Author's Note:
Here we are with chapter 10! We're officially two-thirds of the way through the story, guys! It's crazy to me how quickly time is passing...Anyway, I hope you enjoy this latest installment, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Phany9634: I'm so happy you were so pleased with chapter 9. I really enjoyed writing it, especially Isshin's and Ichigo's letters, lol.
SailorStar9: Your review of "Matsumoto, why?!" made me laugh so hard, you wouldn't believe X-D You gotta love Matsumoto, and her incredibly bad timing. You'll get another snippet of that in this chapter ;-D
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach. All credit goes to Tite Kubo.
Four days later...
The next couple of days were spent preparing for both Christmas at the castle, and the two-night party the royal family always hosted for the people in the kingdom. Toshiro's parents had started the tradition of bringing everyone together for a two-night celebration during the holiday season to enjoy time together, and to welcome in the new year as one people. Even though he'd never been a social person, the young king had always enjoyed the Christmas party; and this year, he'd especially enjoyed it because he had Karin to spend it with. He'd introduced her to people she hadn't met yet, and the two of them spent most of the two nights together; talking, teasing, dancing, and enjoying themselves without the stress of war hanging over their heads.
Christmas was the one time of year where Toshiro insisted that everyone take a break from the constant worry, and spend time with their families, instead. He, of course, only allowed himself the two nights of the Christmas party off, before he was back at intel reports; but he was glad that he could give his hard-working soldiers alternating time off throughout the course of the holiday season.
Everyone in the kingdom laughed, and danced the nights away; and Ryu had a lot of fun playing with the village children during the party. Karin enjoyed getting to socialize more with the people she hadn't yet gotten to know very well, and they all asked her about her trip south. She'd showed off the sketch and painting, of her nephew, and talked about her time with her family in more detail than she'd been able to upon her return the other day; with everyone soaking in every detail, and enjoying the descriptions of the tropical plants and animals that weren't found outside of the southern hemisphere.
With the party and preparations, the three days leading up to Christmas Eve passed by quickly, and Karin and Toshiro had spent the first evening after they'd returned from the festivities talking about what they wanted to do about their wedding. They both knew that it wouldn't be safe to tell anyone about their connection, but they didn't want to wait to hold a ceremony until after the war, either. In fact, Karin had been adamant about not holding a traditional wedding ceremony at all, no matter what they decided to do. She'd said that the last thing she wanted to do was subject herself to her sister's and Rangiku's attempts to force her into a ridiculous frilly gown and long lace veil, and have to play the hostess for hours afterwards during the reception.
At first, Toshiro had thought it might be best, for her safety, to wait until the war was over, after all; but Karin didn't want to do that. She'd insisted on seeing out the rest of this conflict as husband and wife, in case anything happened to either of them. She didn't want to regret not taking the chance when they could; so, they decided to elope, and only tell Momo and Izuru about it. The two royals knew that they would need two witnesses, anyway, and trusted the two of them to keep the secret for as long as necessary.
After a little bit of planning, talking with a retired priest who was very good friends with the late king and queen, Momo helping Karin make her gown, Toshiro spending time in the forge for a purpose he wouldn't disclose, and Izuru helping out by finding some flowers for Karin to use for her bouquet, it was finally time to put their plan into action.
Karin was getting herself dressed in the white gown with emerald green accents that she and Momo had made over the course of the last two days, when a knock came at her door. Curious, she went over, and opened it; seeing her future sister-in-law standing outside, and holding a large wooden box with the Hitsugaya family crest on it.
Smiling at her, Karin raised a questioning eyebrow as she let the woman in; and Momo smiled back as she handed the box to the raven-haired princess. "Open it; it's from Toshiro." she said; her eyes shining with excitement.
Looking from the box, to Momo, and back again, Karin lifted the top, and her mouth fell open in shock. There, sitting inside the velvet-lined box, was a beautiful Damascus steel crown similar to Toshiro's, but slightly smaller; with more intricate filigree, and inlaid with more diamonds than his own. Next to it was a silver choker necklace with a simple diamond drop, and she instantly recognized both pieces from the sketch she'd seen in his study. Rolled up next to them was a small piece of paper, which she took out of the box, and read:
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Dear Karin,
I know that you don't care much for jewelry; but, given that you're putting your name and kingdom aside to take up mine, I thought it only fitting that I replace your old necklace and crown with new ones. My kingdom is your kingdom now, and I want you to have something that reflects that status; even if it can't be openly acknowledged until after the war is over.
