Author's Note:
Hey everybody! I have decided to start a collection of HitsuKarin one-shots to add to my stories. I really enjoy other peoples's one-shot collections for these two, and I feel like there aren't enough of them, lol. So, I'm going to contribute to the effort by starting my own! This collection will be labeled as complete, but I'll be adding to it whenever inspiration strikes.
I love hearing from you guys, so make sure to drop a review!
Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. All credit goes to Tite Kubo.
"Karin, you have to go."
"Like hell I do."
"Stop being so damn stubborn. It's your own promotion celebration; you have to be there."
"Exactly! It's MY promotion to captain, so I'll celebrate whichever way I damn well please! Shunsui can suck it."
Ichigo let out an exasperated sigh. As much as he loved his feisty sister, she was a bear to handle sometimes. Unfortunately, this was one of those moments.
The three Kurosaki siblings, along with Orihime and Kazui, had gotten into a fatal car accident twenty-five years ago on their way home from the movie theatre, and passed onto the Soul Society. A one-ton truck had run a red light, and smashed into them; actually driving over their smaller car, and crushing them. Their friends had been devastated, but Shunsui had made sure to give all of the ones who already knew about the Shinigami Soul Tickets, so they could come to visit their deceased friends anytime. After the accident, Isshin sold the Kurosaki Clinic, and came back to Soul Society to be with his family; planting a rose bush by his wife's grave as a final goodbye, and continuous reminder of his love for her.
Upon arriving, Yuzu and Karin had gone into the academy, while Ichigo had been promoted to captain of the 5th division following Shinji Hirako's resignation, and early retirement. The Visord had expressed a desire to return to the world of the living, and reunite with the rest of the Visord that remained there; with Shunsui being happy to let him pass on his captain's haori to Ichigo. The orange-haired Shinigami had now held that position for twenty-three years, and Kazui was now his third seat; standing at 5'8", and resembling his father more and more every day; both in terms of power, and looks; but with his mother's kind and caring personality. He and Ichika Abarai had even begun dating, and everyone thought they were like younger versions of their father and mother, respectively. The dynamic between them was oftentimes quite humorous.
Yuzu graduated after three years in the academy, and joined the 4th division; befriending Hanataro Yamada, and catching the attention of her captain, Isane. She proved to be a gifted healer, and climbed the ladder relatively quickly; now the division's 4th seat, and under Isane's direct tutelage. Many of the young male Shinigami had their eyes on her, but she had no interest in any of them; having promised Jinta that she would wait for him until he crossed over after his time in the world of the living came to an end. Despite missing her former boyfriend, she was happy, and enjoying her life as a member of the 4th division. Karin was sure that she would become captain at some point; when Isane decided to hang up her haori, and if Kiyone decided not to take the position.
Karin had soared through the academy; graduating after only a year, and being accepted into the second division immediately. She was incredibly powerful, and with her Kurosaki stubbornness, determination, and natural talent, she quickly climbed the ladder; with Suì-fēng taking her under her wing. Her captain taught her everything she knew, and greatly helped with her Bankai training; even helping her learn and perfect Shunkō. She got along great with everyone in her division, and she was by far their most powerful member.
The raven-haired Kurosaki ended up as lieutenant for about ten years, before Suì-fēng decided to hand over her captain's haori, and join Yoruichi in the world of the living. Now, Karin was being promoted to captain of the 2nd division, as well as Commander-in-Chief of the Onmitsukidō, and Head Captain Kyoraku had planned a celebratory night out for everyone at the bar, following the ceremony.
While Karin appreciated the gesture, spending a night at the bar with her fellow Shinigami was NOT her idea of celebrating. She'd flat out refused to come when Shunsui had told her about the plan, and now her brother was trying to get her to change her mind, before the ceremony started.
So far, he wasn't doing a very good job.
Crossing his arms over his chest, Ichigo leveled a glare at his head-strong sister. "Listen, Karin, I know spending the night at a bar isn't your thing. It's not my thing, either; but it's in your honor, so you have to be there. You don't have to stay the whole night, but you do have to be there. I'm sure you can find some way to have fun while you're there. Why don't you hang out with Toshiro for the night? A bar is probably the last place he wants to be, too, so you'd be in good company."
