Nympholepsy

A frenzy of emotion, as for something unattainable.

Chapter 6

Toshirou stepped forward, put his hands in his pockets, and looked off to the right. Moments of silence passed between them, before Toshirou spoke. "I'll need to know more about you before I make that decision. Ultimately, I think it'd be best for you to forget about Seireitei and go back to your normal daily routine." He paused as he turned to look at her. Seeing her expression, he smirked. "I didn't think so." Moving even closer to her, he continued. "Are you willing to hate someone strictly because you're told to? Are you willing to put your life on the line for an adrenaline rush?" he stopped, again, now mere inches from her. "Are you prepared to die?" he whispered, with an edge of cruelty in his voice.

Karin didn't even attempt to conceal her shock. Her expression softened as she dropped her head slightly and looked at her shoes. "I…" Her head snapped up, fierce eyes glaring at Toshirou. "Everything you've just said to me is stupid. I don't let other people make my opinions, I do know of safer ways to get an adrenaline rush, and I would never be so selfish as to put myself in a dire situation. I have a family, and I could never willingly hurt them like that."

Toshirou raised an eyebrow. "Have you ever been part of a team, Kurosaki?"

Karin frowned "I play soccer."

Toshirou nodded. "And how do you feel toward the members of the opposing team? Do you take the time to get to know them as individuals, or do you just accept that they are your enemies, and fight them to the end?"

"I-"

"Exactly. Because you have a team, and they are trying to beat your team, you have no problems with destroying their hopes, as long as yours are fulfilled."

Karin was growing angry.

"Soccer indeed is a very dangerous sport." Toshirou continued, cocking his head, a smile of triumph forming on his lips. "You're aware of this, I know."

Karin looked away.

"So why do you do it then, despite the possibility of an injury? It's because it's fun. You enjoy it. And why do you enjoy it? Because of the feeling it gives you. The… adrenaline."

"Stop acting like you know me." Karin glared. "You know nothing about me."

Toshirou nodded. "Which is exactly why I've asked you these questions. I already know you can't keep a secret," He eyed her up and down. "Kurosaki."

And with that, Karin had enough. She leapt at Toshirou, much like how Hinamori had jumped on her the other day. Her body never crashed on top of his, however, for he had sidestepped her in time. Speedy as he was, after he moved away, he grabbed Karin's arm and used it to twist her around. Holding her arm painfully behind her, he pushed her against the brick wall that had earlier been behind her. The whole ordeal hadn't taken more than a second.

Karin ignored the pain. She refused to show him how much he had hurt her. Pressing his body against her back, Toshirou whispered in Karin's ear. "Are you afraid?"

She tried to shove him off, but he wouldn't budge. It didn't matter, though, because he soon released her, and moved back. Before she could speak, he said "If you're not afraid, and want to learn to fight- to protect those you love, come here after school. I won't be waiting long, so be sure you've made up your mind before the last bell."

And with that, he turned and opened the door. He went back into the building, leaving Karin alone to contemplate his words.

/

Throughout the day, Karin's mind had become increasingly plagued by Toshirou's words. "Are you afraid?". She wasn't afraid; Karin Kurosaki was never afraid. At least, she'd never allow herself to admit to being afraid. But wasn't not showing up the same as confessing to fear? She'd have to- if anything just to protect her reputation. But… she also remembered Ichigo. Her beloved brother, Ichigo. Always strong, always fighting… Always protecting. If even he, after getting mixed up with the Seireitei, wound up unconscious and bleeding heavily in his bed, was there any hope for her? But… well, it wasn't like he was dead, or anything. Maybe they didn't actually let things get that far?

The bell rang… the final bell. Karin sighed and stood up. She knew what she had to do.

/

Toshirou stood atop the rooftop with his hands in his pockets, just staring up at the sky. The wind was blowing lightly, ruffling his hair and lifting the ends of his unzipped blazer. Pulling his phone out of his pocket, he checked the time. She had one minute left to show up.

Roughly twenty seconds later, he was not surprised to hear the door open up behind him. He heard her coming.

Turning to face her, he took note of her determined expression.

"I am not afraid. 'to protect those you love' that's what you said. Teach me how to better protect my family… and… I need to know what happened to Ichigo!" Toshirou could see a fire burning in her eyes. The same that had once been in his. He thought this would be all fun and games when he joined, too. The things you see… the things they do… they change you. But he didn't care what happened to Karin. He just wanted to use her before she was used against him.

"I see… though I will not, nor will the others, tell you what happened to your brother, I trust you will be able to figure it out soon enough."

Karin frowned. "Toshirou, I think it's time I got an explanation."

Ignoring her question, he continued on. "Though I realize it is hard for you to keep your mouth shut, I must advice you don't tell anyone else who you really are."

Karin bit back an insult, in retaliation for his about her 'big mouth', and asked "Do they know I'm not who I say am I? I mean… will they be trying to investigate me, too."

Toshirou shook his head. "Against my better judgment, I didn't inform anyone of my suspicions. I see potential in you. If one of the higher ups found out who you are..." He smirked. "I probably shouldn't be scaring you off."

"I told you, I'm not afraid." There was a small pause in the conversation. "Wait… I thought you were the leader? And for that matter, how did you find out I wasn't who I said I was?"

"Who knows?" Toshirou responded, looking back up at the sky. A beeping sound came from his pocket. Grabbing his phone back out, Toshirou became transfixed with what was on it. Snapping the phone shut and putting it away, Toshirou began moving toward Karin.

"You'll find someone waiting for you by the gate after school tomorrow. Don't ask questions, just follow them. As of tomorrow, you are officially a member of Seireitei. Your training will commence. And," Standing just to the right of her now, he flipped her skirt up in one swift motion. "I would suggest you buy something to conceal your modesty."

Before Karin was able to make him pay for what he had just done, he was gone. She turned around and looked down the stairwell. It was empty.

Sorry it's so late. I burnt both my hands… Please don't ask how. You should all know by now that I'm a moron.

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