Winter Wonderland

Author's Notes: hi! this is my first short story on the 10th Division captain Hitsugaya Toshiro and Kurosaki Karin... i hope you like it... to HitsuHina fans, please don't get upset... i'll be writing about them too. hope you enjoy reading this. : )

Note:

"normal conversation"

mind thoughts

'shinigami & zanpakutou conversation' (and vice versa)

It's has been seven years since he last saw her… he could not believe that she would blossom and grow up to be a stunning young lady. He was looking at her from the roof top, in his shinigami form. He no longer knew if she could still see him or sense him for that matter. Sometimes humans, as they mature either develop their special gifts in seeing spirits and sometimes, more often they would lose it, since they became more occupied with their everyday lives such as school and work.

Karin no longer possess the tomboy image she used to have. Though she was not as endowed as his Fukutaichou Matsumoto, her curves were in the right places. She can be mistaken as a fashion model since she was as tall as her elder brother, Ichigo who now a respected Shinigami Representative of Gotei 13. Her raven hair which was usually short was now up to the middle of her back and was tied with a purple ribbon.

"What are you waiting for?!!! Kick the freakin' ball!!!" She yelled. Ahh that gutsy attitude is still there, he mused as he watched her practice soccer with her male teammates. It dawned on him that she would eventually lead a varsity team, having known her solid determination on whatever she focuses her attention to.

Would I make my presence known to her? he mused.

'Well it depends…' answered Hyōrinmaru, his ice dragon zanpakutou

'Depends on what?' Toshiro asked, a frown appearing on his handsome features

'Well it took seven years before we are assigned in the human world -again… maybe we might not get the chance next time' Hyōrinmaru stated

'Hmnnn… let's take our chances today… we still have three months of stay here according to Yamamoto Soutaichou', Toshiro replied

'As you wish, young master' Hyourinmaru said

Young master… heh Toshiro retorted. Being two hundred years old is no longer young. It just so happened that unlike the normal Shinigami, he was quite advanced and gifted with immense reiatsu, and through the decades he served at the Gotei 13 he proved his worth and considered as one of the strongest captains. He was also called by his peers as the Ice Prince of Seireitei, with his icy demeanor and the essence of his zanpakutou, though the title rightly belonged to the 6th Division Captain, Byakuya Kuchiki whose serene, regal and icy demeanor was well-known in Seireitei.

He is still the youngest captain though through the decades he too grew up. Gone were the days when his loyal and lovely Fukutaichou Matsumoto Rangiku would tease him with his height and would smother him with hugs, suffocating the poor boy between her well-known 'valley of the gods'. At his present age he is now as tall as Kurosaki Ichigo the Shinigami Representaive, his famous white locks still present and spiky as usual, and his physique is much more developed now. If one would see him, he resembles a young handsome man at the age of 19.

The yelling and jovial teasing at the field diverted his thoughts and once again he focused his attention on the raven haired young lady. He marveled at how graceful she moved, her legs though feminine in shape could kick a ball just as hard and mean as a man. Her easy smile made her all the more beautiful, with the setting sun adding glow to her lovely features. Karin, you really have grown; Toshiro thought. And as turned around to leave, he felt a projectile fast approaching. Acting on instinct, he leaped and kicked the ball aimed at him and it landed perfectly at Karin's feet.

He was surprised to see her staring at him, and felt his heart pounding an erratic beat as her eyes settled on his teal ones. He stared at her and was about to speak when he noticed that she was staring through him and not at him. I guess she lost the ability to see spirits, he thought sadly. He watched her took the ball, placing it in her sports bag and began walking. He was rooted on the spot, unbelieving that she could no longer see him when he saw her lips curve into a small grin and left the field.

'The ball… do you think she saw see us master?' Hyōrinmaruasked

'I don't know… we'll soon find out'. Toshiro said and shunpoed towards Inoue Orihime's house.

It was a sunny afternoon and Karin was with her teammates, practicing for the coming final soccer tournament. Various universities all over Japan participated and through hard work and determination their school was included in the finals. She was the only female member and team captain and her authority and ability was never questioned.

