Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. All credit goes to Tite Kubo.
The ceremony went perfectly, and Yuzu stole the show the moment she walked down the aisle. As soon as Jinta saw his bride, he was transfixed by her. Karin could see the pride in his face - pride that he was going to be lucky enough to call Yuzu his wife - and it made her smile. She was glad her sister had chosen someone who would value her the way she deserved.
Ichika and Kazui did great jobs with their parts as the flower girl and ring bearer, and they were awesome throughout the ceremony.
A light breeze gently blew Yuzu's veil as the couple exchanged their vows; and when the pair kissed to solidify their union, the entire audience cheered.
Karin had tried to catch glimpses of the guests throughout the ceremony when she could, as she was still hoping that the Shinigami who'd been invited to the wedding would be able to make it, after all. Sadly, though, every time she was able to sneak a discreet look, she failed to see anyone from Soul Society in the crowd; particularly, a certain captain with snow-white hair, and mesmerizing turquoise eyes.
All throughout the ceremony, and during dinner, Ururu had been hopping from one location to another; as she had agreed to be the photographer for the event. Karin almost felt sorry for her; watching the poor girl flit around everywhere, without getting a break to enjoy any of it for herself. She thought Ururu was a really good sport for being willing to do that for the couple.
The best man's speech from Tessai had been sweet, and heartwarming; with a little bit of humor thrown in, and a couple of good-natured jabs at Jinta. Karin, however, had made sure that her maid of honor speech kept the audience laughing almost continuously; ending on a sweet note, and a toast to Jinta and Yuzu's future as Mr. and Mrs. Hanakari.
The meal was delicious, with everyone being able to choose between steak, chicken, or fish; all with numerous sides. The wedding cake had been chocolate strawberry, much to the Kurosaki family's amusement, and Ichigo's chagrin. All throughout dessert, the poor substitute was teased with strawberry-related jokes, and by the time it was time to start dancing, he was desperate to get away from the table. Grabbing Orihime's hand, he led her out to the dancefloor as soon as the father-daughter dance and first dance as a married couple were done; many people following suit, and joining the new couple on the dancefloor.
Rukia and Renji got Karin out on the floor for the fun party songs, but she sat out every slow song. A few men came up to her, and asked her to dance, but she declined them all; not really having any interest in slow-dancing with anyone.
Sitting back down at her table, and sipping her glass of wine, Karin's mind once again wandered to her lover in Soul Society. 'I wonder what he's up to right now?' she thought to herself; wishing he was here with her to exchange playful banter, and enjoy the evening.
Noticing movement in her peripheral vision, she looked back up to find a hand extended out to her. Lifting her gaze towards the owner of the hand, she was greeted by the sight of her smiling father.
Smiling back at him, she cocked an inquisitive eyebrow. "Dad, you know I'm not much of a slow-dancer, right? You'll be lucky if I don't crush your toes." she said; humor in her voice.
Isshin's smile grew slightly. "Your mother wasn't either, but she always danced with me. I don't want to see my beautiful daughter sitting on the sidelines at her twin sister's wedding. Come on, will you dance with your old man?" he asked; his love for his family evident in his eyes.
Sighing good-naturedly with a smile on her face, Karin took his hand, got up, and made her way over to the dancefloor with her dad.
Isshin got them positioned, and began swaying gently back and forth with his little girl; letting Karin find the rhythm, and get into it.
After a few moments of quiet, he decided to speak. "I'm sorry, Karin; I know I'm not the person you really wanted to be dancing with tonight." he said; smiling gently at her with sympathy in his eyes.
Karin smiled back, and cocked her head. "That's okay, Dad. Even though you drive me crazy sometimes, you're the best substitute I could have asked for to stand in for him." she replied; giving him a rare kiss on the cheek. She really was grateful that he was trying to make up for Toshiro's absence, even if he knew it wasn't the same. However much he annoyed her, Karin did love her father very much. He always put his family first, and was there for them whenever they needed him.
Letting his gentle smile morph into a smirk, he took Karin's hands, and set her up to be twirled. "Well, that makes me happy to hear, especially coming from you; but I think I can give you something better than your old man as a substitute." he said as he began to spin her.
As she twirled around, Karin suddenly started noticing faces in the room that she knew very well, but didn't think would be here: Ikkaku and Yumickika resting against the wall near her table, Isane and Kiyone being hit on by a couple of guys near the dessert stand, Hanataro talking animatedly with Yuzu and Jinta; Momo and Izuru dancing together nearby, with Shuhei watching from his seat at the table closest to them; Nanao and Head Captain Kyoraku talking with Ichigo and Orihime, and Rangiku at the bar.
Realization dawned, and she could feel her nerves kick in. 'Where-?' she thought as her father ceased twirling her; stopping her as she faced out towards the edge of the dancefloor, and directly at one Toshiro Hitsugaya. He was dressed in a simple white collared shirt, black dress pants, and a black blazer; the first two buttons of his shirt remaining undone. He looked as handsome as ever.
"Toshiro?" she breathed as she felt her heart stop, and she stood there in disbelief; wide eyed, and not knowing what to say.
Toshiro smiled humorously at her. "Didn't think I'd be here, did you?" he asked; playfulness in his eyes.
Upon hearing his voice, and realizing that she wasn't dreaming, Karin ran over to him; throwing her arms over his broad shoulders, and hugging him tightly as she buried her face in his neck.
As soon as her body made contact with his, Toshiro released a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, and circled his arms tightly around her waist; holding her close.
He looked past Karin at his former captain; Isshin smiling warmly at him, and nodding his head in a silent relinquishment of his daughter to the 10th division captain.
Toshiro nodded back; gratitude evident in his eyes, and a genuinely happy, contented smile on his face as he focused back on Karin. Closing his eyes, he savored the feeling of her once again in his arms; feeling himself relax in a way he hadn't since he'd left.
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When his former third seat's attention turned back to the woman in his arms, Isshin removed himself from the dancefloor, and joined Rangiku at the bar; a contented smile on his face.
Sitting down next to her, Rangiku passed him an already poured glass of sake. "So, was she surprised?" the lieutenant asked; curiosity and excitement in her eyes.
Isshin nodded in response, a smirk on his face. "Extremely. Everyone did an excellent job of keeping this under wraps."
Rangiku's face lit up. "I know, right!? I was quite impressed. So, how'd captain look? Happy?" she inquired; her nosy nature starting to make its appearance.
Isshin turned his gaze from her to look straight into his sake glass; a contemplative look on his face. "I've never seen Toshiro look like that before. In all the time I've known him, he's never seemed genuinely content, and at peace with the world. At that moment, though, he actually did; something I never thought he'd achieve, just because of his personality, and who he is. Yes, he looked very happy." he replied; still looking contemplative.
