Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of its characters. Bleach wouldn't exist without Kubo-sensei's creative mind at all.

The Bridge Of Silence

+---+

+What You Face+

As the celebrations for Ichigo's 27th birthday were on their way, everyone in the Kurosaki household were running around madly trying to get everything done in time--even though after the orange haired man continued to say that it was pointless on celebrating it in the first place. Though, as much as everyone would actually want to celebrate it, everyone was no where in sight since everyone was in 4th division in the waiting hall, somehow the birth of the new baby came slightly earlier then expected.

Karin stood there, listening to Rukia-neesan screaming her lungs out at Ichigo--lashing out on him about how everything was his fault for the pain, somehow she felt slightly bad for him. Everyone had come out from other things, Kenpachi wanted to know if this new child would be strong as his father since he seemed still on a hunt to have another fight with Ichigo again. Byakuya of course wanted to be there for the birth of another niece or nephew, even though none of them would become head of the Kuchiki household as they were now nobles too.

Renji and Tatsuki had tagged along, though they were arguing still about some trivial matter regarding a vacation to the real world--if time permitted it. Takehiko wobbled, as he was simply a year old already wanting to walk like a normal grow-up just like Tatsuya, who was holding a thin book on his hands. Yuzu and Hisagi were present as well, both were nearly hanging at the edge of their seats--somehow they were going thru the early stages of parenthood as well.

"Ichigo, you fucking bastard!" Rukia's scream was heard, nearly everyone wanted to break out in laughter, but surprisingly no one did.

All of the family friends were there, Isshin was the one who was being the loudmouthed one of them, since he was shouted nonsense; making Karin punch him in the face as she always did.

Only nine months had gone by since then, everyone had forgotten nearly everything despite the fact that a lot of things were still arriving from Hueco Mundo. Letters, written out plans, the few altercations with the remaining Espadas that lived secretly--even though a threat was not very much present--everyone kept their guard up still. Investigations took place, people were sent in and out of Hueco Mundo constantly still after so long, they still had to watch over Karakura for Hollows that would eat human souls--everything still felt the same.

Though, the only thing that was their top priority was chasing after those damned Espadas that were still left--they weren't really that strong to be more precise, but they were needed for research. Groups of people were sent here and there, going on small missions that weren't really that dangerous--everything was moving up exceptionally after that stuff with Inoue Orihime and Hinamori Momo, and no one bother to reminiscence back to it at all.

After only 9 months, simple things were changed to be more exact. Kurosaki Isshin had abandoned his post as captain--again--due to the fact that he didn't want to take part in that world anymore and he would rather take care of living people. Yamamoto-soutaichou had decided to make Abarai Renji the captain--something that came as a shock for him only--everyone believed that he deserved the change. Karin was moved to become Kuchiki Byakuya's fukutaichou for the 6th squad. 13th squad requested to have Yuzu be their fukutaichou, since the post had never become occupied at all after the death of Shiba Kaien, and it was given to her like that.

Even though not much changes occurred, life could be perhaps said that it was back to normal in a slight sense, except that the arrival of another Kurosaki would surely bring more questioning by the research bureau.

+---+

To my beloved friends,

I am so sorry for what I must do, for what my heart tells me to feel, and for what my head makes me think about everyone around me. The hate that runs so deep, so wild in desire to see the pain in your faces and to see the hurt expression of knowing that you have been betrayed by me. The feeling is so strong, the desire almost blinding and hypnotising like the light of moon here. My heart is filled with so much anger towards all of you, feeling like you did not want me around because in truth--I do not know if that's what everyone wanted.

Even though this me is telling me to do this, the other side that loves you still tells me not to hurt anyone, but I cannot deal with it any longer. My wish, my dreams…all of them have vanished to the depths of the darkness that this place has brought me. Should I be happy? Should I be sad? How should that make me feel, since my heart and mind no longer feel connected any more.

That selfish feeling that I have grown so accustomed to, it is so invigorating and so grand; it actually surprises me a lot. Seeing all of you fight, seeing that look of determination makes me loath all of you more because I don't have that look upon me. Spending days and nights planning, I've become so exhausted and grow more angrier that looking at my face scares me. Confusion, so much of it exists in my head right now that I can't even think clearly, or feel anything. I am so sorry…my beloved friends.

