted her hair to be simple. Her wedding dress had off-the-shoulder straps, boasted a beautiful floral lace bodice with a sweetheart neckline, and silk tulle skirt with matching floral lace along the bottom of the dress. Her veil was made from the same silk tulle, but without any lace. On her neck was a diamond necklace from her mother that Isshin had given her for the occasion, and she had on a matching diamond bracelet. Her simple white strappy heels completed the look. Karin had applied a light peachy-pink shimmery gloss to her sister's plump lips, and her light brown eye makeup made her chocolate eyes pop; her face radiating with happiness. She looked like the princess she had always wanted to be when she was a girl.
Yuzu had chosen red for her wedding color; partly because of the strawberry clips she had worn since childhood, and partly as a humorous connection to Jinta's hair color. Karin was very pleased about the color choice, because she thought she looked damn good in red, and her sister had let the bridesmaids and maid of honor choose their own dresses. So, Karin had gone out, and found herself the perfect dress. Her attire consisted of a simple, medium-scarlet-red strapless dress that hung to her ankles, and had a mid-thigh frill side split. The polyester material hugged her shapely figure perfectly, and draped loosely around her ankles; giving the bottom of the dress a flowy appearance. Her hair style was simple but elegant: curled to give it more body, and pulled back on the left side with a simple silver barrette. The remainder of her hair draped down her back, and over her right shoulder; her bangs being curled at the edges as well, and framing her face perfectly. On her feet were simple strappy black heels, and she adorned a simple silver bangle on her left wrist. She had on smokey grey eyeshadow with black eyeliner, making her dark eyes pop, and some minor face powder and cheek color. She had flawless skin, so she didn't really need a lot of face makeup; which worked in her favor, as she hated lots of crap sitting on her face. On her lips was a shimmery red gloss; complementary to the dress, but not overpowering, or too bright. Finally, around her neck was the locket that Toshiro had given her; the necklace she never took off.
Satisfied that they both looked extraordinary, they made their way downstairs. The ceremony would be starting in 15 minutes, and they wanted to be sure they were ready.
As they made their way down the staircase, Karin got in front of her sister; blocking her from view. "Here comes the bride, boys." she hollered down to her brother, father, and Kisuke, who were all waiting at the bottom of the stairs.
The room grew quiet as all three of them stopped talking, and looked up at Yuzu as Karin stepped aside to let her sister come down.
Watching her descend the staircase dressed in white, with the veil flowing behind her, Ichigo let a tear slide down his cheek at seeing his little sister get ready to begin the next chapter in her life as a wife. He couldn't believe how grown up she looked. She was the spitting image of their mother; complete with Masaki's kind and caring personality.
On Ichigo's right, Isshin stepped forward to take Yuzu's hand as she made her way down the final few steps; unshed tears in his eyes. "You look absolutely beautiful, Yuzu. Karin did a wonderful job with your hair and makeup, and the dress is stunning…you remind me of your mother on our wedding day." he said; pride shining in his eyes.
Yuzu smiled at her father; trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to leave her eyes. She looked over to Ichigo next; receiving a hug from her older brother. "Yuzu, you look amazing. Jinta's the luckiest guy in the world, and he better know it." he said to his sister; his eyes reflecting humor and pride.
From behind the crew of Kurosakis, Kisuke decided to chime in. "I'll be surprised if Jinta doesn't swallow his tongue when he sees you, Yuzu." he said; a humorous smirk on his face.
Everyone chuckled as the clock in the foyer struck 5:00. On cue, Yuzu took a hold of Isshin's arm, and Karin passed the bride her bouquet of white lilies, hydrangeas, and red roses before making her way over to Tessai, who was acting as best man. In front of her were Rukia and Renji, and two other bridesmaids and groomsmen that Karin hadn't met before; friends of Yuzu and Jinta from school.
One by one, they started filing out of the mansion, and over to the pergola.
As Isshin led Yuzu out behind the rest of the wedding party, Yuzu couldn't wait to say her vows, and begin her new life with the man she loved.
Links: (since some of the links weren't transferring over, I had to write out what to google, and add the extra link information, so it would show up down here)
Yuzu's wedding outfit inspirational photo:
Dress: product/pronovias-strapless-sweetheart-neckline-princess-tulle-wedding-dress-elcira/
Karin's Bridesmaid outfit inspirational photos:
Dress: (Just google Red One Shoulder Frill Split Maxi Dress, and it should be the first image that pops up; listed under PrettyLittleThing)
Hair: (Google: pinterest dot com, with: /pin/233413193167259078/ attached to the end)