Rangiku sat there silently, and listened to her former captain's words; suspecting he wanted to say something more.
Sure enough, after a few moments of quiet, Isshin raised his eyes from his sake to his former lieutenant; the concerned look on his face directed towards her. "Rangiku, are you sure about this? I know you never wanted-" he started, only to be interrupted by Rangiku raising her hand to silence him; a genuinely contented smile on her face. "I'm sure, Isshin. I appreciate your concern, I really do, but I've lived for far longer than captain has. I've gotten to experience life; take chances…and I know how it feels to waste chances, too." she said; sadness in her eyes.
Isshin gave her a sympathetic look, knowing exactly what she meant. Gin had been gone for over thirteen years now, but he knew Rangiku still carried that pain of not being with him when she had the chance…just as he still carried his pain and guilt over not going to help Masaki all those years ago. Nodding silently, he waited for his former lieutenant to continue.
Noticing he was waiting for her to resume, she spoke again. "Captain's enjoyed his life, I know that; but I want him to have the chance to broaden his horizons; take some chances of his own. He would be miserable continuing the way things have been, and he's far too young for that. He deserves this, and I want to help him in any way I can. I want him to be happy. Plus, in the grand scheme of things, it'll only be for a short time. So, don't worry about me; I'll be just fine, I promise." she finished; a reassuring smile on her face.
Isshin returned her smile with one of his own; nodding in understanding. He could see that she was sincere, which gave him the reassurance that he needed. Turning back to his sake, he raised it to his lips; a smirk on his face. "So, I take it you'll be going to spy on them now?" he asked; taking a sip from his cup.
Rangiku's face adopted a mischievous smile. "Well of course! There's no way I'd miss this." she said, before getting off her stool, and heading out in Toshiro and Karin's direction.
Isshin chuckled to himself; watching her go, and taking another sip of his drink. He really did love his former lieutenant's personality, but he hoped Toshiro and Karin wouldn't kill her for nosing into their private business. 'Karin probably wouldn't…Toshiro, I'm not so sure about.' he thought humorously as his eyes wandered from the blonde to his daughter and the young captain. Even though it was difficult for him to give his daughters over to the care of other men, it filled him with joy to see his children happy; and, knowing they both chose good men who would put their well-being first made it easier for him.
Watching their reunion, he couldn't help the sappy smile that made its way onto his face. 'My girls aren't girls anymore…they're all grown up.' he thought with pride; watching the couple share a tender kiss. 'The ice dragon Toshiro Hitsugaya kissing a girl…a sight I never thought I'd see.' he thought humorously; a playful smile making its way onto his face as he watched the young man lead Karin out of the mansion, and towards the garden. 'Good luck, Toshiro…not that you need it.' he thought; downing the last of his sake, and making his way over to Shunsui.
Silently coming to a stop next to the head captain, Isshin crossed his arms over his chest as the two men watched Toshiro lead Karin out to the garden; giving him a thumbs-up when he glanced back at them.
A moment of quiet passed before Isshin spoke; his gaze focused on the young couple disappearing behind the shrubbery. "This was your ultimate goal all along, wasn't it, Shunsui? You were hoping they'd take an interest in each other." he said; looking over at the older man.
Shunsui adopted a small smirk; closing his eyes, and chuckling slightly. "So, you figured it out? I can't say I'm surprised, but well done, all the same."
Isshin smirked in return before focusing his gaze back outside. "It wasn't very hard to reason out. The Gotei 13 is still running on half its original strength and numbers, with so many casualties from the war. Humans age faster; and, with our bloodline plus Toshiro's natural abilities, you'd be guaranteed strong substitute Shinigami in a much shorter time span than waiting for children in the academy to graduate, and rise through the ranks. You'll have your own highly-trained reserve army waiting in the world of the living, if and when needed, in the same timeframe it would take to train and graduate two to three rounds of academy students with basic skills. I'm assuming you'd already gotten approval from Central 46 for all of this beforehand; that's the only possible explanation for how quickly and readily you got and gave permission to do this. That's a clever way of replenishing your ranks with lots of firepower."
The older man once again marveled at how much more perceptive the elder Kurosaki was than people gave him credit for. Looking over at Isshin, he gave a soft smile. "Yes, that was my ultimate end goal; but I also wanted to honor Jushiro's last request. This was the best way of doing that, and I truly hope it brings Toshiro happiness…which I think it will."
Isshin looked over at Shunsui; seeing the sincerity in the older man's eyes, and adopting a soft smile of his own. "I know it will. Thank you, Shunsui…for everything." he said; putting a hand on the Head Captain's shoulder before turning, and heading back inside to go find his son and daughter-in-law.
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Toshiro noticed Isshin leave the dance floor, and head over to talk with his lieutenant at the bar; thankful that his former captain was giving them a chance to talk privately. 'Isshin: the living paradox. One minute, overprotective and nosey; the next, consciences and considerate.' he thought sarcastically.
Focusing his full attention back on the girl in his arms, Toshiro gave her a slight squeeze. "I missed you, Karin." he whispered softly in her ear.
Pulling back slightly from her hold on him, Karin locked eyes with him. "I missed you, too, Toshiro." she said; unshed tears making her dark eyes glisten, and a happy smile adorning her face.
The young captain smiled back at her; pulling away completely, and looking her up and down. "You look gorgeous. The necklace looks good on you." he said; amusement and affection in his eyes.
Karin shot him a smirk; putting one hand on her hip while the other came up to fiddle with the locket. "Thanks for the compliment. I'm especially fond of this necklace; it was given to me by someone special. Although, I do have a bone to pick with him." she replied; her eyes dancing with humor.
Cocking a curious eyebrow, Toshiro took a couple of steps towards her. "Oh? How come?" he asked; returning her smirk with one of his own.
Karin crossed the remaining distance between them; looping her arms around his neck once more. "I haven't seen him in six months, and I don't think I've gotten a proper hello yet." she replied; a challenging smile on her face. She knew he hated PDA, especially in front of his comrades, so she was curious to see if he'd take the bait.
Toshiro's eyes softened, and his smirk melted into an affectionate smile as he leaned down; capturing her lips with his, closing his eyes, and bringing his arms around her waist.
Surprised, but pleased, Karin melted into it; closing her eyes, and pulling herself as close to him as possible. For once, neither of them cared if anyone was watching; all they were focused on was each other.
After several seconds, they broke apart; Toshiro resting his forehead on hers. "I didn't realize how much I've missed that." he said; his lips curved into a small half-smirk.
Karin chuckled slightly; opening her eyes, and giving him a small smirk in return. "Well, I told you I came pretty damn close to perfect, so it's no wonder you were feeling my loss." she said sarcastically; her eyes reflecting humor.
Toshiro couldn't help but laugh slightly at that; unable to disagree with her. Yes, she had things about her that drove him crazy at times, both good and bad; but she was perfect…she was perfect to him.
