AN: I LIVE! Oh man, I wonder if anyone misses me... *crickets chirp* Well, that's nice.

I'm back with a special update for HitsuKarin week 2014! I hope you guys are excited~ Head over to tumblr and stalk now. It'll be a wonderful week, guys. I promise. ;)

Thank you's for last chapter:

Guest: Haha, thank you~ IchiRuki is my other OTP so I had to put them in there. I can't help it. I'm a romantic. :3 I'm so glad to hear you liked the smut. I'm becoming a smut!master (which is really weird now that I've typed it but I'm too lazy to delete it, LOL). I hope you enjoy this chapter too!

nureen: Aww, thank you, my love. I'm so glad you got enjoyed the last one and I hope you like this one too. ;)

Summary: Entry for HitsuKarin Week 2014. It's usually the girl who falls first, finding themselves tumbling into a romance and letting it consume their common sense. Toushirou finds that he's the exception to the rule.

Prompts Used: (Day One) Ribbons and Lace, (Day Two) Sunrise and Sunset, (Day Five) Walk a mile in the other's shoes

Dedicated to my wifey, hikari0907, because she wanted to see Toushirou fall in love with Karin for once (thus the title). I hope you like it~ :DDD

April 2014: Role Reversal

It was with some trepidation that Toushirou took the podium, annoyance coloring his otherwise placid expression. He was supposed to be going undercover, keeping a low profile and all that. He'd taken the entrance exam for Karakura High with the expectation that no one would ask too much about his background.

He should've known better than to let Urahara have a hand in his plans.

"Trust me, you'll pass the exam with no problems if you take this," the humble candy shop owner said with a flick of his fan. The peppermint candy had been infused with the knowledge he lacked. Things like foreign languages and advanced mathematics were seared into his brain with a single taste. If he hadn't been with Matsumoto so long, it might've been the worst hangover of his life.

Instead of invisibility, he was being forced into the position of freshmen representative for earning top scores. Either that concoction had worked a little too well, or his mind was simply too fertile for new knowledge. But the point was moot. Everyone knew his name and now everyone would be in his business until some of the sparkle from his accolade wore off.

Just feign some interest. There are other things to worry about, he told himself as he finished his speech with an acknowledging nod. He wouldn't be around long enough to care anyway.

"Oi! Say something, you freak!"

How can I if you're yelling at me? "I don't have anything to say to you or your friends."

"You think you're some bigshot just 'cause all the girls think you're kinda cool. You're just some half-breed with a big brain. Don't get cocky!" one of the bullies growled as he shoved Toushirou against the gray wall. Four against one in the back of school. It felt like being in Shino Academy all over again.

And just like then, he was getting tired of this charade quickly. "Class is about to begin. I'd suggest you leave now before you're late."

Someone yelled but he wasn't paying attention. Instead he dodged the full-body punch and tripped his hefty adversary before side-stepping a mildly accurate kick. Not just bullies but ones who'd undergone some mediocre training. If they'd been a bit brighter he might've spared them the humiliation for today. But it was only the first week of school and his patience for this world already had him in a sour mood.

"You guys might wanna scram. A teacher's coming this way."

Five stares immediately caught on the newcomer. The girl was dressed in the signature tan-colored uniform, long hair twisted in a high ponytail. Her nonchalance was etched in pretty features and immediately Hitsugaya knew she had them. People talked a lot at the beginning of the year and popular topics were people who stood out. And no one did that quite as well as Kurosaki Karin.

"Well? Do you want to get caught fighting on the third day of school?" she asked, exasperated. It was cue for them to scatter and they did, though not after appreciating the messenger with interested eyes. If Karin noticed she said nothing.

It was just the two of them as silence settled. They were in neighboring classrooms but he saw more than enough of her because she was always popping in on Yuzu between breaks. As to why she was here he didn't bother to ask, as he made his way towards the entrance.

"What, no 'thank you'? Not even an 'it's been a while'? That's cold." He didn't slow as he heard her follow after him leisurely. He wasn't concerned enough to answer. She wasn't actually offended and he'd done nothing to warrant guilt.

They separated when they reached their rooms, with nothing else said between them.