At the mention of the ice captain's name, Karin practically growled, and Ichigo flinched; realizing his mistake. "Oh, right. Sorry, Karin; I forgot. Are you really still mad at him? It's not like it was his fault. Yes, I was ready to kill him, but Matsumoto spiked his drink. He made her pay for it…severely." Ichigo said as he grimaced, and shivered; thinking back on the aftermath of the lieutenant's unwise decision. No one knew exactly what Toshiro had done to her, but she'd walked around the Seireitei for two weeks straight after the incident with huge shadows under her eyes, and a ghostly pale complexion; jumping at anything that moved and breathed. The fact that she refused to talk about it made it even more terrifying; everybody knew that Rangiku never missed an opportunity to complain. After that, everyone in the Gotei 13 learned a valuable lesson: Do not screw with the 10th division captain's personal life. No matter how powerful you are; if you do, you will be flattened like roadkill.
Karin glared at him in response; hurt and anger in her eyes. "Whether or not he was drunk because of Matsumoto doesn't matter; he still kissed me when I know he didn't mean anything by it…and on my birthday, no less! He's lucky I didn't castrate him."
"You did break his nose, though." her older brother retorted, to which she scoffed. "Like I said, he's lucky it wasn't worse than that."
Irritated, Ichigo crossed his arms over his chest in an intimidating stance. "Karin, that was weeks ago, and you haven't talked to him since. I think you got your point across, so get past it, will you? You're his best friend, and he's been really upset ever since it happened. He even apologized to you already! Why are you still so pissed off at him?"
Karin's glare intensified as she mirrored her brother's stance; not intimidated by him in the least. "I'm pissed off because he didn't apologize for the right thing…and you know why I'm still so hurt." she replied; averting her gaze from his as her glare softened into something far more sad, than angry. "How long have I been waiting for him to do something like that, and he didn't even mean it? That really hurt me, Ichi."
Ichigo gave his sister a hard look. "How do you know he didn't mean it?" he asked as he watched the shadow of sadness on her face deepen.
She sighed; looking deflated. "He's had a thing for Momo for a long time; I'm sure of it. Watching him interact with her…he never acts like that around me. With her, he's sweet, and gentle. With me, he's sarcastic, and…well, typical Toshiro. Granted, if he behaved with me the way he does with Hinamori, I'd punch his lights out, and tell him to stop being such a damn wuss, but still…" she grumbled; crossing her arms over her ample chest.
Ichigo smirked as he watched her. Sometimes, he thought she was thicker in the head than he was. "Karin, he behaves like that with Momo, because she doesn't respond well to sarcasm, and bluntness. The way he behaves with you is the real Toshiro: totally unfiltered, and lacking any pretense. You put him in a better mood than anybody else can; Momo included. Just talk to him; that's all I ask. He's your best friend, and he deserves that much. You've been giving him the cold shoulder for way too long; it's time to kiss and make up."
Karin's glare returned as a breeze started to suddenly pick up around them, and Ichigo cringed as he felt her reiatsu building. "Sorry, poor choice of words. What I meant to say was, it's time to let it go. Please, for all our sakes, just talk to him. He's been in a wicked bad mood since that happened, and all of us are feeling it."
The soon-to-be captain of the 2nd division studied her brother closely, before reigning in her reiatsu, and walking past him towards the first division. "Fine. I'll go to this stupid party, and I'll maybe talk to him. Let's just get this over with." she said; shunpoing off, and leaving her brother in the dust.
EF-F - EF-F - EF-F - EF-F - EF-F - EF-F - EF-F - EF-F - EF-F - EF-F - EF-F - EF-F - EF-F
The ceremony went well, and Karin felt the immense weight and responsibility that came with the haori as soon as she put it on. Her sister and father had been invited to attend, and both of them had adorned huge smiles on their faces when she was presented with the white robe, and officially made Captain Kurosaki.
She had been amazed, however, at how quickly her mood could go from good to bad as soon as the ceremony was over, and they were on their way to the bar to celebrate.