He only responded by kissing her again, and feeling her relax completely against him.
Regardless of how happy she was that he'd shown up, one thing Karin did want was an explanation of how he was even here; so, when they parted, she decided to ask. "Okay, as happy as I am to see you, what on earth are you doing here, and when did you get here? I though no one from Soul Society was going to be able to make it." she said; a curious expression on her face.
Toshiro smiled at her in return; taking her hand in his. 'Alright, it's time.' he thought as he led her away from the dancefloor. "Come on. Let's go for a walk, and I'll explain everything." he said; leading her away from the ballroom, and out of the mansion to the manicured gardens out back.
Glancing quickly over his shoulder, he saw Head Captain Kyoraku and Isshin give him a wink and a thumbs up from the doorway; knowing smiles on their faces.
Toshiro gave a slight nod in acknowledgement before leading Karin out of sight from prying eyes. They walked a little-ways, until they made it to the pond in the center of the Japanese garden, and he brought her over to a stone bench by the bridge that stretched across the waterbody.
Putting his blazer down over the right side of the seat to cover the aged granite, he motioned for her to sit down.
Karin walked over to him, and gave him a peck on the cheek. "Wow, such a gentleman. Where was this person when you were plowing my face into the dirt all those months ago?" she asked sarcastically; giving him a wink as she took a seat on top of his jacket.
Smirking back at her, he sat down next to her. "Different circumstances. You can't be soft in training, Karin. Hardship breeds results."
"True." she replied; a smile on her face. "Now, are you gonna tell me exactly what's going on? Because I'm awfully curious." she said; her eyes fixed on his, and looking for answers.
Nodding, Toshiro began his practiced speech. "It started a couple of months after I'd returned to Soul Society; right before I sent you that necklace. Rangiku, and pretty much everyone else, had noticed that I had been in a perpetually bad mood since I got back, and I wasn't myself. Reports of it even ended up getting back to Head Captain Kyoraku. Rangiku and your dad paid him a visit in his office, and he asked them about it. She explained what she'd observed of my behavior recently, and your dad filled in the gaps. She mentioned that I'd been spending more time than usual in my own thoughts, and that I'd seemed way more withdrawn from everything and everyone around me. I guess she'd come into our shared office once to leave paperwork for me, and she saw me staring out the window; completely unaware she was even there. She also told him that one thing she noticed at the time was that I was subconsciously playing with a bracelet on my wrist that she'd never seen before." he said; sliding his sleeve up, and revealing the bracelet Karin had given him for his birthday.
She was surprised he had it on right now. 'Then again, I have his necklace on, so…' she thought humorously; seeing the irony.
Watching as his face went from relaxed to uncomfortable, Karin wondered what he was about to tell her next.
Sighing, Toshiro continued. "Sometimes I hate how perceptive that man is. I guess Shunsui had been able to piece the circumstances together just by seeing your father there, and only asked for the whole story from Isshin and Rangiku to make sure he was correct about everything. A couple days after that conversation, he called me into his office. He asked me, point blank, if I missed my life in the human world; and if that was why I'd been so irritable lately. I didn't feel like I could lie to him, since he would have seen through it, anyway, so I didn't even bother trying. I told him the truth, but kept it vague. I said there were certain things that I missed about being in the world of the living, but that I was still fully committed to my duties as a captain. He followed up by asking me A.) if there was anything, or anyone, in particular that I missed, and B.) what the significance of the bracelet was. When I didn't answer, he told me that he knew we were romantically involved." he said; a slight blush on his face, and his lips forming a small scowl.
Karin couldn't help but chuckle; Toshiro hated it when people pried into his personal life. She could only imagine how uncomfortable he'd been during that conversation. 'Poor Toshiro.' she thought; unable to not find the imaginary scene in her head hilarious.
Seeing her amused expression, Toshiro shot her a scowl before smiling defeatedly, and shaking his head. "I'm glad my extreme discomfort is amusing to you." he said; adopting a playful smirk.
Karin couldn't hold it in anymore, and burst into laughter; Toshiro enjoying watching her struggle as she tried to calm herself down. It took her a minute or so, but she was able to stifle her laughter into small giggles. "I'm sorry; I can just picture it, and it's hilarious!"
Even though it was at his expense, he was glad to see her laughing again. According to Isshin, she hadn't since he'd left.
Once she had fully calmed down, and her attention was once more on him, he continued. "Shunsui was surprisingly calm about everything. We talked for a little while after that, and I learned some things I was previously unaware of." he said; his face adopting a small smile.
Karin raised a curious eyebrow in response. "Oh yeah? What did he tell you?" she asked; eager to hear more.
Toshiro's smile grew, and his eyes adopted a far-off look; as if he was remembering something dear to him. "Apparently, he'd had a conversation with Captain Ukitake shortly before he died. Jushiro was always fond of me because our names sounded similar, and we both had white hair. I think he sort of thought of me as the son he never had." he said; a fond look on his face that Karin had never seen before.
'This guy must've been important to him.' Karin thought as she waited for Toshiro to continue.
After a few moments of silence, he spoke again. "He'd made Shunsui promise that, if I made it through the war, he would give me some flexibility to try new things; have some adventures while I was still young. Really, I think he made him promise that because I'm so young. All I've ever known outside of growing up in Rukongai was the Gotei 13. I joined when I was still just a kid, and I climbed the ladder quickly. That's been most of my life…until you came along."
At this point, Toshiro focused his attention back on Karin; smiling affectionately at her. "When Shunsui and I talked, he asked me if I'd like to stay in the world of the living with you until the end of your natural life. I said yes, and he was happy to cooperate; he wanted to honor Jushiro's request."
Shocked, Karin stared at her boyfriend with wide eyes. "Wait…what?" she asked; having a hard time processing the information.
Toshiro smirked slightly at her. "I'm here to stay, Karin…if you want me to, that is." he said; waiting patiently for her response.
Karin couldn't believe what she was hearing. She had so many questions; but, at the moment, she didn't care. She threw her arms around his neck, and hugged him excitedly. "Of course I want you to stay, you idiot!" she said; feeling her eyes prickle with unshed tears.
Toshiro hugged her back; pulling her close to him, and closing his eyes. He'd never before felt as content as he did in this moment; confirmation to him that he was making the right decision. This is where he belonged right now: with the love of his life. 'I wish I'd understood Isshin's perspective sooner.' he thought, as he recalled how hurt he and Rangiku had felt when their captain had abandoned them and the rest of the division. Now, he understood why, and he honestly couldn't fault the older man for it.
Pulling away from him, Karin asked the big question on her mind. "So, if you're here, what's gonna happen to the 10th division without their captain? How's this gonna work? How's the division gonna feel...and how's Central 46 gonna react?" she asked; a mix of excitement, concern, and fear in her eyes. Not wanting to abandon his squad was one of the main reasons why he went back in the first place; and the other was to keep her safe from the Central 46's harsh retaliation.