See you soon.
Love,
Toshiro
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After reading the note, Karin looked back at Momo; her eyes wide. "Did he make these?" she asked; watching as the young mother nodded in confirmation. "That's why he's been spending so much time in the forge the last couple of days. He wanted you to at least be able to be queen on your wedding day, since you won't get the opportunity again until after Aizen is defeated." she replied, as she smiled softly at her soon-to-be sister-in-law.
A soft, loving smile that Momo had never seen before from the young Kurosaki adorned her face as she looked back down at the items in her hands; staring at them for a moment, before looking back up, and finding Momo's gaze with her own. "Thank you for bringing these over, Momo." she said, as the dark-haired woman nodded again; smiling brightly at her. "Of course, Karin. Now, let's see what I can do with your hair." the young mother replied, as she closed the door behind her, and made her way over to the vanity in the corner of the room; gesturing for the raven-haired princess to sit down.
Karin nodded in reply as she made her way over, sat down, and the two women went to work finishing off their outfits; waiting for the clock to strike eleven, and for the ceremony to begin.
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Toshiro couldn't remember feeling more nervous in his entire life. This was one of the biggest decisions that he would ever make, and he was a mix of excited and anxious: excited to marry the woman he loved, but anxious for her long-term safety until this war came to an end, and Aizen was put down for good. 'Karin would probably punch me for worrying about this so much' he thought humorously; a small smirk making its way onto his face, despite himself. Standing next to him in the castle's private chapel was Izuru, who was acting as best man; and the priest, a Mr. Kurugashi, was presiding. Toshiro was grateful to his parents' old friend for being willing to come out of retirement, and do this for him in complete confidence. He'd grown up with the priest, and trusted him implicitly; knowing that he'd often been a confidant, and advisor to his father on many occasions. When he'd mentioned his secret marriage plan to the old man, Mr. Kurugashi had practically glowed with happiness; ecstatic that Toshiro had finally found his future wife, and readily agreeing to wed the two in the privacy of the castle.
As the clock struck eleven, the men heard heels clicking on the granite floor, and Toshiro turned around to be greeted by a widely smiling Karin. She was dressed in a long white velvet gown with trailing sleeves; accented with emerald green designs. Her usually spiky hair was put into a loose bun on the top of her head, and in her hands was a small bouquet comprised of Baby's-breath, and Calla Lilies. On her head, and throat were the crown, and necklace that he'd had Momo deliver to her, and he felt a surge of pride that he'd never experienced before completely encompass him; knowing that in less than an hour, she would be his forever.
She looked even more stunning in the jewelry than he'd thought she would, and he watched her every move closely. 'Diamonds suit her' he thought, as she came to a stop beside him, and they turned to face each other; Momo and Izuru standing off to either side of them.
Karin's eyes met Toshiro's, and she gave him a playful smirk. "We look like a pair of love-struck fools." she said; watching as his bright smile softened into a loving, and affectionate one. "Well, it's an accurate statement." he replied, and Karin's smirk morphed back into a soft smile of her own.
Momo cried all throughout the ceremony, and Izuru wondered humorously to himself if she would have any tears left to cry by the time the two were finished with their vows. "And now the ring." Mr. Kurugashi said, as Toshiro took out a simple silver wedding band with the Hitsugaya family crest on it from his breast pocket, and slid it part of the way onto Karin's ring finger. Holding her gaze with his own, he repeated after the priest. "I, Toshiro Hitsugaya, take thee, Karin Kurosaki, to be my wedded Wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance." he said; sliding the ring the rest of the way onto her finger, and feeling his smile grow.
Karin's smile widened, as well, and she also repeated after the priest. "I, Karin Kurosaki, take thee, Toshiro Hitsugaya, to be my wedded Husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love, cherish, and to obey, till death us depart, according to God's holy ordinance."
Smiling at the young king whom he'd known from a boy, Mr. Kurugashi pronounced them man and wife, and Toshiro kissed his bride as Momo cried, and cheered, and hugged her husband tightly.
When the ceremony was finished, and everyone was back in the foyer, Toshiro thanked Mr. Kurugashi again for agreeing to do this, and shook his hand; wishing him a good rest of the night, and seeing him off, as the old man got into his carriage, and drove off back to the town.