'Ugh…I can't believe I let Ichi talk me into this' she thought disgruntledly as she sat at the end of the building; watching as her father and Shunsui tried to outdrink each other while Yuzu did her best to mitigate the effects of the alcohol on a completely plastered Rangiku and Shuhei. Rukia and Ichigo, she could tell, were a little tipsy, but not nearly as bad as her father and Shunsui; and Renji was passed out in one of the booths, with his face down on the table. All of the other captains and lieutenants were chatting with each other, and everyone appeared to be having a good time…except for her. 'Byakuya gets to skip, so why can't I? Total BS'
Sighing, she took another sip of her sake, before looking at the far side of the restaurant, and a deeper frown overtook her face.
Toshiro was seated in a booth on the opposite side of the building, staring straight at her. She glared back, before getting up, and walking out the side door next to the booth she'd been sitting in while she heard raucous laughter from the bar behind her.
Taking a look around, and finding a little walking path that led into the woods behind the bar, she started making her way down it; desperate to escape the stuffy building, and enjoy some peace and quiet.
As she walked down the dirt path illuminated by the stars and full moon, a light breeze picked up, and she breathed in the crisp, fresh air. She took her spikey raven hair out of its ponytail, and let it hang loose to blow in the wind, along with the bottom of her sleeveless captain's haori; relishing the feeling of being out in nature.
She walked for a good twenty minutes, before coming to a small clearing in the middle of the woods; a waterfall and small pond tucked over at the far edge, with towering mountains behind it. 'Mmmm, this is nice. I'll hang out here for a bit' she thought, as she walked out into the middle of the opening, and unsheathed Todoroku Kaze; deciding to practice a little. Fighting and training had always been something she really enjoyed. She loved the challenge and risk of battle, and the struggle during training to push even further than she thought she could to continuously improve herself. While her twin had always been a pacifist by nature, she had always relished the thrill of the fight; a quality that had, in large part, led to her success in the 2nd division. She felt most comfortable when holding her zanpakuto; and, consequently, she had a significantly stronger bond with Todoroku Kaze than most other Shinigami had with their spirits.
If she'd been allowed to celebrate her promotion her own way, she would have gone to the training area, and practiced with her brother, father, and new lieutenant. 'Well, at least I've got some time now' she thought as she began swinging, slashing, and maneuvering her zanpakuto with all of the ferocity and precision that she was now known for; closing her eyes, and enjoying the feeling of her weapon become an extension of her own body.
She didn't know how much time had passed from when she started, but she was so absorbed and focused that her eyes snapped open in surprise when she swung her sword down, and it clashed with another; the sound of metal meeting metal reverberating throughout the clearing.
A frown overtook her face as her stormy grey eyes met bright turquoise, and Toshiro withdrew Hyorinmaru as she sheathed Todoroku Kaze. "Toshiro, what are you doing here? How'd you find me?" she asked; crossing her arms over her chest.
The 10th division captain gave her a non-plussed look. "You may have much better control of your reiatsu than your brother, but when you're not actively trying to suppress it, it's like a giant blinking neon sign."
Karin grumbled something about how it wasn't her fault that her family had ridiculous amounts of reiatsu, and then found his eyes once more. "Look, I'm not in the mood to talk right now, Toshiro, so would you mind leaving me in peace?" she said, before seeing the annoyance and resolve in his eyes, which took her by surprise. She had a sinking feeling she wasn't getting out of this one.
Toshiro took a step towards her; shaking his head. "We need to talk, Karin. You've been avoiding me for weeks, and I want an explanation. I already told you I was sorry for upsetting you; but, for some reason, this hurt you more than any other time I've done something that made you mad. Normally, you forgive me, and we move on; but you're clinging to this so much that it makes me wonder if there's more to it than I thought."
Karin's facial features hardened as she held his gaze. "I don't want to talk about this right now, Toshiro. Please, just leave me alone. Go keep Momo company, or something. I know that's where you'd rather be, anyway." she replied; levelling a glare at him.
Toshiro glared back; not willing to let this go any longer. "Karin, stop being difficult. First, that's not true. Second, Momo has nothing to do with this; this is about you and me."