Toshiro adopted a small smile. "We already discussed it with the entire division, and they were all supportive. More than supportive, actually; they were pretty excited. Shunsui went to Central 46, and got their permission as well. It took a little persuading, but once they heard our plan, they relented. I'll be put on an extended leave of absence for however long you're alive, and Rangiku will be promoted to captain until I return to Soul Society. Apparently, she volunteered to do this when she and Isshin talked with Shunsui; it was even her idea. She said she was willing to do anything she could to help, and when I talked to her about it after my conversation with him, she confirmed it." he replied; the fondness and appreciation he had for his lieutenant evident in his eyes.
Again, Karin was having a hard time processing everything, but she was very grateful to Rangiku. "Wow, that's really generous of her. I thought she didn't have any interest in becoming captain?" she said; her gaze locked with his.
Toshiro nodded in confirmation. "She didn't…still doesn't, really; but she said she was happy to do it so I could take a chance, and follow my heart. I have a feeling she was thinking about her past with her childhood friend, Gin Ichimaru, when she made the decision. He died by Aizen's hands over thirteen years ago, and she never told him how she felt about him. Not being with him while she could is her biggest regret, and I don't think she wanted me to have a similar experience." he finished; his smile turning sympathetic for his lieutenant.
Mirroring his facial expression, Karin nodded in understanding; her fondness and appreciation for Rangiku growing even more. Taking his hand, and interlacing their fingers, Karin scooted close to him again. "I guess I owe her a lot, then. I'll have to say thank you later." she said, smiling, before adopting a slightly concerned expression. "Are you sure this is what you want, Toshiro? You're giving up everything you know, and everything you've worked for, to come here…I don't want you to regret this, or miss the life you had." she asked; the concern on her face growing.
Smiling affectionately back at her, he brought his free hand up to cup her face; stroking her cheek with his thumb. "I'm sure. This is where I'm needed right now…and it's where I want to be. I'll be a captain of the Gotei 13 for the rest of my life once I return, but your life here is short; I want to spend it with you." he replied, before leaning in, and meeting her halfway for a tender kiss.
When they broke apart, both of them contented and happy, a small smirk made its way onto Toshiro's face.
Curious yet again about what he was thinking, she gave him an inquisitive look; silently asking him what was on his mind.
Getting up off the seat, he stood in front of her. Karin could see excitement, but also slight nervousness, in his eyes; something he almost never showed.
Crossing his arms over his chest, he cocked an inquisitive eyebrow at her. "Now that you know the backstory of everything, there's only one more question that needs asking. I already talked to your dad and Ichigo a couple of weeks ago, so don't worry about them."
Karin looked at him confusedly in response. 'What is he talking about?' she thought; unsure of what else needed to be discussed, or why her father and brother were involved.
Bracing himself, Toshiro took a deep breath; reaching into his pants pocket, and getting down on one knee.
Shocked into silence for the second time that evening, Karin brought a hand up to her mouth; excitement and joy filling her whole body as a single tear escaped her eye.
Smiling at her, Toshiro pulled out a white gold ring. The band had a dragon engraved on one side, and a tiger on the other; both embellished with the same crystals that comprised her necklace. In the center was a 1.5 carat round-cut diamond. It was simple overall, but beautiful; just like Karin herself.
"Karin Kurosaki, will you marry me?" he asked; hope and excitement in his eyes.
Happier than she ever thought she could be, and unable to find her words, Karin launched herself into his arms; causing both of them to fall over on to the rice stone.
They were both laughing as Toshiro picked himself up slightly; Karin on top of him. finding her smiling face and dancing eyes with his own, he adopted a playful smirk. "So, I take it that's a yes, then?" he asked; sarcasm in his voice.
Karin rolled her eyes good-naturedly; smiling at him before leaning down, and kissing him. "Of course it's a yes." she said; resting her forehead on his. "I told you I wouldn't be marrying anyone else, didn't I?"
Toshiro chuckled, and smiled back at her as he slid the ring onto her finger. They shared one more sweet, lingering kiss before they got up, and made their way back to the mansion; Karin examining and admiring the piece of jewelry that now adorned her finger.
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When they walked back into the ballroom, they were greeted by the entire room shouting "congratulations!", and throwing celebratory confetti.
Wide-eyed, Toshiro looked around the room as Yuzu ran up to her twin, and gave her a big hug. After thanking Yuzu, and showing her the ring, Karin turned to Toshiro; an inquisitive look on her face. "Toshiro, who are all these people? I take it you know them, judging by the look on your face." she asked; amused by his startled expression.
Standing in front of Toshiro was his entire division, plus all of the Gotei 13 captains; sly smiles on their faces. Toshiro stood there, stock still, in disbelief as Karin waved to the captains in greeting. "It's my entire division." He responded; still looking dumbfounded.
Karin's face broke into a huge smile. "Oh, cool! I've gotta go say hi to them!" she said, walking over to start greeting everyone as the captains came up to him; the smiles on their faces making Toshiro extremely uncomfortable. Over their shoulders, he could see what appeared to be Mayuri in a normal-looking gigai (for once. Yuzu must have forced the issue) lingering by the far corner of the room; a small robotic bug hovering nearby.
With a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, he turned around to find a live feed of where he and Karin had been talking in the garden; his face reddening with the realization that everyone had just witnessed the entire scene.
Turning back around, he stared at the smirking faces of his fellow captains. "Congratulations, Captain Hitsugaya. Who knew you were a closet romantic. I'm rather jealous; you bagged a real beauty. That's one hell of a body she's got there; same level as Orihime, I think." Shinji Hirako said from his left; all the other captains nodding their agreement.
"Watch it, Hirako." he replied; leveling his trademark glare at the blonde. Absolutely no one would be talking about Karin like that while he was around…even if it was an accurate observation.
Shinji scoffed, and rolled his eyes in response, but didn't retort; so, Toshiro took that as a win. Now turning his attention back to the matter of the projector, he forced himself to ask the question he had a feeling he already knew the answer to; really wishing he could just vanish from the scene entirely. "Who set this up?" he asked; his icy gaze, and clearly barely-contained anger, making his fellow captains burst out laughing.
From his right, Shunsui chimed in to answer. "Who do you think?" he said; pointing to the blonde over at the bar.
With his suspicions confirmed, Toshiro felt his face redden again.
Karin was enjoying meeting Toshiro's comrades, and hearing their stories about the cold and unemotional captain; someone so different from the person they'd just seen on the live feed. 'Yup, that's Toshiro for ya.' she thought; smirking as she continued through the crowd of Shinigami.