As they were having their usual practice Karin felt that she was being watched. She followed her instincts and true enough, a young man was watching her. He was at the rooftop, watching her silently. He was wearing a white haori, and the shinigami uniform she used to see her brother Ichigo would wear when he was in his spirit form, working as a Shinigami Representative for the Gotei 13. It's been seven years since she last saw him and she was surprised of how he changed. He was no longer the small kid who she used to fondly ruffle his hair and tease as a middle schooler. He grew up to be a young, handsome man. From her vantage point he was almost as tall as her brother, Ichi-nii and the usual serious expression on his face still evident.

So Toshiro… you want to play games, eh… let's see if you still got it… she thought as she kicked the ball to his direction as she saw him leaving. She almost laughed when he gracefully turned and kicked the ball towards her.

Hmnn…guess that's enough ballgame for today… see you… when I see you… Karin mischievously thought as she placed the soccer ball in her sports bag. She could not resist smiling as she and her teammates left the practice field.

The following day, Toshiro was infront of the Kurosaki clinic, debating whether he would ring the doorbell or not. He was in his Gigai form which was provided by Urahara. There he was, wearing a white turtleneck long sleeved shirt which accentuated his muscular physique and jeans, a teal scarf matching the color of his eyes wrapped on his neck. Last night was the longest night in his life since he was bombarded with questions and rantings from two gutsy (and busty) ladies – Rangiku and Orihime. It was because of those two he found himself standing at the entrance door of the Kurosaki residence.

"I told you Toshiro-kun that it is better if you dropped by her house for a visit." Orihime said, as she was munching on another weird concoction of hers, in which only Rangiku appreciates Orihime's cooking since the lovely Fukutaichou also has a passion for weird tasting dishes.

"That's Hitsugaya Taichou for you Orhime-san! When will you ever learn how to address me properly?!" Toshiro irately answered

"Ne, Taichou… she's human… we're shinigami, we're here in the human world and she's letting us stay in her apartment. Besides, Inoue-san uses honorifics… not bad Taichou, ne?

"Ah well…." Sighed Toshiro. He looked at his 'dorm mates' and shrugged, his teal eyes widened when the two ladies said in unison, "You must go to her place!"

Now there he was, standing in front of the of Karin's house and thinking of a good reason or alibi that would fit as to why after seven years he was just there casually knocking on her door.

'Hyōrinmaru help me here…' Toshiro said, speaking to his zanpakutou

'Well that's a first, young master… asking me for help… on… on…' chuckled the ice dragon zanpakutou

'Pray that I do not slice you myself, you wily dragon!' As Toshiro's temper rose, the temperature dropped a couple of degrees due to his rising temper. He felt that a vein in his head would pop and it was in that unfortunate moment that the front door opened, revealing the man of the house himself, Kurosaki Isshin…

"Oi!!! What do we have here? A very good looking young man on my doorstep!!! One of my precious daughters has a suitor!!!! Isshin bellowed, his smile freaking out the young captain.

"I – ahhh… ano…. Konnichiwa Kurosaki-sama… is Karin there?" Toshiro stammered, his face blushing

"Yes! Yes! Absolutely yes, she's here! Do come in, I'll call her for you…. KAAARRRRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNN!!!!" Isshin called out way too excitedly

"What's the ruckus old man?!" Toshiro heard Karin's voice from upstairs. Moments later, she was in the living room, her eyes widened in amazement as she saw him sitting on the sofa, waiting for her. Her father was at the clinic, singing a love song which was way out of tune.

"Toshiro!!! It's really you!" Karin exclaimed. He's here… he really is here… she said to herself as she gazed at him. Her heart skipped a beat as her raven eyes met his teal orbs.

