Chapter 10- First Date, The Meaning of Flowers

Karin had been home and had been preparing for her accelerated pre-law college program she had chosen to enroll into so she could finished school at a more challenging pace. Muramasa had suprised her by using a gigai Urahara made for him and he began learning how to help Isshin in his clinic. She came in to assist and saw he had quite a fan club forming in the patients particularly the young children and those of the female persuasion.

Muramasa approached Karin knocking on the doorway trimming as she finished up one of her reports for the criminal justice pre-requisite class. "Hey Masa-kun, how was the clinic today?" Karin asked as her purple-grey tinted eyes gazed at him and smiled at his somewhat embarassed expression.

"It was alright but," Muramasa looked uncertain and Karin just smiled, "Did one of your patients try to put a move on you?" Karin grinned as his embarassment grew and smiled. "Muramasa relax it all comes with the job...Yuzu and I used to have people flirting with us all the time when we helped at the clinic especially when we hit high school."

Muramasa sighed, "So it's normal for women to be so forward?" Karin paused, "In most cases yes...what exactly did the woman say?" Muramasa looked at her, "It's not what she said...it's what she did." Karin quirked and eyebrow waiting for him to elaborate, "Much to your father's amusement the woman grabbed my backside like a toy." Karin shook her head and smiled, "She shouldn't have been that forward but, next time she makes a move just tell her you are taken in a relationship with another woman and let her know to keep her hands off you."

Isshin who moved to the doorway whimpered pitifully, "What no cat fight? Come on Karin I expected you to be angry!" Karin just smirked, "You would enjoy that wouldn't you goat face. Muramasa has never had someone act that bold with him and I'm not going to get angry. He's an attractive man in many ways and I'm lucky to be in a relationship with him. Those other girls who only see his physical features as attractive are no threat to us." She nuzzled Muramasa's neck slightly. "I trust him to behave accordingly and when uncertain on how to approach a situation he can always come ask me."

Muramasa smiled at Karin's small gesture of affection and said, "So about that dinner I promised you...care to join me tonight?" Karin turned and smiled softly shocking her father into a stupor as she blushed and Muramasa smiled tracing her cheek with his fingertips as he kissed her softly. "I'd love to." Muramasa stood and nodded, "I'll be back for you at eight o'clock for dinner okay? Wear something simple but nice." Karin nodded with her eyes never leaving his. He smiled once more before leaving the room neither Karin nor Isshin moved until the front door was heard closing.

"He's taking me out to dinner..." Karin said with a happy sigh before freezing, "Yuzu! What am I gonna wear?!" Karin screamed looking for her twin as her father watched the chaos. He looked at the photo of his wife watching over her children on the dresser next to Karin's bed, "Well Masaki, I see Karin's finally growing up to be one hell of a woman. She's got good taste in guys just like you."

He then moved out of the way as his twin daughters dug through Karin's closet as he rolled his eyes and moved to his closet pulling out a simple purple cocktail dress that used to belong to his wife. "I think this will work don't you Honey?" he said as he held the dress up, "She's the same size you were before you died...think she'll like it?" After a breeze softly whirled around he smiled and moved back to the now trashed room of the twins, "How about this one Karin?"

Yuzu gasped, "Dad that was Mom's dress...it's perfect!" She threw Karin in the bathroom and said, "You get cleaned up I'll worry about the rest!" Karin just smiled and hugged her before moving to Isshin, "Thanks Dad." Isshin hugged his dark haired daughter back with tears in his eyes, "You're Welcome Karin...your mother would have loved him you know. He's good for you." Karin sniffled and moved back towards the bathroom after the door shut Yuzu turned to her Dad and said, "Dad, you do know its just her first official date with him?"

Isshin shook his head, "It may be the first date but, your old man can tell when his children have met the people they're going to spend their lives with. It's a parent's instinct." He moved out of the room before turning back, "All of my children are growing up so fast...don't try to go over board with the hair or make-up Yuzu. That dress is a statement in of itself." Yuzu smiled and nodded, "Okay Daddy."

Isshin nodded happy she would listen, "By the way when are you going to bring your boyfriend over...the red headed kid, Jinta, I think his name is." Yuzu sputtered and blushed, "I-I'll bring him over before our first date tomorrow night." Isshin grinned, "Alright gotta put him to the test." Yuzu glared, "You haven't tested Rukia or Muramasa...why should Jinta be different?" Isshin just chuckled, "I did test them Yuzu...they just don't realize it and neither will Jinta. My tests are based on his personality...If I see certain behaviors when he's around I'll know whether he's right for you or not. Don't overthink it."

Yuzu nodded hesitantly not understanding her Dad's meaning but trusting him none the less. "Okay Dad." Yuzu smiled as she went back to accessories to match the dress for her sister and smiled at the small ballet flats Karin had under her bed. Cute and good with the outfit but comfortable for normal use. Karin came out of the bathroom and entered the bedroom seeing Yuzu smiling, "You seem more excited about this then me Yuzu." Karin said with a wink.

Yuzu grinned at her sister,"That's not true you've got butterflies in your stomach...I'm just so happy to see you this way! You're in love Karin and going out on a nice date and oh if he gives you a single rose like you've always dreamed he's a keeper!" Karin smiled softly as she dried her hair glancing at the photos from their high school graduation on the wall including the one with Muramasa carrying her after the formal ceremony. "You're right about that."