All of a sudden, everyone fell silent as the temperature in the room dropped markedly, and they heard Toshiro holler out. "MATSUMOTOOOOOO!" from where the captains had congregated. Everyone pivoted their gaze to the lazy lieutenant; watching in amusement as she shot up off of her seat to try and pacify her steaming captain, who was walking towards her.
With a sheepish smile, she took a couple of steps towards him. "Now, now, captain, calm down. I just wanted to share your happy moment with the rest of the division! Don't they deserve to join in on one of the most important days of your life?" she asked, getting visibly nervous as Toshiro continued to advance towards her; prompting her to begin backing away from him slowly.
"Joining in on the day, yes; watching a broadcast of what was meant to be a private conversation, ABSOLUTELY NOT!" he said; his face radiating anger that everyone but Rangiku was finding extremely entertaining.
Deciding to save the lieutenant from certain death at the hands of her own captain, Karin made her way over to her irate fiancé. Stepping in between the two, hands on her hips, she shot him a sassy but no-nonsense look. "Calm down, Toshiro. We owe Rangiku a lot, so let this one go, okay?" she said; waiting for him to respond.
When he took another step towards his lieutenant, Karin took a step towards him; leveling a challenging glare at him. "Okay?" she repeated; this time with more emphasis. Realizing this was a statement, not a request, Toshiro closed his eyes; taking a deep breath to calm himself down. Upon opening them back up, his gaze found Karin's as he nodded in understanding; reigning in his reiatsu, and thus returning the ballroom to its original temperature.
Pleased, Karin smiled at him; crossing the remaining distance between them, and kissing him on the cheek. "Good. I'm glad we're in agreement." she said; a smirk on her face.
He responded with a small smirk of his own. "Not like I have much of a choice, now do I?" he asked; playfulness in his voice.
Putting her hands on his shoulders, her eyes locked with his. "No, you don't." she responded cheekily before rising on her toes; this time kissing him properly.
His eyes closed, his arms encircled her waist, and for the second time that night, he actually didn't care who was watching. In the background, they could here cheers from the guests, but they ignored it.
When they separated, contented smiles on their faces, Shunsui walked up to them; a captain's haori in his hands. Toshiro looked at it, then back at Shunsui; confusion on his face. Shunsui smiled in response. "Captain Hitsugaya, I know you returned this to the Gotei 13 for the time being, but we would like you to keep it with you. You've earned it, and it belongs to you; wherever you are. Consider it a parting gift." he said; handing the garment to Toshiro.
Surprised, the white-haired man took the garment from Shunsui's hands; gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Head Captain...for everything." he replied; nodding to the older man.
Giving a nod back in reply to the young captain, Shunsui turned to Yuzu and Jinta, who were standing near Rangiku. "Mr. and Mrs. Hanakari, I apologize that we stole your spotlight. Thank you for being willing to let us put this together." he said; an apologetic smile on his face.
First looking at each other, then back at Shunsui, the couple adopted big smiles of their own. "There's no need to apologize, Head Captain Kyoraku; it was our pleasure to help. Besides, there was no way I was missing my sister's engagement, so this worked out perfectly." Yuzu responded; the sly smile on her face directed at her twin.
Karin smirked back at her; grateful that Yuzu let her own wedding be commandeered to facilitate this. Walking over to her sister and brother-in-law, she gave them both hugs before turning to look at the guests and Shinigami. "Alright, everyone. Now that we've all enjoyed the entertainment, let's get back to the party! We still have a new marriage to celebrate!" she hollered; eliciting cheers from everyone as the DJ started the music back up.
One by one, everyone made their way back to the dancefloor; intent on partying the remainder of the night away.
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Toshiro visited with his division for a little while, knowing it would be the last time he would get to do so for many years. He made sure to talk with, and say goodbye to, every single one of them before they would have to leave the party to return to Soul Society.
Gradually, the number of people dwindled as the night went on; couples with young children heading to bed earlier than others. When the clock struck midnight, all of the Shinigami, barring the originals that had been invited to the wedding, returned to Soul Society; Toshiro's subordinates offering their congratulations and best wishes to him and Karin, and all the captains bidding farewell to him upon their departure.
Preparing to play the last two songs of the night, the DJ told the crowd that he wanted to see everyone up on the dancefloor to close the party down, and bid the happy couple a good night.
Determining from the intro music that they would be slow songs, Toshiro made his way over to his lieutenant, who'd been hanging out by the bar for most of the evening.
Standing next to her, he took the sake from her hands as she turned to him. With a small smile on his face, he took her hand in his. "Come on, Rangiku; I want to see you dancing." he said; gently trying to pull her off her seat to bring her out onto the dancefloor.
Rangiku stopped him; pulling slightly on his hand, with an unsure look on her face. "I don't know, captain. I just don't feel like-" she began, before being cut off by Toshiro. "Rangiku, you should have some fun while you can. Once you officially become captain, you won't have as much time to enjoy yourself; as you experienced while I was gone. Take the opportunity. Besides…I know Gin would want to see you dancing again." he said; his eyes soft as he observed the tears forming in his lieutenant's eyes.
She nodded silently in agreement; knowing that he was right. Gin had loved her as much as she'd loved him, but she had to accept the fact that he was gone. She knew he wouldn't have wanted her to spend the rest of her life mourning him; he'd want her to be happy, and enjoy herself. 'Alright, then. If captain can find the courage to move forward, so can I.' she thought; nodding, and letting him lead her over to the dancefloor.
She was confused, however, when he brought her past the crowd of people, and over to Shuhei Hisagi, who was smiling nervously at her; dressed in black dress pants, a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a black tie.
"Shuhei?" she said, surprised; she hadn't even realized he was here. She'd been friends with the lieutenant for many years, and they would often go drinking together. He was one of her closest friends, and they always enjoyed their time together. She'd always thought him very attractive; but, due to her love for Gin, she'd never had any serious interest in him. Even after Gin died, she still felt unable to relinquish her memories and feelings for him, so she'd actively kept every eligible young man at arm's length; including the 9th division lieutenant. She hadn't thought he was at all interested in her as anything more than a friend, though, so it had never made things awkward. 'Was I wrong?' she thought curiously; strangely interested in the answer.
She felt Toshiro let go of her hand; watching as the 10th division captain took a step towards Shuhei, and put a hand on his shoulder. "Your turn, Hisagi. If I can do it, so can you." he said; looking the lieutenant in the eyes.
Shuhei swallowed nervously, but nodded in reply. Captain Hitsugaya had always intimidated him, as he did most other people; but Shuhei was grateful for his help in getting Rangiku off her chair. He knew that her captain was the only person who'd be able to persuade her out here, so he'd solicited his help.
Nodding in reply, Shuhei looked from the 10th division captain to Rangiku; taking a deep breath to steady his nerves.