There was something mildly satisfactory about his results when midterms came around. He held his top position, though this time without the extra boost. He'd been forced to study in between his Hollow hunting and student council duties (after being a captain for so long, it was easy and sort of comforting in its familiarity). But what brought him some amusement was the name that sat right below his, as the crowd around him congratulated him on maintaining his sought-after rank.

"Karin-chan, I can't believe you got second! You're amazing," Yuzu clapped happily. A few others commented, saying how surprised they were she managed to get such high scores. But Karin didn't reply to their skepticism.

Instead she looked at the board, dissatisfied. She'd always been rather competitive. Maybe she wanted that top spot more than she let on. Not that he cared, he told himself as he moved back towards his classroom. In a few months she'd have it after he moved back.

He was only being dispatched on a favor to Ichigo and his father. If anyone else had asked he wouldn't have abandoned his desk so easily. But when it came to the safety of the Kurosaki twins, neither man could ignore the influx of Hollows or their inability to protect them. He was one of the few people they both trusted and he was reluctantly honored by it.

Their eyes met before they both turned away. That last soccer game seemed so long ago now.

"Will you please go out with me?"

The first time this had happened, Hitsugaya had been stunned. Not outwardly though, because image was everything in high school and he'd learned to accept that. But it'd been hard to turn her away when the tears welled up in her eyes, as she asked him questions he had no answers to.

No, there was nothing wrong with her. No, she was beautiful in her own right. No, there was nothing he would ask her to change. Because he didn't know her and he would never ask someone to fit a mold simply to be with him. But he couldn't say those things because a girl's heart was as fragile as glass at this age and he refused to be the one to break it.

"I'm sorry but there's someone else."

The words slipped out of his mouth by accident to that first girl and each one after. An invisible lover would save face for both of them. At the time he thought it'd be enough. Warding off enthusiastic humans was his only means of surviving this place. He didn't need the extra work.

"I don't believe you," this particular girl answered back, crossing her arms over her chest. Her haughtiness marred her otherwise pretty features, so sure of his deception. He'd hoped the lie would hold out longer than two months but the absence of his so-called girlfriend had the doubts circling overhead.

"It's fine if you don't but she's someone I care about and I won't hurt her," he said coldly. Turning away, Toushirou was held back by arms wrapping around his waist.

The pretty brunette wasn't easy to dismiss "I know you created that story to keep girls away. I mean, they weren't worth your time so of course you were bothered." Lifting her head, she smiled understandingly. "But I'm not like them, I can be the one to change your mind."

Dully, Hitsugaya wondered how he attracted so many admirers in the first place. He'd been told he looked like a delinquent more times than he cared to admit. What was even more alarming was the daring high school girls had, using womanly charms like weapons of mass destruction. And this girl was no different, as she tilted his head downwards and pushed onto her tiptoes. He was reluctant to be forceful but was running out of options.

"Now, now, Ootsuka-senpai. Don't you think that's too much?"

The girl jumped away, mortified by the intrusion. Somehow Hitsugaya wasn't too surprised to see Karin dressed in her soccer jersey and wearing an amused smile. Of course it would be her. No one else would enjoy his discomfort quite so much.

"This is none of your business, Kurosaki. Can't you see we're busy?"

"I can see you're busy. On the other hand, Toushirou looks completely done with your crap." She had the gall to laugh a little, eyes lighting up. He raised a brow at the uncommon expression.

"Obviously you can't read the mood being the tomboy that you are," the upperclassman covered her embarrassment with a smirk that spoke of experience. She pressed herself to Toushirou's side with purpose. "So maybe you'll do us a favor and get back to those little boys you hang out with."

"Oi, Toushirou, are you really just gonna stand there like an idiot?" Not even acknowledging her words, Karin doled out her nonchalance with an exasperated sigh. "Or have you assimilated so much you've lost your backbone?"

"That smart mouth of yours is going to get you into trouble," he growled. He gently pulled away and approached her.

"Or it could be saving you some grief."

"Based on previous experience, it's usually the cause of more."

"Wow, still as sweet as ever, I see," Karin laughed again, one side of her lips tilting up. He noted how she held his gaze, didn't waver like their teachers and classmates because of the unusual shade of his eyes. Still so comfortable in her own skin.