Inoue Orihime

Karin stared at the piece of paper in her hands, it had been wrinkled, folded and unfolded so many times that it looked like it had been written so many centuries ago--when clearly it had not being the case. The reasons of knowing why that woman did the things she did were still unknown, investigations had been set up for that reason--and she hated being the one in charge of going over all of the documents just for the sake of it.

"That bitch." She grinded her teeth together, the bitter feelings were still very much present. "Even four years later, she still makes my blood boil."

"She does?" Toushiro asked, his lips so near to her ears that she jumped back and hit him on the mouth. "Damn it."

The dark haired shinigami stood up, ready to punch the lights out of her husband for sneaking up on her like that, but refrained from doing so as blood was coming out of his nose.

"Shit, Toushiro don't fucking sneak up on me like that." She scolded him, taking the handkerchief from the desk and giving it to him. "What the hell are you doing? Asking for death wish or something?"

The white haired captain glared at his wife, his teal eyes holding that glint of get-you-for-that type of look, but tried to focus on making the blood stop with the piece of clothing he had on his hands.

"Otousan got a nosebleed, funny." Tatsuya pointed at him from the ground, and smiled widely. His own teal eyes showing mischief of them as he was holding a book on his hands.

"Tatsuya, that is not funny." Toushiro reprimanded him, squatting down to look at his son in the eyes. "Never imitate your mother, ever in your life. And, what have you done to Kuchiki-taichou this time?" The many complains of the four year old were getting around, and that even came from Zaraki as well--so rare.

"Nothing, I swear." The boy said, in a very serious tone that it was almost mocking. "He said that I needed to read this, though I don't even know what it is."

The white haired father took the book from his son's hand, the title of 1984 was written neatly on the hardcover book. Somehow, human literature had become some sort of fashion for everyone to read after everyone continued to go to his brother-in-law to borrow his books, and even the most noble man in the entire Soul Society also had done the same.

"He said that I'll learn something, though I hate this book and have read it more then ten times." The boy said, his face stayed emotionless. Karin could only gawk, father and son were alike on that, but Tatsuya was very much a troublesome child now days.

"Tatsuya, go and return that book to Kuchiki-taichou." Karin ordered him.

As soon as their son left, Toushiro turned to his wife and looked at her, wanting to question as to why in the world she sat alone in the lonely office reading Inoue Orihime's letters for. They stood in silence for a moment, it seemed strange somehow though, and it was bizarre.

"So, did you need something?" She asked, breaking the silence first as she took her seat on the chair again.

"What are you doing reading those things, again?" He asked, looking at her carefully trying to search for the answer.

She sat there, shuffling with the papers and avoiding the eye contact, because she was still unable to move away from it at all. The feeling was eating her away, wanting to know everything and wanting to understand it so she could move on. She couldn't forget it easily though, that was due to the fact that Hinamori Momo had stirred so much inside it became foggy.

"Wanting to settle my own feelings, nothing else." Karin replied, putting away the letters. "There's something else you wanted, so out with it."

He scowled at her, she was being rather bitter lately it was getting out of hand, but he dared not say anything. "What did Unohana-taichou tell you?"

Hitsugaya was well aware that his wife was pregnant, though she wasn't willing on announcing it just yet due to unknown reasons, and he wanted to know. Everyone had come to him, telling him that there was a difference in her reiatsu lately, so he had become worried over that. Sending her to Unohana-taichou had been his final decision, to completely get down to the point of what was happening.

Karin stood up again, her movements forceful as she tried to ignore his stare that was burning at the back of her head--he was never the one to pry into things--but she knew he meant well. "I am."

"Y-you are?" He was shocked, putting his hands on her shoulders and turning her around.

"I am." The smile was evident, as she took his hand and brought it down to her stomach. "Two months, shocking really because I had no idea at all. Are you happy to hear that?" Her dark eyes were locked onto his ocean-green eyes, the loving look on his face was everything in the world.

"Very, very glad to hear that." He pulled her into a hug, kissed her head and allowed the warm feeling to spread around him.

This was going to be different, he would be there during all those nine months, taking care of her, and trying not to miss out on anything unlike with Tatsuya. The bitter feeling came to him, it didn't feel good knowing that he had abandoned her suddenly back then and it actually hard hurt him deeply. There was only so much that one could take, that one was willing to understand about it because it was a hollow feeling.

"Good, because you'll finally be able to see what it feels like to have a pregnant wife around." She smirked at him, kissing him and returning to her duties.

