So the Hitsukarin community over on tumblr decided to do a fic exchange/secret santa thing, and I was djAngelynn's secret santa! Hope you like it, girl! Merry Christmas!

Prompt: Ornament

Rating: T

"You know," Karin says, shaking her head in disbelief. "I really don't understand the point in all that."

They're sitting on the couch in her apartment, marathoning their favorite crime show, all cozied up—her legs are tucked under her, head resting on his shoulder, and his arm is wrapped around her comfortably, thumb periodically rubbing little circles into her shoulder. But when yet another jewelry commercial comes on, basically implying that women are completely materialistic and the way back into their good graces (and panties) is a fat ol' diamond, Karin can no longer keep silent.

Her boyfriend frowns. "What do you mean?"

"Why make a big deal over that stuff? It's not like you can do anything with it. Why does society put such value on such ornamental things? They cost you an arm and a leg, and then what? Every time I wear it I have to make sure not to lose it or get robbed, or there goes your thousands of dollars. And that's not even mentioning all the African children slaving away just so I can flaunt my wealth and prove to everyone that you love me—are you okay?"

The longer she rants, the paler Toshiro becomes. He swallows, his adam's apple bobbing visibly. "Fine. So you're saying you don't like jewelry?"

Karin shrugs, scooting her feet out from under her and standing. "It's not the jewelry that bothers me. It's the vapid, materialistic messages attached to it. That because you gave me expensive jewelry, you must love me, and my legs must spring open. I find it all ridiculous and unrealistic." She picks up her empty Sapporo can from the coffee table and idly shakes it. "I'm gonna get another one. You want one?"

"No," he responds, his voice tight.

Karin frowns at how strange he's acting, but makes her way to her small kitchen without further questioning. It's as she's staring into her refrigerator that she ponders Toshiro's odd behavior. How does something as stupid as a jewelry commercial result in a battle-hardened shinigami captain looking ready to pass out? Maybe the fish they had for dinner was bad? Could his gigai even get food poisoning?

The raven-haired woman shakes her head, dispelling her thoughts, grabs her beer, and heads back to her living room. At the doorframe, a hushed voice stops her in her tracks.

"—I don't think this is a good idea. She seemed to really hate—" A pause. "But you didn't hear what she said! And now that I think about it, I've never seen her wear any—"

The floor creaks when she shifts her weight. Hitsugaya stuffs his phone into his pocket faster than she can blink.

"Who was that?" she asks, leaning against the doorframe.

"N-No one." He coughs, and his voice returns closer to his normal register. "Just checking in on the office."

Karin crosses her arms, an eyebrow raised. Hitsugaya doesn't budge. "You bought me some jewelry, didn't you?" she sighs.

He flinches slightly. "Maybe."

She can't help but smile at his reluctance. "Well then, let me see."

Teal eyes return to the television, where their show has come back from its scheduled break. "I'm taking it back."

Karin walks in front of him, blocking his view. "What, do you think I'd shit all over your gift?" she scoffs. "You know me better than that. I'm not an asshole, and I know your heart was in the right place. Let me see it."

"No."

"C'mon, don't be like that!"

She tackles him, and he tries unsuccessfully to halt her roaming hands.

"You've made it very clear that this isn't your thing."

"That doesn't mean I don't wanna see it!"

"Karin, you're making me miss the show!"

"It's a rerun! Come on, Toshiro!"

And then there it is, so close to her face that her eyes struggle to focus on it. Her mouth drops open, and she looks into his face. "That's an engagement ring."

"I'm aware," he answers smartly, his previously ashen face now bright red. "And I know what it's for."

And then she's struck dumb, staring at the simple band with the tasteful diamond that he's holding limply between his fingers.

Toshiro shifts beneath her, uncomfortable with her silence. "I just figured—you know, since we've been together so long and I can't see myself with anyone else—but you don't have to feel obligated to wear it, I'll take it back—"

"Shut up," she manages to breathe, eyes wide with disbelief. She feels like she's dreaming, as if she's looking at him through a haze. "This isn't a ring," she informs him, covering his hand with hers, "This is a promise."

She looks at him pointedly, and he scoffs, embarrassed. She can feel his heart race through his chest, its speed rivaling her own. But his eyes are steady; he is completely serious.

Karin can't stop the smile from creeping onto her face. "Then of course I'll wear it," she says softly, holding her hand out expectantly.

She feels the whoosh as Toshiro exhales, feels his body go lax with relief as he slides the ring onto her finger. "Of course," she breathes against his chest, onto his lips, into his mouth. "Of course."

His arms wind around her, and when he sees the ring glittering prettily on her hand, he smirks. "I thought you said those commercials were unrealistic."

She smacks him lightly on the head, then kisses him again. He tastes vaguely of beer and victory. "Shut up. Do you want to get laid or not?"

Wisely, Hitsugaya Toshiro shuts up.

A/N: Ornament: noun. A thing used to adorn something but usually having no practical purpose.

You didn't really think I was going to go the tried and true Christmas fic route did you? I'm pretty sure everyone else will do those, so I had to be the rebel. ;) Let me know~