Behind him, the outsider flicked her glare between him and Karin. Jealousy colored her green. "You've got to be kidding me!"

"What?" Karin asked, surprised she was still there.

Flipping her permed locks over her shoulder, the upperclassman regarded her with disdain. "I can't believe it's you. God, how could Hitsugaya-kun have such bad taste?"

"Excuse me?" They were simultaneous in their outbursts, Karin glowering while Toushirou grew more and more confused.

"A guy like him made a girl like you his girlfriend. What is this world coming to?"

He didn't even bother to correct her. There were worse candidates he could be linked to. At least he genuinely liked Karin. That being said, she'd dispel the other's worries. She was the kind who wouldn't play along for no reason.

But she surprised him by stepping forward and slipping her hand into his. The smell of grass tickled his senses, along with the musk of heat from her running. She pushed him behind her, like a mother hiding a child's wide eyes, and he couldn't help but feel a little insulted.

"If you know already, then step off. I don't have the time for this and neither does Toushirou."

"Hmph, some girlfriend you are, letting your boyfriend deal with all those confessions." Boldly she captured his chin with her fingers, ignoring Karin's angry presence. "Poor Hitsugaya-kun. When you decide to find a real woman, I'll be here waiting. I'm sure we can work something out."

She had the audacity to peck a kiss to his cheek, making him flustered while Karin crowed slurs at her retreating back. But her fire redirected itself at him when she saw the dumbfounded expression he wore, more shock than anything else. She untangled their fingers and stomped off without a word, feeling like her work had gone unappreciated. All he could do was watch her go, unable to gather his wits fast enough.

The next day was a flurry of questions and demands from both boys and girls. The former were asking the who's and what's of his apparent relationship with Karin, while the latter were crying out their why's and how's. To be honest he wanted some answers to those queries too, as he dodged them with uninterested gestures and replies. He wondered if Karin was faring better considering her temperament.

Publicly they acknowledged the relationship, though they did none of the things that normal couples did. That set off alarms in their schoolmates' heads, as they whispered of discord and cheating and a million other little lies to entertain themselves. It made girls aggressive and Karin had become their target. Not that she'd tell him that, of course. She had too much pride to ask for Toushirou's help.

Which was why she cursed when he found her sopping wet on the way back to the girls' locker room. The dirty water had been used to clean floors and was now making her shirt stick to her skin. Her glower met his horrified expression, making her look away. If it hadn't been a surprise attack, those girls wouldn't have had a chance.

The guilt in his eyes rubbed her all wrong. "Don't say it, Toushirou. I don't want to hear it."

"But this is because of me, isn't it?" The question was muffled by the closing of the door behind her. Rummaging through her locker, she felt his reiatsu flicker impatiently. She slowed down just to make him wait.

"Karin, answer me." She hated it when he used her name. It meant he meant business and she felt her skin prickle every time he uttered it.

"I can't. I'm changing," she replied, tying her hair into a simple tail. She dragged her feet and arms, reluctant to face him.

"Has this happened before? How long has it been going on?" Toushirou asked, voice trying to hide its desperate edge.

"It's nothing. Just drop it, okay?" Opening the door, she didn't even glance at him as she slung her bag over one shoulder and made her way down the hall. He was hot on her heels.

"This has to stop. I can't let them do this to you."

"You're not letting them do anything. I got myself into this and I'll get myself out."

"I won't let you deal with it alone." Catching her arm, Karin was forced to meet him eye-to-eye. Cold green flickered with quiet rage. "You're my responsibility. I promised your brother and Taichou that I'd take care of you."

"Let's get this one thing straight. The only one in charge of me is me. Remember that." She stormed off, tension straigntening her shoulders. Reluctantly he let her walk off, knowing he wouldn't be able to win her over. Not today, at least.

Sometimes he catches himself watching her from the window of his classroom. Her class had PE while his had history. Unintentionally his mind would wander and he'd see her laughing with her friends, smiling wide as she clapped her hands awkwardly. Karin wasn't any more graceful than how he remembered her. She was still awkward, still had too many edges for a circular peg to fit correctly in that round hole. But he liked how she didn't seem to care and just lived her life.