After watching him go, the young king made his way over to his new wife, sister, and brother-in-law; discreetly taking Karin's hand in his, as he looked from Momo, to Izuru. "Remember, not a word of this to Matsumoto." he said; watching as his sister smirked at him amusedly. "Aw, come on, Shiro; I really don't see why we can't tell her." she replied; obvious sarcasm in her voice.
Toshiro smirked back, and rolled his eyes as he spoke. "Because she's a hopeless gossip?"
Momo and Karin laughed, and Izuru smirked; all of them enjoying each other's company until they heard the clock chime out the announcement that it was midnight. Suddenly feeling tired from all of the crying she'd done, Momo yawned, and took Izuru's hand as they both excused themselves for the night; Momo throwing a sly smile, and a wink, at the newlyweds, and causing them both to redden as Toshiro sent her a glare in response.
As the princess chuckled in reply, the Kiras made their way upstairs; disappearing out of sight a few moments later. Karin looked to Toshiro, then; an excited smile on her face as she gently pulled him over towards the stairs. "Come on; since it's officially Christmas, there's something I want you to see." she said, as Toshiro followed behind her with an amused, but puzzled expression on his face.
They walked up the staircase, and made the journey over to his bedroom doors (technically, their bedroom doors, now); Karin stopping them in front of the ebony wood, and looking at him with shining eyes. "Open the doors; it's inside. I smuggled it in here before I came down for the ceremony." she said; her eyes shining, and an eager look on her face.
Toshiro cocked a quizzical eyebrow at her, but complied; opening the doors, and being greeted by the sight of a beautiful ebony bow; adorned with intricate silver filigree, and bearing the Hitsugaya family crest on the front of it. Next to it were custom-made arrows, and a quiver that was attached to a thin silver chain; the same kind of chain that he used to carry his family sword.
The stunned look on his face must have been evident, because Karin smirked at him amusedly. "I noticed that the other one you'd been using to practice with wasn't the best quality, so I thought you deserved a weapon befitting a king, now that you're a fairly decent shot." she said; watching with pride as he walked over to the bow, and picked it up. It was light, but the silver adornments gave it just enough weight to feel comfortable and balanced in his hand. It had clearly taken quite a bit of time to make, and the quality was first-rate. He pulled back the draw string, and found the tension to be just right; examining the arrows and quiver chain next, and wondering how on earth she'd managed to have all of this crafted without him knowing about it.
He was so caught up in examining the stunning weapon that he didn't even register the doors closing, and footsteps making their way towards him, until he felt arms snake around his neck from behind; Karin resting her chin on his shoulder, as he glanced over at her. "So, what do you think of your present?" she asked softly, as he gently put the bow back down, and turned around to face her; a loving smile on his face that she'd never seen before. "It's amazing, Karin; thank you." he replied; pausing for a moment, before his loving smile morphed into something more playful, and he looked at her with half-lidded eyes. "Now I just have one more stunning present to unwrap." he said, as he leaned down, and captured her lips with his in a deep kiss; closing his eyes as he felt her melt into it. Karin hummed in approval, and laced her fingers through his soft white hair as she felt his hands begin to wander.
Crowns were taken off, laces and fastens were untied, buttons undone, clothing left abandoned on the floor; and before she knew it, he had her in bed. She knew she should probably feel nervous, and self-conscious, but she didn't; Toshiro was the one person she trusted completely, and she knew he would never do anything to hurt her.
She finally found his gaze with her own when he pulled back from trailing kisses up her neck; looking up at him, and smiling softly. "Are you nervous?" she asked; Toshiro returning her soft smile with one of his own, and shaking his head.
Raising a curious eyebrow, Karin reached up, and brushed his white fringe out of his eyes. "Funny, I thought you would be. I remember the few times on the battlefield when you were the one who had to treat my wounds, and I had to strip down to my chest bindings, and undershorts. You looked like you were ready to faint; the color of your face matched the shade of the rubies in my tiara." she said; smirking at him, as her eyes danced with humor.
Toshiro gave her a smirk back, before adopting a mischievous smile. "True, but that was because I was alone in a tent with the attractive, half-naked woman that I'd fallen in love with. This is different." he replied; a confidence in his voice that she found both strangely alluring, and puzzling.
Karin looked at him questioningly, with a sly smile on her face. "And how is it different?" she asked; feeling his hand slide down the smooth, toned skin of her bare waist, and causing her heartrate to quicken in response. Looking down at her with half-lidded eyes, Toshiro replied. "Nothing's off-limits this time, so I don't have to hold myself back."