"Whatever" Karin huffed; trying to walk away, only to be stopped every time by her white-haired companion. After the fifth failed attempt to leave, she gave up, and threw her arms in the air in exasperation. "Fine! Have it your way! We'll have this out. You said you were sorry for upsetting me, but you didn't say you were sorry for what you did. There's a difference, Toshiro. I know Rangiku spiked your drink, and you weren't acting like yourself, but my point still stands."
Toshiro was quiet for a moment as he held her gaze; his hard expression softening slightly. He studied her face for a minute before speaking. "Why does the phrasing matter so much to you?"
Feeling suddenly self-conscious, Karin turned her head, and averted her gaze to the side as she crossed her arms over her chest once again. "It matters because I want an apology from you for doing something that you didn't mean."
"What makes you think I didn't mean it?"
Karin's head snapped back to him so quickly she was afraid she'd given herself whiplash. With wide eyes, and mouth slightly open, she was met with a look on Toshiro's face she'd never seen before. His guard was completely down, and his eyes held a deep hurt and sadness to them. She suddenly realized just how much damage she'd done to him with her stonewalling these past several weeks, and felt the heavy weight of guilt settle on her. Letting her arms hang loose at her sides, she tried to formulate a response as she felt a light blush settle on her cheeks. "Wait…what? But…I thought you liked Hinamori? I mean, why wouldn't you; she's sweet, she's gentle, she's patient; she's every man's dream…and she's everything I'm not."
Toshiro sighed, and averted his gaze to the ground. He'd known this conversation had to happen at some point, but he didn't think it would happen like this. Of all the things he assumed her avoidance of him had been about, the last thing he would have expected was jealousy. Anger, yes, but not jealousy along with it. 'Or maybe it's anger, and hurt. Maybe she feels like I toyed with her, or took advantage of her. Dammit, I really didn't think that through'
Still not meeting her gaze, he decided to clear things up on his end once and for all. "No, I don't. She's like a sister to me, and the only semi-real family I have left, if you exclude Matsumoto. I've never once thought of her that way. You, on the other hand…that's a different story."
Karin stood in place; stock still, and mind reeling. "Oh" she breathed out; feeling her face flush even more. 'Well, this is ridiculously embarrassing'
All was quiet for a moment before Toshiro closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then looked back over to her; locking his gaze with hers.
The intensity with which he stared at her made Karin swallow nervously. For the first time in her entire friendship with the young captain, she had absolutely no idea what to expect from him. He was looking at her in the same way a predator stalks its prey, and she felt trapped. If she tried to run, she knew he'd hunt her down until they finished this.
Taking step after step towards her, as she took step after step backwards, he held her gaze with his own. "Matsumoto may have spiked my drink, which inhibited my usual self-control, but I didn't apologize for what I did because I wasn't sorry. True, I wouldn't have done it if I'd been completely sober…but I've wanted to, more than once. Whatever you say to me now, Karin, I'll always be your friend...but it's time you knew the truth."
Karin was sure she must look like a deer in headlights at the moment…a heavily blushing deer. This was an entirely new Toshiro, and she didn't know how to handle him. She contemplated trying to hightail it out of the situation, and lock herself in her barracks so she could sort everything out in her mind, when her back hit a large tree. 'Oh, shit!' she thought; now actually trapped, as the 10th division captain closed in on her, and pinned her to the Oak behind her. "It's true that Momo has qualities you lack…but she lacks all of the qualities that you have. Karin…"
Toshiro paused for a moment; letting his facial features soften once more, and allowing his inner insecurities and turmoil to shine through in his eyes. Even for someone as cold and confident as him, this was scary and hard. He had no idea if he'd still have his best friend after this, but it was a risk he needed to take.
Karin's startled expression disappeared as she watched him let his barriers down so she could see what was going on inside of him. She could see his fear of rejection, and of potentially losing her; the deep hurt he'd felt these past several weeks, the longing desire he kept hidden behind his stoic mask...but, most importantly, she could see what she'd been secretly longing for from him for years now: his love for her. He wanted her, and he was looking at her as if she were the only thing that mattered to him.