She had more guy friends than girl ones, but that didn't surprise him at all. They treated her like one of their own, ruffling her hair and throwing their arms over her shoulders familiarly. It made him look away whenever he saw it. It was none of his business, after all.

At least it wasn't until he was heading home, paperwork finished and the dates set for the athletics festival that everyone groaned about every year. It seemed that it was a rather competitive time, dividing the school into four factions that were literally at war for the week. He wasn't sure whether to be wary or not.

He got past the shoe racks before noticing the rain. It was only a light drizzle but was bound to get heavier. The nearest convenience store was out of the way but he would prefer stopping by there to getting drenched.

"You ready?"

Behind him, Karin was caring a red umbrella along with her soccer gear. He couldn't quite hide his surprise when she opened it and stood beside him.

"You still had practice today? In this weather?" he frowned as they moved into the light storm. He took the handle, glaring when she tried to stop him. She gave in with a little shrug.

"Just some drills in the gym. Nothing else we could do. It was a lot worse earlier," Karin explained as they made their way down the street.

He couldn't help but be curious. "Were you waiting for me?"

"Why, did you want me to be?" she chuckled, darting a sneaky smile at him. He did his best to act just as uncaring.

"I was merely curious. It was rather convenient, is all."

"I waited a few minutes, if you must know," Karin answered honestly. It shocks him that he doesn't have to pry it or trick it out of her. It felt like the little girl he knew had never really existed. And as he examined her out of the corner of his eye, Toushirou was very sure that she'd somehow become a woman. When did that happen?

He made sure his blush stayed hidden while Karin made easy conversation. They talked like that as he took her home, crowded together for shelter.

He didn't know why he bought it. It sat in his bag with absolutely no purpose and he perpetually had to tell himself not to turn around and return it or throw it away. But Hitsugaya couldn't bring himself to do it, so he went to class with the package in his bag, feeling foolish.

He reasoned that he didn't have to give it to her. There was no special occasion—her birthday wasn't for months and White Day had passed uneventfully. A little compulsive buy wasn't going to hurt anyone, so long as he remained quiet about it. So he kept his belongings close at hand for the day, making sure no one could peer into his schoolbag.

When that last bell rang Toushirou nearly breathed a sigh of relief. All he had to do was walk home with Karin and that was that. He'd put the package elsewhere or throw it in a trashcan on his way back to his apartment. No need to complicate the steadiness they'd finally gotten the hang of.

"Hey Toushirou. You ready?" Karin asked from the door, drawing a few envious glares from straggling girls. He nodded as he tossed his bag over his shoulder and ignored his own vengeful glances.

They made it all the way to the schoolyard before trouble broke loose. A couple of guys were horsing around, laughing and throwing a ball between them. Being president, Hitsugaya reprimanded them but not quickly enough. One of them bumped into him, his bag falling to the ground and coming undone from the brunt of the weight.

His eyes go wide at what managed to escape.

"What's this?" Karin asked as she picks up the thin, rectangular box. There was no special wrapping on it so it was pretty obvious what it was. He just couldn't bring himself to say it.

"Nothing."

"Doesn't look like nothing."

"I said, it's nothing," he answered back quickly, gathering his things without another word. He plucked his gift from her hands, trying very hard not to turn red. But the whole courtyard was watching by then, whispering and gossiping, and really, was there any explanation needed for why he didn't like humans?

Still, Karin was relentless. "So, who's that for?" she singsonged. She even had the gall to put her hands behind her and sway on her feet.

"Would you just drop it, Kurosaki?"

"I'm sorry, I can't hear you over all that suspicious behavior."

Toushirou was already too far gone. People had legitimately stopped walking and pulled out their phones, recording them openly while others seemed to be intent on texting who-knows-who. He was a captain of the Gotei Thirteen, dammit. He shouldn't have to explain himself, especially not to his former taichou's daughter and her oh-so smug face.

In the end words failed him. Without looking at her, he handed back the box of hair ribbons. He looked like someone reluctant to touch a leper and he knew his face had turned an embarrassed scarlet. But he had no excuse. He saw the little suckers in a window display and he'd thought of Karin's hair and how she used nothing more than a worn-out hair tie.