She was about to respond with something sarcastic and witty when he leaned down, and swallowed her words with a kiss. Karin lost any remaining desire to talk, and she slid her arms around his neck; her nails lightly scratching at his back in a playful tease. Something like a predatory growl escaped Toshiro's throat, and she immediately knew that she wouldn't be getting much rest tonight; the two of them not falling asleep until a couple of hours before dawn.
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Karin woke three hours later, at ten o'clock, to the morning sun shining through the windows; snuggled into Toshiro's side, with her head on his chest, and wrapped up in his arms. Groggily, she blinked a few times to clear the sleep from her eyes, before shifting her body slightly to look up at her husband. 'Husband…that word's going to take some getting used to, but I like it' she thought happily, as a soft smile made its way onto her face. He was still sound asleep, so she decided to watch him for a few minutes; reveling in how peaceful and at ease he looked, as his even breathing kept time with hers. It reminded her of the time when she'd found him asleep in his study, and the memory made her smile.
Slowly, she slid her body up just enough to reach his face, and she started placing gentle kisses on his jaw, cheek, and neck; smirking to herself when she finally felt him move, and pin her back down on the mattress as his lips found hers; pulling back a few moments later to look at her.
He gave her a soft smile, and kissed her once more, before finding her gaze with his. "Merry Christmas, Karin." he said; watching as she smiled softly back at him, and held his face in her hands. "Merry Christmas, Toshiro." she replied; pulling him down, and into another deep kiss.
He knew that they should probably get up soon, but neither of them were in any hurry to leave the warmth of the sheets, or the other's embrace; instead, letting hands wander the same way they'd done just a few hours prior.
"Your Highness, I have the-"
"OUT, MATSUMOTO!"
Rangiku yelped, and nearly dropped the stack of papers she was holding as she re-closed the slightly opened bedroom door; the ebony wood echoing a loud slam! throughout the corridor. The bubbly general glared at the door angrily. "Well, Merry Christmas to you too, sir! I guess somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning!" she yelled at the offending object, before storming off with the papers in-hand.
Inside the room, Karin had her face buried into Toshiro's neck; trying desperately to contain her laughter while the young king muttered angrily under his breath. Once they were sure that Rangiku was gone, Karin let loose, and started laughing hysterically; unable to suppress it any longer. "P-Poor Rangiku! Wh-What did she d-do to deserve that?!" she gasped out, as she desperately tried to rein in her amusement; Toshiro sighing in resignation above her, as he hung his head. "Yeah, I know. I'll apologize to her…later." he said; his frown turning into a playful smile, as leaned down, and quieted his wife's laughter with another passionate kiss.
Kissing him back with just as much eagerness, Karin felt him move from her lips, and over to the shell of her ear a few moments later; before making his way down her neck, and biting at the junction between her neck and shoulder. She let out a small moan of approval as her back arched involuntarily, and she felt him smirk against her skin. 'Cocky, self-confident bastard…but he's right; Rangiku can wait till later' she thought hazily as she tugged at his hair, and brought his lips back to hers. 'Mmhmmm, definitely waiting till later'
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Ryu, Momo, Izuru, and Rangiku were all drinking hot chocolate, and waiting at the Christmas tree by the time Karin and Toshiro finally made their appearance at eleven-thirty. Ryu ran up to them, and hugged each of their waists, before running back over to the tree. "Yay, Uncle Toshiro, and Auntie Karin are here! Now we can do presents!" he hollered, as he jumped up and down with excitement.
Walking over to the four of them, Toshiro turned to his general; an apologetic look on his face. "I'm sorry about this morning, Rangiku; I was just tired…I didn't get much sleep last night." he said; glancing discreetly behind the bubbly blonde, and seeing his sister and brother-in-law giving him knowing smirks. He shot them both a subtle glare, before focusing back on his general.
Rangiku smiled up at him, and shook her head in reply. "I appreciate the apology, sir, but it's not necessary. Momo told me that you were up late last night with Karin, dealing with some important matters pertaining to the kingdom, and the war; and that you had requested not to be disturbed this morning. I'm sorry, I should have knocked, or checked with you, before trying to barge in."
Toshiro nodded to both Rangiku, and Momo in silent thanks; before sitting down on the floor next to his general, and wife. "No apology necessary…but you're right; you really should learn to knock. You've already walked in on me at inopportune moments too many times." he said, as he gave her a small smirk, and everyone chuckled; with Ryu taking up his role as Santa, and handing out everyone's gifts.