All at once, everything made sense to her: the smiles that were usually rare from him, but were fairly common whenever he hung out with her; the casual, sarcastic remarks and relaxed, unguarded attitude that were reserved for her alone; the pride in his eyes whenever she achieved something for herself...the list went on and on. Over the past several years, she'd seen hints here and there that he might feel more for her than he let on, but she was never sure if that was just her own wishful thinking or not. So, she'd never broached the subject with him. 'Man, I can't believe I never put this together' she thought to herself as her own facial features softened, and she held his gaze intently; waiting anxiously to hear what else he had to say.
After a few moments, Toshiro took another deep breath, and continued on. "We've been dancing around this for years, and it's time to put an end to it. The Karin that I've been seeing these past few weeks isn't the Karin that I fell in love with, and I want her back…even if we just stay friends. Whatever Matsumoto put in my drink that night may have been enough to loosen me up, but I was still in control of my actions. I meant it, and I don't regret it, but I want my best friend back. Whatever our relationship looks like going forward, I just want you back, Karin. I…I've missed you."
The nervous and sincere look on his face melted away any remaining inhibitions she had, and a mischievous smirk made its way onto her face as she reached up, and gently brushed his white fringe out of his eyes; which shown like emeralds under the glow of the full moon. "I've missed you too, Toshiro…and it's about damn time you said something to me." she replied; sliding her hand behind his neck, and pulling him down.
Their eyes closed as their lips met, and they felt themselves relax completely; her arms finding their way around his neck, and his hands coming to rest on her waist.
Toshiro had imagined this scene hundreds of times over the years, wondering what it would be like; and after kissing her on her birthday, he'd been desperate to do it again. Now, having her in his arms, he didn't think life could get much better. He'd known for a long time now that Karin was the only woman he'd ever want by his side in life. She was everything he wanted in a partner, and she was his better half; he'd just never thought that she would think of him the same way. They'd been friends even before she and her family had died, and passed on to the Soul Society; and after they got here, their friendship had grown even stronger. She'd brought a joy to his life that he'd never experienced before, and he couldn't imagine his life without her now. They were as close as two people could be, but she'd never given him any hint that she might feel the same way about him. So, he'd kept his mouth shut, and never even tried bringing up the subject.
Now that he had her in his arms, he wondered how he'd gone so long without this. Toshiro angled his head slightly, and parted her lips with his tongue; pulling a soft moan from her as her arms tightened around his neck, and her fingers threaded through his hair.
The tapestry of the night sky, and the rush of the waterfall were the only witnesses to what they were sure would become one of their most important conversations, and neither of them was in any rush to get back to the others at the bar. Instead, they savored the moment, and didn't bother worrying about how long they'd been gone…until they could feel the overwhelming reiatsu of her brother slowly making its way towards them.
Reluctantly, they parted, and merely held each other for a moment longer before Toshiro let her go, and took a step back; a smirk on his face. "So, does that make up for my misstep on your birthday?" he asked; playfulness in his eyes.
Karin smirked back, despite the red on her cheeks, and put her hands on her hips. "Not quite, but almost. I'm just glad you had the guts to do it without the alcohol this time. I've been wanting you to kiss me for a long time now, so it really hurt that you did it when I thought you were too tipsy to actually mean anything by it. For once, it feels nice knowing that I was wrong."
Giving her a gentle smile, Toshiro took her hand in his, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I was too scared to lose you, so I was only able to do it when my nerves were dulled. I'm sorry for not thinking about how it would come across to you."
Karin smiled up at him; her dark eyes shining under the light of the stars. "Well, since I love you, I'll forgive you; but you still owe me." she replied; a cheeky smirk replacing the smile.
Toshiro smirked back, and brought one hand up to cup her cheek as his other let go of her hand, and wound around her waist to gently pull her closer. "If I know you the way I think I do, that's an easy fix. A training session, takeout, and an evening soccer game one-on-one?"
Her smirk grew as she fisted her hands into the edges of his captain's haori. "I guess that's an acceptable offer." she replied; seeing his smirk soften to a warm smile as he bent down, and captured her lips with his once more; both their eyes falling closed.
They would have been content to stay like that for the rest of the evening; in the peace and quiet of nature where it was just the two of them.
That wish, however, was squashed when they heard a rather loud 'AHEM!' echo from the path opening. Separating, and looking over at the source of the noise, they saw Ichigo, Momo, Rangiku, and Yuzu standing at the edge of the woods; Yuzu, Rangiku, and Momo boasting the largest shit-eating grins Karin and Toshiro had ever seen.