"You're going to make me find weird things." He groaned, it was unusual for him to complain about--anything. There was a first time for everything. She nodded at him. "I won't mind though, I've missed out on the last time."

Karin knew that Toushiro had harboured those feelings for so long, he was the perfect father for their son and he was always there for him, even if he would push aside his pride.

+---+

"Oi, Kurosaki." A tall boy with dark brown hair appeared, holding Amaya by the collar of her robes as she was trying to get away from the boy.

"Let go, you stupid beast." She hissed at him, while trying her best to escape.

Kazuki glared at him, Mizuki Akira was dragging his younger sister, and it seemed that she was causing trouble again. Today he was watching Koji, who continue to disappear on him because it seemed as though he had also gained early shinigami powers, and shunpo was one of the ones everyone dreaded for any shinigami child to learn.

"Aniki, tell this moron to let me go." The orange haired girl was shouting, if Mizuki would let her go the consequences would be dreary.

"Mizuki, let my sister go." He stomped towards the two, and pried his sister away from the tall boy. "Just because you're getting watched by 11th division, doesn't mean you have the right to treat everyone like shit."

The older boy smiled widely, it seemed as though he was high and mighty, but it was nothing since he was being watched by 11th division.

"I'll kick your ass Kurosaki, and you know it." Akira claimed, puffing out his chest and putting his hand on the hilt of his zanpaktou. "11th division only takes strong shinigami, not puny little things like you and your stupid sister there. Only idiots like you have to baby-sit younger siblings, pathetic."

Everyone seemed to only treat them like that, no one liked the fact that they were children of two powerful people in the Gotei 13, due to the fact that they were not like the rest. Kurosaki Ichigo and Rukia were their parents, an odd match for the most part, but insanely strong shinigamis. Their DNA was branded by great powers, early development of them, and very fast learners as well. All of the divisions kept their eyes on them though, even if they might not hold higher spots on any division--they were going to be picked for good spots in the future.

Of course, everyone was jealous of such special treatment, but even though in reality they weren't treated with special care just because they were the son and daughter of the elite Kurosaki shinigamis at all. So, stepping over them like rugs was easily for everyone, unless they were being over heard by someone who was close to the family.

"What are you going to do?" Akira taunted him, his grin growing wider as the two orange haired children looked at him. "Call your father or your mother?" He laughed now, making Kazuki angry and ready to explode.

"Shut the hell up, Mizuki." Kazuki shouted, his hands shaking with anger as his reiatsu was increasing. "Don't insult me, my sister, my young brother or any of my family at all. And, we don't get fucking special treatment you, fucking idiot."

"You stupid kid!" He grabbed him from the collar of his robes, and pulled him up to his height. "Look here shorty, don't get all insulting if you know what's good for you. Got it?"

"What are you doing?" Hisagi Shuuhei appeared, putting a hand on the boy holding his nephew by his robes.

"He was insulting us, and he threatened to kick Nii-san's ass." Amaya answered, as Koji was holding onto her leg. "And, he dragged me all the way here because I accidentally bumped into him."

Hisagi looked down at the boy, who looked like the new member of his squad. Everyone always complained about Kazuki and Amaya though, always saying how they acted like they owned Soul Society just because Kurosaki-taichou was their father, and the one who constantly saved Soul Society. Though, even if he really was a hero in everyone's eyes, but he was the captain of the 9th squad first and foremost.

"Mizuki, scramble before you make Kurosaki-taichou pissed off at you." The dark haired man pointed his thumb towards the direction. "Kazuki and Amaya, your mother said that the two of you need to return home early tonight."

"Hai, Hisagi-fukutaichou." The two of them bowed, and left.

Once they were away from hearing distance, Kazuki began to grumble out curses at that Mizuki for always causing trouble for him and picking on Amaya for no reason. Surely, his father wouldn't like to hear about those types of problems since he was always saying that everyone needed to learn how to stand up for themselves, and he had also promised his mother that he would become strong like his father to protect everyone.

No one knew though, no one had a single clue that it was pretty much difficult for the sons and daughters of captains and vice-captains to grow up outside of the Gotei 13. To always being pushed aside because they came from great parents, their names held so much honour and respect amongst all the shinigamis due to their strength. So, living under the shadow of their parents brought problems, but Kazuki did not care at all.