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Presents took an hour and a half just to unwrap, and Ryu begged to try out his new bow, and sword, after everyone was done; ending with Karin and Toshiro agreeing to take him to the range, and training room, so he could test out his new weapons.
The six-year-old boy kept everyone busy for most of the day, and, before they knew it, it was time for dinner. Shuhei joined them for the meal, and then took Rangiku to the soldier's ball that they held every year on Christmas night, afterwards; while everyone else followed their usual routine, and went into the drawing room. Karin played with Ryu while Momo and Izuru exchanged their presents to each other, and Toshiro sat on one of the couches at the back of the room with pencil and paper in-hand.
While she was playing with her new nephew, Karin saw her husband look up at her every now, and again; a small smile gracing his face, before he went back to sketching. 'What's he drawing?' she thought to herself, as Momo and Izuru came over to grab Ryu, and bring him to bed.
The now-sleepy little boy looked at his parents, before looking over at his uncle. "Are you reading me a bedtime story, Uncle Toshiro, like you always do?" he asked; watching as his mother answered for his uncle, and Momo gently shook her head in reply. "No, honey, not tonight; Uncle Toshiro has some important work to do." she said; glancing over at her little brother with a small, gentle smile.
Toshiro nodded to her in thanks, and then looked at his dejected nephew; offering the boy a small smile. "I'll be busy for the next few nights, Ryu, but I promise I'll start reading you stories again next week."
The six-year-old thought for a moment, and started counting on his fingers; letting out a displeased whine when he was done. "Awwww, but that's four days away, Uncle Shiro!" he complained; earning a disapproving look from his parents. "Ryu, sweetheart, you should be thankful that your uncle reads to you as often as he does. Now, your father and I will read you one story each to make up for it; how does that sound?" Momo replied, as she watched the child's face go from sad, to excited in an instant. "Yay, one story each! Thank you, Mama! Goodnight, Uncle Toshiro; goodnight, Auntie Karin!" the little boy said, as he waved to the two adults, and was carried out of the room by his father.
Once the pair was gone, Momo looked back at the newlyweds, and gave them a wink. "I'm sorry you two couldn't take an actual honeymoon, but Izuru and I will do what we can to help out. Goodnight, and enjoy the rest of your evening." she said, as the pair each gave her grateful smiles, and she walked out of the room; closing the door behind her.
Once she was gone, Karin looked towards Toshiro with an amused expression. "It really doesn't take much to make him happy, does it?" she asked, as she walked over, and sat down next to him on the couch.
Toshiro gave her a small smirk in reply, and raised a questioning eyebrow. "You're just figuring this out now?" he replied; prompting Karin to punch him lightly in the arm, and roll her eyes. "Oh, shut up. Now, what have you been sketching?" she asked; curiosity in her eyes, as he handed her the piece of paper in his hands. On it were the crests of Karakura, and Orora; both circled, with the circles interconnecting on the joining edges of the two crests. Below the crests were two simple sentences that held a deep, hidden meaning for both the senders, and recipients: "Tapadh leibh airson earbsa a chuir orm le rudeigin cho luachmhor dhut. Tha mi a' gealltainn gum bi mi a' coimhead às a dhèidh, ga mheas, agus ga dhìon le mo bheatha."; which, when translated, meant: "Thank you for trusting me with something so precious to you. I promise to look after it, cherish it, and protect it with my life."
Karin studied the picture for a moment, before handing it back to him; a sly smile on her face. "Where the hell did you learn Gaelic? You know my brother won't know what that means, right?" she asked; watching as Toshiro's small smirk grew. "I learned some of it from the same source that you did, and self-studied afterwards. Ichigo may not be able to translate it, but your father can. I don't know of anyone else in the thirteen kingdoms, or Hueco Mundo, who knows Gaelic; so, Isshin's the only one who will be able to translate this letter. I want them to know what happened, but I don't want to risk putting anything specific down on paper; in case it gets intercepted. They'll understand what this means." he replied; his smirk morphing into a small smile, and he glanced back down at the sketch in his hands.
Nodding in understanding, Karin smiled at him as she reached up, and gently brushed his white fringe aside. "I don't know why I haven't gotten used to it by now, but your intelligence continues to amaze me." she replied, as she leaned in, and gave him a tender kiss; pulling back a few moments later, and finding his gaze with her own. "Thank you for doing this; they'll really appreciate it." she said; gratitude evident in her voice.