Embarrassed and irritated, they glared daggers at their unwanted company; both their faces boasting a noticeable coating of red.
Walking over to the new couple, Ichigo gave them a cheeky smirk. "Just so you guys know, I saw this coming years ago; I just didn't know when both of you would get your heads out of your asses, and tell each other."
Karin's angry glare intensified as she released the white-haired captain, and brought her hands to her hips. "Wait, you knew already?" she asked, to which Ichigo merely nodded in confirmation. Gritting her teeth, the raven-haired Kurosaki took a step towards her brother. "Well why the hell didn't you tell me?! It would have solved a whole lot of problems!"
Ichigo shrugged, before meeting his sister's gaze. "Brothers can tell when a guy is interested in their sister, but it wasn't my place to tell you. Toshiro needed to man up, and say something. Frankly, if he hadn't, I would've known he wasn't man enough for you. You need someone strong, Karin; someone who's not afraid to face you, and call you out when you're in the wrong; but who cares about you, and makes you happy. I hate to admit it, but the midget does all of those things, and more."
A vein in Toshiro's forehead throbbed as he glared at the smirking carrot-top. "Who are you calling a midget, Kurosaki? I'm the same height as you now."
Ichigo's smirk grew, but he chose not to answer back. Instead, he found the young captain's gaze, and let his protective nature shine through in his eyes. "Take good care of her, Toshiro. If you break her heart, I'll break you…in multiple places, and in the most painful ways possible. I'll be keeping a close eye on you, so treat her well."
Toshiro held the elder Kurosaki's gaze, and nodded in reply before looking over at his adoptive sister, lieutenant, and Yuzu. Crossing his arms, he gave them a stern look. "Not one word from any of you, do you understand?" he said; giving his lieutenant, in particular, a pointed look.
Understanding the sentence was a statement, and not a question, the girls merely nodded their heads in unison; mischievous smirks on all of their faces.
Toshiro sighed, knowing this would most likely be the topic of conversation on everyone's lips before he even got home tonight. Walking over to Karin, he took her hand in his, and looked down at her. "We should get going; it's getting late. I'll bring you home."
Karin smiled, and nodded in reply; bidding everyone a goodnight, before walking over to the path entrance with the 10th division captain, and disappearing into the woods.
Ichigo smiled as he watched his sister go. 'It's about time those two got together' he thought; a smirk making its way onto his face. For all the arguing he did with the 10th division captain, Ichigo actually liked Toshiro quite a bit. They rubbed each other the wrong way in many ways, but the strawberry knew he was a good man who would value Karin as his equal, love her, stay committed to her, and treat her very well. At the end of the day, that was all Ichigo wanted for her.
Seeing his companions walk up next to him, he looked first over to Yuzu and Momo, and saw their wide smiles. He was sure Karin would be getting an onslaught of questions from her bubbly twin tomorrow, and Toshiro was very likely to get hounded by Hinamori as well; a thought that made Ichigo chuckle.
Looking from them over to the 10th division lieutenant, and seeing the scheming look on her face, Ichigo's face adopted a large smirk. "What are you planning, Rangiku?" he asked, as he watched her mischievous smile grow.
Glancing over to the older Kurosaki, Rangiku rubbed her hands together in a conspiratorial manner. "Since I made sure to grab a camera before we came here, and got a great picture of those two lip-locked, I now know what to have Shuhei put on the front page of this month's issue of the Seireitei Communication!". The 10th division lieutenant exclaimed. She was practically bursting with excitement, and Ichigo shook his head in amusement. "If you do that, you know Toshiro's gonna kill you, right? Remember what happened on Karin's birthday."
Rangiku shrugged nonchalantly in reply. "I'll be alright; he can't prove it was me. Besides, it'll totally be worth it to see everyone's reaction." she replied; her scheming smile reappearing on her face.
The captain of the 5th division chuckled to himself as they all started their walk back to the bar to grab their drunk and passed out comrades. 'He's totally gonna kill her. At least it'll provide some good entertainment' he thought; smirking to himself as they all headed back down the path, and into the night.