Holding the Kurosaki last name only meant that he would grow stronger, become a great figure like his father someday, and be able to protect Soul Society just like him. Amaya, she wished to be strong willed like her mother and a strong believer like her father, both of them were important figures. And, she wanted to live up to the last name and be known around.

"Aniki, can we go spar after this with Kenpachi?" She asked, as they stopped in front of the gate to their house.

"Sure, Ikkaku promised to spar with me today anyways. Plus, I think that Renji-nii will come too." The orange haired teenager smiled, picking up his younger brother as he was scowling at him. "What, you want to go as well?"

Koji's violet eyes shined, it was easy to convince him to anything, even for a two year old boy.

"Che, Kaasan and Otousan will be pissed because we took you with us." He shook his head, as the three entered the house.

+---+

To my beloved Kurosaki-kun,

So much time has passed, so much things have changed that I have become far too empty inside and unable to deal with it. The hollow pain grows, the scar keeps becoming larger and larger, the void turning into a dark abyss without an end. Why? Kurosaki-kun, would you hate me for betraying you? That would be damning to me, hurtful to know that you would hate me, but why did you choose Kuchiki-san? Am I not good enough for you? My love obviously for you is like a sin, a betraying feeling that I can no longer have in this life because I allowed another man to touch me. I've become tainted, I gave myself to him just so he wouldn't kill you and the others--my promise to serve him and continue on with his wish.

Perhaps I have become Hinamori, she loved him dearly from what he told me, and he felt the same way. Pride got on the way though, that pride of becoming the God and ruler of the world…pride blinds our judgement to the world. Though, even as though my pride gets in the way, I know that my love for you cannot change at all and I will continue loving you no matter how much time passes. Except, that your love will only belong to Rukia and no one else, so perhaps I can't belong in your world at all.

I'm sorry though, if I had the chance to live more then one life then in those lives I would always seek for your love, follow you and be with you. My heart and soul are the only things I can offer you, though I know that you have given your heart, body, and soul to another woman. I will always love you, Ichigo.

Inoue Orihime

"Damn it, this is so fucking stupid." Karin complained again, as Toushiro pulled her closer to him as they laid in bed.

"People have their reasons to love, to betray, and to hate." He exclaimed, peering his lovely eyes over the letter. "There is no reason still though, and having that bastard's son doesn't count as an excuse. Though, why does she blame Rukia for it?"

From all the letter they have read, mainly those written to Ichigo always talked about Rukia--always saying that how his heart belonged only to her. Karin did not want to understand though, did not want to imagine what would've happen if her brother had chosen her--none of this would exist at all. The thought of knowing that she wouldn't be around Toushiro was still haunting, it hurt to think a world without him and with the other people in their lives now.

All of those precious memories, they existed so deep inside of her heart that it made her happy; she had changed from that arrogant ten year old girl from back then. Life was too great, happy and better at the moment despite the hardships of the past, and if the present did not exist like it was then nothing in the world would have a meaning.

"I don't know, and I really don't care." She put away the papers, and wrapped her arms around her husband. "Ne, Toushiro, would've you chosen another woman over me?"

The white haired man was shocked to hear that, somehow that question had never come to his head at all in the past. Surely, there were women who would've loved to marry him, but none of them would be fitting for him at all. The time in which he had visited her, he remember seeing how her smile actually suited her and her behaviour was different compare to other girls. She didn't throw herself at him, she spoke to him like a regular person and without acting all girly over it, and was never open about much.

Karin became the girl, always occupying most of his thoughts, appearing out of no where and smiling just for him. She understood, listened, cared, spoke--she was part of his world suddenly in a matter of months--and he had fallen in love with her. So, the thought of choosing someone else seemed strange in his head.

"No, I don't think that would be correct." He looked at her in the eyes, her gaze was strong and bewitching that being near her was always thrilling.

A smile appeared on her face, so radiant and warm. "So, what made you decide then?"

"You're awfully curious tonight, why?" Toushiro asked, wondering why she was suddenly questioning his love for her.

"No reason, I was simply wondering." Karin replied, rubbing her fingers on his jaw line and down to his lips. "I-I loved you after you appeared the second time, you had matured in a fashion that I could not help but become aware of you. Strange, your mysterious exterior and the way you expressed yourself--that was captivating in so many ways."