As she went near him, Toshiro felt that he was getting nervous… nervous!!! Never in his life was he nervous until now…

'Heh.. This is a first, young master… never felt your reiatsu go… freak…' snickered Hyōrinmaru

'Baka! Urusai!' Toshiro retorted at his zanpakutou who kept on chuckling in the background. He looked at Karin and felt his face blushing all the more. Karin stared at him for a moment and said,

"Umm… Shiro-san…Would you like to accompany me to the mall… I'll be getting a new pair of socks…" she shyly said

"S-sure…" Toshiro replied, standing abruptly. Karin went to the door and in a flash, Toshiro was there, opening the door for her. She smiled shyly and went outside. He closed the door gently and as they walked both were silent, thinking of how to start a conversation.

He's the same, and yet… he's not. Karin mused. The famous scowl is still there, the way he carries himself with authority, the spiky white hair is still there… and yet he changed. He no longer was the short 10th Division captain she used to know, instead she was walking with a gorgeous 20 year old and though he was not aware of it, a number of girls were looking at them, more so looking at him admiringly.

Say something, say something… say something!!!! Toshiro reprimanded himself… he was so tongue-tied and in awe with her that he could not even form a simple sentence that would start a conversation. What made matters worse was his ice dragon of a zanpakutou was laughing at the sidelines, enjoying tremendously in teasing his master.

'Taichou… say something about the weather…' 'Hyorinmaru said

"Nice weather, isn't it?" Toshiro blurted, and looked at Karin who was surprised as he suddenly spoke.

"Ahh… ano… yes… its nice, though it would be snowing soon" Karin replied, her arms wrapped around herself as the winter breeze gently blew.

Toshiro looked at her and as her eyes met his teal orbs, she blushed, feeling the intensity of his gaze. Luckily they arrived at the mall and both were momentarily disturbed by the noisy hustle and bustle of shoppers around them. As they were about to enter the mall, Toshiro gently placed his hand on the small of her back, guiding her towards the entrance.

He really changed… he's being a gentleman… Karin mused, a smile forming on her lips. Silently they walked along the mall, looking at the novelties being sold at the shops' display windows. As they passed by a jewelry store, a glimmer caught Karin's eye and she curiously looked at the object which caught her attention. Alongside the other jewels being showcased is a pendant in a snowflake design and Karin gasped in admiration at the intricate carving of the crystal. She was looking at it intently that she forgot about her companion who was silently observing her.

Toshiro admired the beauty before him, the blush on her cheeks, her long lashes and the shiny raven hair that was secured with a scrünci. Karin felt the heat of his stare and looked at him shyly.

"There's a sport shop at the other side" Toshiro said, trying to sound casual. Both went to the sports boutique and he let Karin go to the clothes section, as he looked around. Karin went to purchase her socks and as they went out of the shop Toshiro said, "Karin-san, would you like to have coffee?"

"That would be nice Shiro-kun" smiled Karin.

Toshiro gently smiled at her reply. Though he hated being called 'Shiro' by his fellow shinigamis, he didn't mind if it would be Karin who would call him with that dreaded nickname. I must really like her, he thought as they walked to a nearby café.

'Hmp! Like? Seems like you're more "in-like" with her, young master' his zanpakutou suddenly replied

'And why do you say that?' asked Toshiro.

'Remember that I am a part of you, young master… you may not admit it to yourself but you are in love with the young lady…nothing bad to it. Why not just trust your instincts? For all we know, she likes you too' the ice dragon replied

Upon hearing his zanpakutou's advice, he remained silent. Toshiro asked Karin what kind of coffee and pastries she liked and got them a table before purchasing at the counter. He paid for the purchase and went back to their table. As he sat, Karin smiled and said

"It's been seven years since we last saw each other Shiro-kun. What takes you here in Karakura Town?" she asked

"Matsumoto and I were sent by our commander general to check onto something. The day I saw you at the soccer field was the day we arrived here" he said

"So… how long would you be staying this time?" Karin asked, she wanted to know if he would spend Christmas in the human world

"Three months the most… Matsumoto and I would spend the holidays here." He said, realizing that they would spend the holidays in the human world; a thought came to his mind. But I have to act soon, he said to himself.

"Karin-san… how do humans celebrate the Christmas holidays?" he asked.