Rangiku's gaze shifted between Shuhei and Toshiro, watching the exchange between the two men intently.
As Toshiro withdrew his hand, and began walking away, he suddenly stopped; looking back over his shoulder at the 9th division lieutenant. "Hisagi," he said; catching the man's attention.
Both heads turned toward him, and Toshiro glanced from one lieutenant to the other; a serious look on his face, and protectiveness in his eyes. "Take good care of her. If you don't, you answer to me." he said; his voice stern and threatening. With that, Toshiro began walking once more to go find Karin for the last dance of the night; disappearing into the crowd of people.
Once the young captain was out of sight, Shuhei focused his attention back on the entrancing blonde before him.
She looked breathtaking in her Caribbean blue draped collar, wrap satin dress. She had swapped her usual chain out with a simple aquamarine drop and yellow gold necklace, and she had put her hair up in a loose curly bun. On her small wrist was an aquamarine bracelet.
He always thought she looked beautiful, but tonight she was in a class all her own.
Holding his hand out to her, his eyes met hers. "You look wonderful tonight, Rangiku. May I have this dance?" he asked; hopefulness, as well as nervousness, in his eyes.
Rangiku hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether or not she should take this step, before finally taking his hand; giving him a small smile. "Thank you, Shuhei; I would love to dance." she replied; feeling surprisingly happy.
He smiled back at her; relief and happiness on his face as he led her onto the dancefloor, got them into position, and swayed back and forth to the beat of the music.
Rangiku felt transported. Since Gin had died, she'd been afraid of moving on with her life…and her affections. Yes, she'd fought in many hard battles since then, and had had lots of adventures, but she'd refused to let herself open up to anyone aside from her captain. Now, though, dancing with Shuhei, she felt strangely at peace; protected and adored.
The dark grey eyes that she had seen so many times in the past that never seemed to give anything away now held affection and admiration for her. It took her by surprise, but she found herself happy about it. 'Gin, I'll never forget you, or stop loving you; but it's time for me to move on with my life. I hope I have your blessing.' she thought to herself; finally letting go of the shadows of her past as she moved with Shuhei under the dim lights of the ballroom.
As they swayed, never losing eye contact, Shuhei decided to speak. "Rangiku, I have a question to ask you." he said; slight nervousness making its way onto his face once more.
Tilting her head curiously, Rangiku gave him a gentle smile. "Oh yeah? What's your question, Shuhei?" she asked; having a feeling she already knew what he was about to say.
Taking a deep breath to calm himself down, he began. "We've known each other for a long time, and I hope we'll always be friends, despite whatever I say now." he said; pausing to see her response.
Rangiku nodded in confirmation; her smile still on her face. "Of course we will. Now, what is it you wanted to ask me?" she said again; knowing curiosity in her eyes.
Maintaining eye contact with her, he mustered up all the courage he could, and spoke. "I've always admired you, Rangiku. You're one of a kind. You have brains, beauty, and a caring heart…plus a good sense of humor." he said; a smirk appearing on his face, before changing to a sober smile. "I'll never be Gin Ichimaru, but I want to know if you would be interested in seeing if there could be a future between us?" he finished; nervousness evident in his eyes.
Rangiku studied him intently for a moment, processing his words; her assumption of what he'd wanted to say being proven correct. She could see his anxiety, and his fear of being rejected; but she also saw hope in his eyes. She could tell he cared for her very much, and that knowledge drove away the fear of being left behind and abandoned again.
Staring back at him, she adopted a cheeky smile. "I would…on one condition." she said; her eyes sparkling.
Happy but puzzled, Shuhei gave her a curious look. "What condition would that be?" he asked; the smirk on her face making him nervous.
Rangiku moved closer to him, and put her hands on his shoulders; keeping her eyes on his. "Kiss me." she said; enjoying the blush that made its way onto his face. 'Mmmmm, I think this is gonna be a lot of fun.' she thought humorously to herself.
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Toshiro found Karin talking with her father, brother, and Orihime; along with Rukia and Renji. The two dark-haired women seemed to be scolding the strawberry rather animatedly (Plus a whack on the back of the head from Rukia), and Isshin and Renji were laughing at his expense. Poor Orihime just sighed, and shook her head; clearly used to it by now.
Smirking, Toshiro decided to interject, and save the substitute from further abuse by his sister and best friend.
As he walked over to Karin, every head in the group turned in his direction. Ichigo looked ready to kill him. Raising a curious eyebrow, he looked at the orange-haired man with indifference. "What have I done this time, Kurosaki?" he asked; a disinterested look on his face.
Ichigo's eyebrow twitched. "You may be engaged to my sister now, but you better watch yourself, Toshiro. I wanna see where those hands are at all times, you hear me?! I'm not letting my baby sister get felt up by-" Ichigo was interrupted by an embarrassed and furious Karin landing a punch on the side of his face; sending him stumbling back until he tripped over a stray chair, and landed unceremoniously on his rear end, looking stunned.
Isshin, Renji, and Rukia all started cracking up while Orihime ran over to her dazed husband. Karin was fuming. "Shut the hell up, Ichigo! Stay out of our personal lives!" she yelled; taking a deep breath before turning to her fiancé, and shaking her head in exasperation. "Sorry, as usual, Toshiro." she said, while attempting to calm herself down.
Toshiro merely smirked at her. "I'm used to it by now. Besides, that punch was impressive." he replied; humor dancing in his turquoise eyes.
Karin smirked back, and put a hand on her hip. "Thanks; I had a good teacher." she said; her pride in him evident on her face.
His smirk faded to an affectionate smile as he took her hand in his. "And I had a good student. Now, it's the last song of the night. Would you like to dance?" he asked; already knowing what her answer would be.
She smiled back at him; excitement in her eyes. "Of course I would." she said; a tenderness in her voice that only he ever brought out.
With that, Toshiro led them out onto the dancefloor; getting them into position, and beginning to sway back and forth to the beat. Karin put her head on his chest, and he held her close as they got lost in the music.
'I know this song. It's one of Yuzu's favorites: Enchanted, I think. The original singer is Taylor Swift, but this is the one Yuzu likes: the cover by Megan & Liz.' he thought as he listened to the lyrics. This was definitely his and Karin's song; it fit them perfectly.
Looking down at the beautiful, strong young woman in his arms, he felt blessed; like everything in his life was finally the way it was supposed to be. Yes, there would be hardships; he knew that. There would be arguments, and sleepless nights, and stress; but none of it mattered. He was where he needed to be; where he was supposed to be.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted his lieutenant and her companion dancing nearby. He chuckled slightly; seeing Shuhei look like a deer in headlights while Rangiku looked like a cat with a saucer full of cream in front of her. 'Good job, Hisagi. Keep her happy.' he thought; pleased that the 9th division lieutenant was able to get her on the dancefloor.
