Disclaimer - I do not own Bleach

Chapter Four - Soul Mates

Things continued on in much the same manner for Isshin and Masaki. They spent most of their spare time together, doing various things and generally having a good time. Isshin was now more convinced than ever before that he and Masaki were meant to be together. Every time he heard her speak or saw her smile his heart melted and he fell a little more under her spell.

She had some truly amazing powers, his Masaki.

"So Masaki," Isshin said in a quiet voice as the two of them sat underneath a large tree in the park that was located in the center of Karakura Town. This was a favorite spot for both of them and they often came here just to talk.

Isshin was being uncharacteristically quiet and serious and he instantly gained Masaki's attention. She gazed over at her boyfriend and saw that even his expression was serious. That wasn't like him and she was curious as to what was going on. Curious about what exactly was going through that head of his. "What is it Isshin?"

Isshin had been playing this scene through his head ever since his trip into town the day before and, before he had the chance to back out like the coward that he was currently feeling like, he got to his feet. Reaching into his pocket Isshin pulled out a small box and then knelt on the ground in front of Masaki.

Masaki's eyes widened as she realized what Isshin's intentions were.

"I know that we haven't exactly known each other long," Isshin said, praying to the powers that be that he didn't mess up this most important moment in his life. "But I feel as though I've known you for centuries." Seemed melodramatic he realized however little did she know that there really were people whom he had known for centuries.

Masaki drew in a small breath as Isshin gently picked up her left hand and slid a glittering diamond ring onto her finger. The young woman gazed down at the ring and her breath caught in her throat as she realized that it was absolutely gorgeous.

"Masaki will you consent to be my bride?"

Isshin gazed expectantly at Masaki and his face began to fall as the seconds ticked by and still she didn't give him an answer. She merely stared at him as though she couldn't believe what he had just said. Isshin's heart sank as he realized that he had been presumptuous. They really hadn't known one another for very long and yet. . . "I. . . I understand," he began but stopped short as Masaki threw herself into his arms.

"Oh Isshin!" she cried out, her eyes lighting up and a wide smile spreading across her face. "You made me so happy that I was speechless for a moment. I love you with all of my heart. Of course I want to marry you."

"Yes!" Isshin exclaimed, jumping to his feet and picking Masaki up in his arms. Ecstatic beyond description he swung Masaki around, unable to stop himself from dancing out of happiness. "This is wonderful," he said as he finally placed Masaki down on her own two feet.

"I think so too," Masaki said in a quiet voice as she pulled Isshin toward her and pressed her lips to his.

Isshin's eyes widened for a moment as he tasted Masaki. The sweet little kiss soon turned passionate and when the two of them finally broke apart they were both a little out of breath. Wow, that kiss really did defy description and he smiled a crooked smile.

"Come on Masaki," Isshin said once he'd regained his composure enough to speak. "I have someone I want you to meet."

"Alright," Masaki said.

Isshin grabbed his future bride by the hand and led her away from the park. Together they traveled across Karakura Town until they came to a small shop. Isshin led the way up to the door and, without even bothering to knock even though the sign plainly said closed, he slid the door open and pulled a rather reluctant Masaki inside.

"Come on," he urged, seeing her slight hesitance. "It's alright. I promise you Kisuke won't bite."

Masaki laughed nervously but followed Isshin down a hallway and into a small back room. Her eyes surveyed the room and she saw that a man was seated at a low table, a cup held in his hands. The man glanced up as the couple entered the room however the green and white striped hat that he wore made it difficult to see his facial features.

"Well hello," Urahara said as his gaze fell upon Masaki. He knew immediately who she had to be, after all Isshin had certainly told him enough about the girl that he one day hoped to marry.

"Kisuke," Isshin said, his trademark goofy grin plastered on his face. "I'd like to introduce you to my soul mate, Masaki. She's agreed to be my bride." There was a slightly smug expression on Isshin's face as he imparted his friend with this little piece of information.

Urahara immediately got to his feet and walked over to Masaki. "So you're the lady that I've heard so much about. My name is Kisuke Urahara and it is truly an honor to meet you. Isshin has certainly spoken highly of you."

"I shudder at the thought of what he's said," Masaki said, offering Urahara a warm smile.

Urahara laughed as he gazed at this woman that Isshin had chosen for his own. "I assure you, there's absolutely no reason for you to be concerned. I don't think Kurosaki could say anything bad about you even if he wanted to."

Masaki offered her future husband a smile and Isshin merely blushed.

Isshin and Masaki spent about an hour visiting with Urahara and then Masaki said that she had to go. "I have a couple of things that I have to do today," she said as she got to her feet and excused herself.

Isshin immediately jumped to her feet. "I'll walk you home."

"That's alright Isshin," Masaki said, giving him a quick kiss. "I'll be fine. You just stay here and visit with your friend. I'll give you a call later tonight."

"Alright Saki-chan," Isshin said, stealing another kiss. "I love you."

"I love you too," Masaki said. Then she turned to the shopkeeper. "It was nice meeting you Urahara-san."

Urahara nodded and together he and Isshin watched as the young woman left the shop. Then, once Masaki was out of earshot, Urahara turned to his long time friend, a serious expression on his face. "Are you sure about this Kurosaki?"

"Absolutely," Isshin said without so much as a moment's hesitation.

"Even knowing the risks?" Urahara persisted, his intense gaze focused on the former Captain of Squad Ten.

"Yes," Isshin said.

"Alright," Urahara said. "Then I wish you and Masaki luck with your marriage."

"Thank you," Isshin said quietly. To be completely honest he hadn't given any thoughts as to the risks of a Shinigami falling for a human however it changed nothing. He loved Masaki with all of his heart and soul and if need be then he would die for her.

They were truly soul mates and that was all there was to it.

A/N - and there's chapter four. Hope you enjoyed.