It was from his question that opened their conversation. They talked about how Christmas was observed and practiced (his in Seireitei, while hers in the human world), their hobbies and events that happened to them from the last time they met and became friends. They also talked about her soccer practice and her college team, wherein Toshiro was listening intently at her stories. It was during this time that his cellphone rang and he excused himself. Stepping out of the shop, he clicked open his phone and answered.

"Yes Matsumoto… where are you? I see… Listen, I have something to ask you…"

Moments later Toshiro went back to their table and they resumed their conversation. Both enjoyed the company of each other. It was early evening when both left the café. As they were walking around the mall they noticed the gentle falling of snowflakes. Karin was delighted and carelessly raised her arms and face as if welcoming the snowfall.

How lovely she looks, Toshiro thought as he gazed at her tenderly. Karin felt that she was being watched and looked at her companion who was looking at her with a smile on his face.

Ohh my… he looks all the more gorgeous when he smiles! She thought. His teal eyes were sparkling and he looked carefree and his lips… his lips made her want to swoon, wondering how it would feel kissing on Hitsugaya Toshiro. She was shocked at what she thought and she shyly chuckled. Toshiro was still smiling at her and nervously, she smiled back. Both were rooted to where they were standing, smiling at each other when Matsumoto Rangiku arrived, with armful of shopping bags.

"Taichou, Karin-san! How nice to see you!" Matsumoto's cheery voice greeted them.

"Hi Rangiku-san!" Karin greeted back, amazed that the lovely strawberry blond vice captain of Toshiro still remained as if she did not age after all those years.

"Ne Taichou, Orihime-san is asking if you will have dinner with us" Matsumoto asked

"Iie, Matsumoto, you two can have dinner without me" Toshiro replied

"Kawaiiiii…." Matsumoto giggled, looking at the couple. "Guess I'll be going ahead then Taichou… oh, before I forgot-" Matsumoto checked her bags and gave a parcel to Toshiro, saying "This one's for you Taichou" and said goodbye to them

"It's getting late Karin-san, I'll better walk you home. I don't want your father to worry" Toshiro offered

"Arigato Shiro-kun" Karin said shyly. Honestly she hated the day ending too soon as she enjoyed Toshiro's company and wanted to spend more time with him. I just hope that I could still see him after this, she silently thought.

Both enjoyed each other's silent company as they walked on the snow covered sidewalk. As they neared Karin's house, Toshiro stopped abruptly, making Karin wonder on his sudden action.

"Karin…" Toshiro softly said

"Yes Shiro-kun?" Karin asked

"Can I see you again?" he shyly asked

"Of course" she answered

Upon hearing her answer, Toshiro took something out from his pocket, and gave it to Karin. Shyly he said "This is my Christmas gift for you… I know it's a bit early but I want you to have it… and hope that you like it enough to use it on Christmas day…"

Karin took the box shyly and opened it. To her surprise it was a necklace with the crystal snowflake pendant that she admired earlier at the jewelry shop they passed by.

"Toshiro… I… don't know what to say…." She stammered

"It's my Christmas gift for you… I hope you like it." He shyly said.

Karin took out the necklace and with trembling fingers, held it. Toshiro silently went near her and held the necklace for her, he unfastened the lock and smiled at her, saying gently "May I?"

Karin pulled her hair back and let Toshiro place the necklace on her neck. As he fastened it, she turned around, her cheeks blushing. She was surprised to see him smiling at her and she smiled back shyly.

"Thank you so much Shiro-chan…" she said

"You… called…me…Shiro…chan…?" he slowly said, his eyes brightening as he smiled fully at her.

Karin's face turned beet red as she realized what she just called him with an endearment. Now I'm definitely doomed…he found me out… she thought as she looked at him.

Gently, Toshiro caressed her cheeks with his fingers, and softly said "I thought I would forever wonder if you like me… Karin-chan…I like you, I really do, from the first time I saw you seven years ago" he said as he tenderly held her hand.

Both Karin and Toshiro smiled at each other and walked through the gently falling snow, hands held together.

-fin-