Feeling him chuckle, Karin looked up at her fiancé; curiosity in her eyes. "What's so funny?" she asked; an inquisitive smile on her face.
Toshiro merely nodded in the direction of the two lieutenants; prompting Karin to follow his gaze. He watched as a satisfied smirk made its way onto her face upon seeing the pair dancing. Looking back at him, she raised a questioning eyebrow. "That was your handiwork, wasn't it?" she asked.
Toshiro shook his head in response. "No, actually. I just got her away from the bar, per Hisagi's request. He did the rest." he said, as they both watched the lieutenant and soon-to-be-captain share a kiss.
Looking back at Toshiro, Karin looped her arms around his neck. "Man, everyone's getting together at this wedding. Do you think Yuzu's secretly cupid?" she asked; her eyes dancing with laughter.
Toshiro smirked in reply. "I'd recommend asking her what she put in the cake." he said; slight humor in his voice.
Karin chuckled in response before letting her facial features soften; a seductive smile on her face. "They've got the right idea, though." she said; eliciting a smirk from her fiancé before the distance between them disappeared. Their eyes closed as her arms slid down his neck, to the front of his chest; while his right hand travelled up to cup her cheek; deepening the kiss. His left arm circled her waist, and pulled her closer to him.
They stayed like that for several seconds, savoring the moment, until they felt Ichigo's reiatsu flare. Knowing that they were most likely the cause, they reluctantly parted; looking in the direction of the substitute. Sure enough, Rukia had a hold of the struggling Kurosaki's suit jacket while Orihime seemed to be trying to calm him down. If looks could kill, Toshiro would have been 6 feet under by now with the way Ichigo was glaring at him.
Sighing, Toshiro turned back to his fiancé. "He's not gonna leave us alone, is he?" he asked; mild humor, along with exasperation, in his eyes.
Karin shook her head in response. "Nope, not a chance…unless we disappear." she said with a wink; leading him off the dancefloor, and into the crowd as the song finished, and everyone began saying goodnight to the bride and groom before retiring for the evening.
Karin managed to find her sister and Jinta in the crowd as she and Toshiro gave her brother the slip; giving Yuzu one final hug before saying goodnight to them both, and slipping out of the ballroom.
She brought him upstairs to her room in the mansion; locking the door behind them, and sighing in relief. "Finally, some peace and quiet." she said; leaning against the door with a relieved smile on her face.
Toshiro smirked in reply. "You do realize Ichigo will probably be at your door in about a half an hour or so demanding I leave, right?" he asked humorously.
Karin pushed herself off the door, and looked contemplatively at it before switching her gaze back to Toshiro; a mischievous smile on her face. "Got any Kido barriers up your sleeve that you can use on the outside of the door?" she asked; looking quite pleased with her idea.
Toshiro's smirk grew as he proceeded to open the door, and put up a barrier on the outside of it. "There, I doubt Ichigo can break that…Well, at least without destroying the mansion with a Getsuga Tensho. Your dad probably could, but I have a feeling he wouldn't want to." he replied; a pleased smile on his face as he closed the door once more.
"What's the spell called?" he heard Karin ask from the other side of the room. Going over to place the same spell on her windows, too, as he wouldn't put anything past the intrusive strawberry, he replied. "Kyōmon. It's a transparent barrier that extends from one side of an opening to another. The strength of the spell is determined by the strength of the Shinigami who casts it. It'll deactivate when I fall asleep, but I'm assuming Ichigo will have given up by then." he said; turning back around to face her after finishing with the windows on either side of the bed.
Karin walked up to him; a suitcase not belonging to her in her hand, and a playful look on her face. "Ya know, It was awfully presumptive of you to expect that I would just let you stay with me." she said; handing him what she theorized to be his suitcase so he could change in the bathroom.
Taking the piece of luggage from her, he gave her a playful smirk in reply before giving her a quick peck on the lips. "I was right though, wasn't I?" he asked, still smirking, as he walked over to the bathroom to change.
Shaking her head in mock exasperation, Karin shot him a sassy look; a hand on her hip. "You're lucky I love you." she said; a teasing quality to her voice.
With his face still adorning a smirk, he looked back at her. "I know." he said, before entering the bathroom, and closing the door behind him while Karin rummaged through her own clothes to find her favorite pair of pajamas.
Once he re-emerged after about 10 minutes, dressed in grey basketball shorts and a plain white t-shirt, Karin went in to change and wash up; her pajamas in hand. Hearing the bathroom door close, Toshiro got into bed, and grabbed a book out of the bag he'd left by his lamp; deciding to do a little reading while he waited for Karin.
After about 20 minutes or so, Karin emerged from the bathroom dressed in teal silk shorts, and a matching loose-fitting teal silk spaghetti-strap top.
Crawling into bed beside him, she peered over at the book he was reading. Cocking an inquisitive eyebrow, she looked up at him. "Why are you reading a book on Business Management?" she asked; slightly confused.
Toshiro placed his bookmark back in the book, closed it, and put it on his nightstand, before looking back at her; a small smile on his face. "Just reading up on some things for later." he said; his face showing suppressed excitement.
Now very curious, Karin gave him an inquisitive look. "What do you mean 'things for later'?' What's going on, Toshiro?" she asked; her eyes searching his face for answers.
His smile grew as he put his arm around her, and pulled her closer to him. "Well, it was going to be a surprise, but I guess I can tell you now. You know how Tatsuki bought the Furin Hall dojo last year?" he asked, to which Karin nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, how come?" she said; waiting for him to explain.
Toshiro tucked a strand of raven hair behind her ear; running his hand down her arm in a gentle caress. "Well, she came to Soul Society with Ichigo a few months back, so she could see some of us again, and catch up. After a while, we started talking about my plans to come here for the remainder of your natural life, and she invited me to go in on the business. I guess it's grown past the point where she can manage it by herself, and she said there's a lot of kids that want to learn swordsmanship, too. Since that's my strongpoint, she asked if I wanted to take that part of the instructing on, and be her business partner. I need to find something to do, and I think that would be a good fit." he said; enjoying the elated look on her face.
Ecstatic, Karin flung her arms around his neck, and squeezed him tightly. "Toshiro, that's fantastic! That'll be perfect for you!" she said; happiness radiating off of her.
His arms circled her waist, hugging her back. "I was hoping you'd be happy about it." he said; a contented smile on his face as he held her close.
Pulling back just enough to meet his gaze, she rested her forehead on his. "I'm really happy about it; it's a great idea." she said; smiling at him, before bridging the small gap between them, and capturing his lips with hers in a deep kiss; both their eyes falling closed.
She felt Toshiro relax as he leaned in more; pushing her back onto her pillow so that he was on top of her.