"It's just a thank-you gift. Don't expect too much," he grumbled as he made his way towards the gate. The frost in his stare had others pushing themselves out of his way, as he stomped out. He already knew he was going to be fodder for attention tomorrow and mentally prepared himself for it.

Sitting in class, both he and Karin ignored the squeals and whispers as she passed by his room, a red tie holding her ponytail in place.

"Yeah, but Ootsuka-senpai is definitely the Madonna of our school."

The other voices agreed readily, as Hitsugaya came to a halt in front of one of the supposedly empty classrooms. Really, why did people wait so long to get out of class just to hang around in them? That made no sense.

Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself to play his role on the discipline committee when other names began to drop. The cute first-year with golden curls, Asuka-chan. The perfect ice princess senior, Midoriko-senpai. The shy librarian assistant with pretty eyes hidden behind large glasses, Tanaka-san. He understood that boys enjoyed talking about pretty girls. He just didn't care for their blunt, self-indulgent opinions.

"What about Kurosaki?" His hand went still before he could slide the door open. He wasn't sure why.

"Oh, you mean Yuzu-chan? She's a cutie. The perfect Japanese wife," one of the boys sighed dreamily. It was obvious he was a personal admirer.

"No, not her. I mean, Yuzu-chan's cute and all but I was talkin' about her sister."

"Dude, should you really be talking about Karin? She's got a boyfriend, you know." The brunet was smart enough to check his surroundings for said-boyfriend but missed him listening in the hallway. Idiot.

"Yeah, but so what? Doesn't mean I can't look, right?" cackled the blond. Hitsugaya couldn't quite shake the itch starting in his knuckles. "It's easy to see she's a hottie. Cute face and that killer body. I'd totally bang her."

And I would totally rip your head from your shoulders. Dream big.

"She's not really my type…"

"If you saw her in a bikini you would think differently," another boy—one Hitsugaya was going to remember to push down a flight of stairs tomorrow—reclined in his seat, tucking his hands behind his head. The expression on his face said he knew something the others didn't and he was damned proud of it.

"Wait, what? You've seen Kurosaki in a bathing suit? How?"

"Went to the same middle school and we just happened to pass each other during the class trip to Okinawa."

"C'mon, I've seen her during practice and she doesn't look all that great to me. No femininity whatsoever." Waving his hand, the boy dismissed the possibility with a scrunched up frown.

The arrogant shit smirked before answering. "That's cuz she probably has to bind her chest. Girl is totally stacked. And those legs? Shit, I'd even take on her tyrant brother if I could get those things wrapped around me."

"And your dick inside her, right?" the blond jeered, high-fiving his pal with a cackle. It was the last straw. Honestly Hitsugaya was surprised his reiatsu managed to stay contained in his false body, though the temperature dropped severely in response.

"How about my hands around your neck? Would that be a fair trade?" Toushirou barely managed to keep his cool as he crossed the threshold, startling the group of perverts. His glower must've been potent because he was sure a few of them were trembling. Good. They better be afraid.

Grabbing his collar, he sneered at the teenage boy. "Listen well, kid, because I don't have the time to deal with you today. Stay the hell away from Karin because if I see you glance at her or even breathe in her direction, I'm going to make it so you won't be able to satisfy any girl. Ever."

"C-c'mon man! W-we-we were just jokin', just playin' around!" The apology reeked of fear.

"Then play with someone on your level. Karin's off-limits." Tossing the boy back, he towered over the group with more authority than was probably needed. Not that he cared. He wouldn't let them make the same mistake twice.

Slamming the door open, he left the group to gather themselves. But they weren't the only ones who needed to put themselves together. Pressing a hand to his forehead, Toushirou could feel the rage build up in his temples uncomfortably. He was sad to say he knew why, as he made his way out the front doors and cursed his own weakness.

The mission had been compromised, all because he'd fallen for one of his charges.

Meandering down the cement road, Karin smiled as she juggled the ball between her knees and feet. Practice had ended but she was still in high spirits. A tournament was coming up and she was excited to kick some major ass on the field. That Regional's trophy was going to look great in the school's display case.

The sky burned red with emotion, strangely bright even with the dying sun in the west. Oranges stood out against the purple that tried its best to compete. But the day was not quite late enough and the moon was only beginning to wake. There was more than enough time to get home.