Karin was able to slip into the dress easily then sat on the vanity stool as Yuzu pulled up her hair while she put on her dangled earings. Yuzu put on a light shadow that looked like a touch of fairy dust on her eyes making for a pleasant effect. Karin put on her clear lip gloss and looked at the clock. It was 7:45 at night meaning only fifteen minutes until Muramasa came to retrieve her for the night. She smiled as she slipped on a matching bangle on her right wrist leaving her neck bare.

***Downstairs with Isshin***

Isshin opened the front door before Muramasa ever knocked and grinned at him and Yoroichi who was behind him, "Well now if it isn't my daughter's date and my favorite kitty." Yoroichi just chuckled and said, "I'm your only favorite kitty and don't you forget it." She always loved playing along with Isshin's harmless flirting even when Masaki was still alive. Muramasa just nodded politely and said, "I know I'm a bit early but, Miss Yoroichi was excited to see Karin again."

Yoroichi grinned, "So where is the young lady her room upstairs." Her golden eyes going to the stairs only to whistle at the young woman who had just come down the stairs Yuzu following her. Karin looked at Muramasa and was pleased he looked good in his black dress shirt with his black slacks, the green tie was a nice touch. She blushed and smiled as he held out his hand for her to take. He raised her hand to his lips as he grapsed her hand gently, "Beautiful as always Karin."

Karin blushed and commented, "You're not half bad yourself." She reached towards the tie and grinned at him, "Nice touch." He winked as he chuckled with her for humor and moved towards the door. "I will have her back at a reasonable hour Mr. Kurosaki." Isshin scoffed, "She doesn't have to be home until two o'clock she's not a little kid anymore Muramasa." Muramasa nodded and smiled as he guided Karin away from the house towards the vehicle Kisuke was lending him.

As they got in Karin asked, "So as not to spoil the suprise...how did you get the car and when did you learn to drive?" Muramasa chuckled and said, "Urahara, he is quite resourceful when it comes to forged documents for those of Soul Society needing cover identities and stories to suit their needs." He drove and parked carefully at a restaurant Karin patiently waited behind him looking around at the nice place as she was led to their seats on a private gazebo out back.

"It's gorgeous Muramasa...you didn't have to go through all this trouble for me." Karin said softly as she was mesmerized by the view. Muramasa smiled as he wrapped his arms around her waist, "I know I didn't have to but," he bent down to whisper in her ear gently, "Your reactions are what make me want to." He had her sit as he pulled her chair out for her. She noticed the menu had no prices on it and wa told to order what she wanted. Karin nodded and chose an Italian dish known as Fetticini Alfredo. She never had the dish before and Muramasa ordered some of the Lasagna hearing from Ururu that it was a treat.

After enjoying their meal Muramasa pulled out a small gift and handed it to Karin. She looked from the gift box to Muramasa and back while he chuckled, "I suppose I have a talent for suprises then." Karin gently untied the string and opened the box gasping at the beautiful gift inside. It was a necklace with three flowers, perfect for Karin as only Muramasa or Yuzu would have known her love of colored flora and their meanings. A single lavendar rose in full bloom representing, "You enchanted me from the moment I met you Karin," and on the sides were two blue iris flowers, "You also gave me peace when I feared for the future." Muramasa watched carefully for Karin's reaction to the gift.

"You remembered...that I only ever wanted one rose but, I never mentioned anything about other flowers and these..." Karin smiled and softly looked at Muramasa with tears of joy in here eyes. Muramasa moved closer and kissed her softly but, passionately on the lips. "You didn't have to...anyone who truly wished to know you and prove their affections only had to be there and know you." He continued his tone soft and somewhat nervous, "My feelings for you will last for all time just like the blooms on this necklace...you have given me what I never knew I needed. You complete me Karin." He finished as Karin wrapped her arms around him kissing him with love, her heart beating out of her chest as her love's gentle finger tips wiped the joyful tears from her face.

He pulled back allowing his arms to remain wrapped around her as he held her smaller form close to his own, "Aishiteru, Karin." Karin whispered back, "Aishiteru...Masa-koi." She held him until it was time for them to return home. Karin had Muramasa clip the necklace on her neck smiling as he traced along the clasp. They walked up to her house only to see her father at the door. Isshin hugged his daughter before saying, "You head up and get ready for bed you got school in the late morning." Karin smiled at Muramasa and nodded before thinking, I'll see you in a little while. He nodded knowing she meant in her mind while she slept.

Isshin stared at Muramasa with his arms crossed, "Nice necklace you picked out for her...a good choice." Muramasa nodded, "Karin is a warrior and an intelligent woman Mr. Kurosaki...I'm sure I don't have to tell you that." Isshin nodded and gestured for him to continue, "Those traits are admirable but, they do not make Karin any less a woman. Just because she is stronger than most doesn't mean that flowers and small gifts hold no value to her." He bowed before turning to head back to Urahara's when her father said, "She gives you peace and has enchanted you from the moment you first saw her, you began to fall in love. A fitting gift with perfect symbolism and meaning...especially to my daughter who loves the intricacy of floral language like her mother did." He moved forward and tapped the zanpakto spirit on the back, "I know for most this would be a bit early but, welcome to the family, son." Isshin left back into the house with a smile not looking back to see Muramasa's pleased expression at his acceptance of Muramasa's intentions.

I suppose I have a place to belong after you Ichigo. For if you had never opened my eyes to the truth...I would have never found Karin.

Muramasa thought to himself as he left back to the Shoten to return the gigai he would not be needing for the next day or so.