One of his hands found the smooth skin of her waist, causing her to shiver. It had always amazed her how his hands, which were so rough and calloused from years of training and fighting, felt like the gentlest and safest things in the world to her. they made her feel wanted; cherished.
Bringing one hand up to clasp his shoulder while the other made its way to the back of his neck, fingers sliding into his hair, Karin pulled him closer. 'Mmmmmm, I could get used to this.' she thought dreamily; her mind becoming increasingly hazy.
Feeling her shiver from his touch, Toshiro felt his desires struggling against his restraint; the latter weakening with every passing moment.
Just as he started sliding his hand further up her waist, they were interrupted by a very angry substitute Shinigami banging on the kido barrier outside the door. "Karin, drop this barrier, and open up! I know Toshiro's in there, and I want him out. Right. Now! There's no way he's staying in there with you! Toshiro, get out here! You hear me?! Don't you dare lay a finger on my sister!"
Reluctantly, the pair parted as Toshiro growled in frustration; glancing over at the closed door. "Really? Now? Damn you, Ichigo." he muttered angrily; echoing Karin's thoughts exactly.
Looking back at each other, they nodded once before getting out of bed, and opening the bedroom door; both of them glaring daggers at the eldest Kurosaki sibling.
"Ichigo, what the hell?! It's one in the morning; people are trying to sleep! Would you keep it down?!" Karin said angrily from the other side of the barrier; Toshiro merely crossing his arms, and continuing to stare down the strawberry.
Ichigo was unphased. "I don't care what time it is! He's not staying in there with you; he can sleep with us, or Dad." he said; glaring back at the former captain.
Karin was about to retort when she was pre-empted by Toshiro. "Ichigo, shut up, and listen." he began; his voice cold and stern.
The use of his first name caught Ichigo's attention, and he focused on the white-haired Shinigami; waiting for him to continue.
Satisfied that he had the substitute's full attention, Toshiro pressed on. "I neither know nor care what you feel your responsibilities are as an older brother; this idiocy has to stop. Karin is a grown woman who's fully capable of making her own decisions; you can't control her life any more than you can control mine. I get that you've always done your best to protect her, but you don't need to protect her from me. I love her; I would never do anything to hurt her. Like it or not, we'll be brothers-in-law soon enough, so suck it up, and get used to it. If this continues, I'll freeze you where you stand. Goodnight, Ichigo."
With that, Toshiro slammed the door in the eldest Kurosaki sibling's face, turned around, and walked back over to the bed; sighing as he laid back down. "You're brother's a pain in the ass." he said frustratedly; rubbing his temples.
Karin blinked once, then twice, before glancing from the door where her brother was once more pounding away on the barrier in front of it to Toshiro; her stunned look changing to a proud smirk. "Wow, that was impressive." she said as she made her way back to the bed; laying down next to him, and propping herself up on her elbow.
Toshiro looked over at her; a small smile on his face. Supporting himself with one arm, he lifted himself up; kissing her quickly before plopping back down on the mattress. "Thanks. I'll be glad when he finally decides to leave us alone...or gets chased off by your father. I doubt Isshin would object to more grandchildren." he said; his smile changing to a smirk.
Karin laughed, and smiled back at him; leaning down next to him as she reached her hand up, and gently ran her fingers through his hair. "Grandchildren: no. At least not for a while. We kinda need to have a wedding first. As for Ichigo, that could be a while. I hope you've got enough patience to deal with him in the meantime." she said; a playful look on her face.
A small, affectionate smile made its way onto Toshiro's face as he looked back at the girl who'd occupied his every thought for the past six months. "As long as I have you in the end, I'll deal with his badgering for as long as necessary." he said; slight humor in his voice, but his eyes reflecting his deep love for her.
Karin mirrored his smile as she leaned down; capturing his lips with hers as she settled on top of his chest; her hair falling on either side of her face, and blanketing the two of them.
Hearing what sounded like a small skirmish followed by a loud crash outside their door, they broke apart, and shot up off the bed. Racing toward the door, they flung it open to find Isshin and Kisuke holding a now incapacitated Ichigo who looked like he'd just suffered an overdose.
Giving the two former captains an incredulous look, the couple silently waited for an explanation.
Kisuke gave them a nothing-to-see-here smile, which only unsettled them more, as he spoke. "Don't worry, Ichigo will be just fine with some sleep; I injected him with a serum to calm him down. It'll wear off in about seven hours. That should give you both plenty of time to 'get some rest.'" he said as he shot them a wink; a knowing smirk on both his and Isshin's faces.
They both blushed heavily at the implication, and Toshiro glared them down; clearly not amused at their antics.
Kisuke raised a hand in response. "Take it easy, Captain Hitsugaya; I was only kidding…sort of." he said; the knowing smirk still on his face. As the two former captains proceeded to carry Ichigo's comatose body down the hall to his room, Isshin called out "Enjoy your evening, you two!" as he waved with one hand; both of them disappearing down the hall.
Closing the door for what they hoped was the final time that night, Toshiro looked at Karin. "I can't decide what was most disturbing about that encounter." he said; the red on his face slowly receding.
Karin merely nodded in agreement; not knowing exactly what to make of the scene. "Why is my life plagued by weirdos?" she said; annoyance in her voice as she turned the lights off, and made her way back to bed; sliding under the covers.
Toshiro smirked at her; taking his shirt off, and throwing it over the edge of the bed. "I hope I'm not included on that list." he said; playful humor in his voice as he crawled into bed beside her.
Karin's grey eyes found his teal ones, and she brought a hand up to cup his cheek. "Oh, you are; but you have an advantage over everyone else." she said; mischievousness in her eyes.
Curious, Toshiro raised an inquisitive eyebrow as he leaned in closer to her, so his nose was touching hers. "Oh? And what advantage is that?" he asked; his mind starting to wander as he felt her arms snake around his neck. "You're the insanely attractive Shinigami captain that I fell madly in love with." she said as she closed the remaining distance between them, and kissed him deeply; their eyelids falling shut.
Enjoying the peace and quiet, they relished the reality of finally being alone together. However, once the need for air became pressing, they parted; Toshiro looking deep into her eyes, and finding devotion and commitment in them. "I love you, Karin…so much." he whispered to her as his hand came up to brush a lock of raven hair from her face.
Karin pulled his forehead down so it rested on hers; keeping eye contact with him. "I love you too, Toshiro." she said; a gentle smile on her face.
They stayed like that for a minute or so before a playful smile made its way onto Toshiro's face; his eyes darkening. "Now, where were we?" he asked; kissing her neck as Karin giggled beneath him, and pulled the covers over the both of them.
Links:
Rangiku's wedding outfit inspirational photos:
Dress: (Google: PARTHEA draped collar wrap ruched satin cami dress, and it should be the first image that you see, under SHEIN)
Hair: (Again, google: pinterest dot com, with /pin/202732420708287848/ attached to the end)