Unfortunately she hit her ball at the wrong angle and it sped down the hill faster than her. Cursing, she chased after it, juggling her school stuff on one shoulder and her sports bag on the other. But it became a fruitless struggle when the ball came to a stop beneath familiar sole of one Hitsugaya Toushirou.

She knew she had to tread carefully. "Hey, sorry about that. Can you pass me my ball?"

She anticipated his silence. He'd been a bit strange over the last few days. From turning really quiet to outright ignoring her, she'd gotten fed up with his hot-and-cold attitude. She'd been walking home without him and it was starting to discredit their entire fake relationship. Not that she cared, of course.

He didn't answer. Instead he picked it up before piercing her with one of those contemplative stares she hated so much.

"Hello? Anyone home?" she waved a hand in front of him before dropping her things to the ground. The old pathway was usually deserted this time of day. She wasn't worried about them being taken.

Finally he answered. "I'm sorry about earlier. I've had some things to work out."

"Huh, no kidding." She rolled her eyes for effect, trying to get a rise out of him. It didn't seem to work as he held his ground with that same expression. "Look, I'm sure you've got a lot on your plate, Toushirou. I'm not looking for any favors so don't worry about it. I know you're here on Goat Chin and Ichi-nii's orders and that's a lot of pressure…"

"It's not because of them." She saw the way his eyes hardened, as if steeling himself for what he was going to say.

"Oh really?" She shifted her gaze away, unsure. "Then what's up? Are you in trouble or something?"

"Yeah, I'm in trouble," he let out a breathy laugh that came off resigned. It made her oddly worried. "I'm in a lot of trouble, to be honest."

"What is it? Is it something I can help with?"

"No, it's not anything anyone can really help with. Hell, I can't even fix it so how can I ask you to?"

"I'm not here for show, Toushirou. I can be useful too," she shot back at him, burned by his sureness. "If you'd be a little more open maybe I could help."

"You really want to help me?"

"Yes," Karin crowed, decisive.

"Are you sure?" He took a step forward and let the ball bounce to the floor. "You might regret it, Kurosaki."

"Oh yeah? Try me."

He didn't mince words, even as he cleared the distance between them and hovered directly over her. His eyes were blue marble, stony and clear in his uncertainty. And suddenly Karin was finding it difficult to breathe.

"Kiss me."

The command was so low, so tense that it sent a shiver down her spine, tickling the bewilderment that rose to the surface. She searched for the words to ask why but only managed to open and close her mouth in question. All she could do was stare up at him, not knowing how to handle the turn of events.

"Well?" The side of his mouth quirked up in grim amusement. "I thought you wanted to help."

"The kind of help you're asking for is weird," she barked back. Her body turned to iron at the arm that wrapped around her, pulling them impossibly closer. "I don't get why you're asking me this."

"Yeah, well, neither do I."

The wry humor almost made her smile back, as she took in every perfect plane and angle of Hitsugaya's face. She didn't know what was going on in his head and frankly she didn't think she'd get her answer unless she did it. So she stopped wondering and closed her eyes, pushing herself onto her tiptoes.

When Toushirou looked back on this, he would remember that Karin smelled of fresh soap and sunshine and felt as soft and womanly as she was strong-willed. She wasn't experienced in these kinds of things but it didn't matter. His heart had quickened and his mouth went dry from the simple touch of her skin. And he knew that just a peck on the lips would never be enough with her.

Just when she pulled away, eyes slit as she watched him with hesitation, Toushirou pulled her back and really kissed her. Cupping her cheek in his hand, he took what he knew he probably shouldn't have, stole a piece of her innocence that Karin wasn't ready to give. But she was no wilting flower who would crumble at the first sign of strength. No, Karin was the type to push back and test limits, pulling his head down and making it that much harder to let her go.

In the end, it was her who made that impossible decision for him: he wouldn't.

THE END

AN: Psst, here's a not-so-secret secret. I've got one more fic on the way this week. Keep an eye on my AO3 account page (check my profile for the link). ;) If you enjoyed, a review would be appreciated. I'll be updating more regularly now that I'm on vacation so please look forward to updates on my other fics, okay?

Thanks for reading, everybody! Until next time~