Surely, she could not help but think back on that, due to the fact that the attraction had always been present there all the time. Seeing him stand there, tall and strong willed like her brother--in a slight way Toushiro was like a reminder of Ichigo, though his cool exterior could not compare to Ichigo's own exterior. Karin noticed it, she could not stop thinking about him, looking at him--unconsciously her gaze turned to him without knowing.

"I could never stopped looking past you." He replied, looking away. "Everywhere I went, someone that looked like you always made me wish it was you. You sucked me inside so deep, to the point in which I could not stop thinking about you at all."

Karin smiled, and kissed him in the lips. His scent was always suffocating, inviting along with the cool that his body gave out--those blue-green eyes filled with strength and love for her. Hitsugaya Toushiro, the strong captain, the father of her child, the only man that dared to love her with so much. Was it fair though? A lot of people got hurt on the process, though that selfishness could not be moved by anything else and she would continue seeking out for him if Toushiro would've chosen someone else.

"I love you, a lot." She smiled, keeping her warm hand against his cheek. "I'm not sure what the world would be like without you, and I will not bring myself to think about it."

He smiled, running his hand on her hair. "I would never change it, that is why I will never leave."

All of those thoughts, those feelings that had developed over the years had become something that needed to take place upon in order to bring a change, at least it had happen to him. Being bitter, being cold and hard in the surface had gotten annoying at some point. Though, with the arrival of Karin it made everything much better, brighter.

+---+

To my beloved friends…

What will become of us in time? The words go unmeaning, unspoken with time that they become hollow on their own. They grow darker, filled with uncertain and despair, forgotten and untouched by the heart at all. The friendship that existed there no longer does, the bond that had become strong and meaningful shattered easily--so I assume that it wasn't meant to hold such strength. My heart breaks though, knowing that all of you attempted to give me friendship and to care for me, but now I know that it was perhaps too much.

I have to lie to myself, to tell my heart that all of you still miss me greatly and that you would welcome me back with open arms. Though, I have to face myself and allow the truth to sink in, to pull my mind away from my fantasies and back to reality. Except, that I do not like the way that reality looks like, but it is what you face with destiny. I'm sorry, very sorry.

Inoue Orihime

Chapter 16, wow. Well I'll like to thank my awesome reviewers! You guys are so bloody amazing for the support, kind words, and for--everything. I don't know what to say, really I'm very touched by this. Anyways, well nothing much happens on this chapter really since I fail to transcend from the previous chapter to this one--though as I said this story is almost over. Well, we have moved four years from the last chapter to be more precise--so hopefully no one has gotten lost as to how the timeline is actually transcending as 'cos even I got lost a bit--silly me. So, Ichigo and Rukia have another son--shocking--not, and I named him Koji--I love that name actually. Yuzu and Hisagi have a child, though I haven't been really clear on that yet--but I'll write about it on next chapter and say what gender the child is and name of course.

+WatermelonPrincess- 'Thank you for the very kind words, really thank you. Yeah, I thought that punishment would be better for her and such, so I kept that idea here. And, well hopefully you get to update soon on yours. And, thanks I wish you a speedy recovery as well.'

+Kida Ookami- 'LOL, I don't like her either--she's too troublesome for my taste of characters. And, yeah I thought it would be a good spot to write such scene at since I don't really write much office scenes at all. Oh, yeah Matsumoto is so lazy--though I can relate to her 'cos I hate doing tedious tasks, though I get to it since I don't like to sit around and do nothing. Thank you for your review.'

+shrimpnoodlesoup- 'Yes, she's very lazy indeed. Though, I love her character a lot :). Thank you for reviewing as well.'

+Tsukihime nee- 'Thank you, I didn't really try hahaha 'cos I don't enjoy writing those kinds of scenes because I have never done it in my life. And, it was very fluffy indeed. Thanks again for the review.'

+happygirl24' 'Thank you, thank you--it was very hard to think up good punishments that seemed fitting so yea. I tortured Ichigo enough on this story, so he needs a break away from her XD and she's a bitch indeed. I can't stand her. Thank you for reviewing as well!'

The new Bleach chapter came out early in the week--so bloody wicked. I am still shaking from the awesome fighting that is going to take place--the revelation of where 'certain' Espadas stand at actually didn't shock me. I'm not going to give out anything, so I'll keep my gob shut on that--so moving on. I don't have anything else to say really--so I'll began working on next chapter ASAP to update soon before my cold gets in the way of my thinking. You know what to do...Review!