Toshiro nodded, and smiled softly back at her. "If I were in Isshin and Ichigo's position, I know I would want the same courtesy given to me. I'll send it by way of messenger falcon tomorrow." he replied; taking the paper back, rolling it up, and placing it into a small leather tube.
The young couple spent a little longer in the drawing room together, before deciding to take a walk around the palace, and wish all of the staff a Merry Christmas; deciding to call it a night, afterwards, and go to bed.
Karin and Momo had spent a part of the afternoon moving all of the new queen's clothes into Toshiro's room, while he and Ryu had kept Rangiku occupied in the training room; and it was strange, in a way, for him to see his mother's old closet once again filled with gowns, tunics, pants, leggings, boots, and shoes. His mother's vanity, which had also stood closed up and bare since she'd died, now held various items of jewelry, including the crown and necklace that he'd made for Karin.
While it was certainly strange to see the room reverted back to the state of his childhood memories, it felt so right, he wondered why he hadn't done this sooner.
After closing the doors, and locking them this time for good measure, he looked around the room while Karin removed her gold and ruby tiara, and necklace; placing them on the vanity, taking out her braided bun, and letting her spiky raven locks fall down her back in waves. When she turned around, and saw the far-off look on her husband's face, she walked up to him, and slid her arms around his neck; his hands automatically finding her waist. Raising a quizzical eyebrow, she gave him a questioning smile. "What's on your mind? You seem lost in thought."
Toshiro shook his head in reply; a gentle smile on his own face. "It's nothing. I just haven't seen the room look like this since my mother died. It brings back memories…good memories." he said as he leaned down, and kissed her.
Karin hummed in approval, before pulling away, extricating herself from his grasp, and turning around; moving her hair to the side, and giving him a cheeky smirk. "The dress fastens down the back, so I need some help. Your sister has great taste, but it would be nice if, next year, she bought me a dress that I can get in and out of by myself."
Smirking back, Toshiro reached up, and started gently unfastening the laces along the back of the long, dark green, silk gown that Momo had given Karin for Christmas. The young mother had told the former Kurosaki that since she was the queen of Orora now, she ought to have some nice clothing with the kingdom's official color; so, she'd had a dress made for her new sister-in-law for her Christmas present. Karin loved the gown, but she had needed Momo to lace it up for her; deciding to have a little fun later on, and ask Toshiro to help her get out of it. She knew he'd be more than happy to oblige.
Lace by lace, and loop by loop, the young king slowly made his way down the dress; sliding his hands onto Karin's bare waist through the new opening in the back, and kissing her neck. "I couldn't say anything earlier in front of the others, but you look beautiful. Green suits you." he whispered in her ear, as she tilted her neck slightly to give him better access. "Well, I'm glad you like it; but why do I get the feeling that you'd rather have me out of the dress, instead of in it?" she asked cheekily; chuckling when she felt him move his hands up her waist, and to her shoulders; sliding the gown off of her, and letting it fall to the floor.
Karin heard him murmur "Because you'd be right." against her skin, before she was picked up off the floor, and into the strong, protective arms of the man she'd fallen so deeply in love with, it almost scared her; his lips finding hers once more, and nothing but the night sky, and flames from the fire keeping them company.
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A week later, in Karakura, Isshin was just about to send off a letter by way of messenger falcon to Karin, informing her of Yuzu's engagement to Jinta, when one landed on the window sill of his study. When he looked at the bird, and saw the royal crest of Orora on the tube that contained his message from the northern ruler, he just stared at it for a moment; anticipating what it contained, but not ready to face the reality. Finally, after a few moments, he took a deep breath to brace himself, and removed the piece of rolled up paper the bird had delivered.
When he looked at the missive, and translated the text, a soft, affectionate smile made its way onto his face. He added one more section to his own letter, put it in the falcon's tube, and sent the bird back to the north; his sadness gradually being replaced with a newfound excitement that he hadn't felt since Ichigo's marriage to Orihime.
With Toshiro's message still in-hand, he left his study, and went to look for his son; finding him in the nursery, as the orange-haired young man rocked his own son to sleep.
Catching Ichigo's attention, Isshin held out the piece of paper for him to take; with Ichigo putting Kazui down, walking over to his father, and taking the paper from him. A look of confusion overtook his face, before he looked back at his father with a questioning expression. "I know this is Gaelic, but I have no idea what it says. How the hell does Toshiro know Gaelic?" he asked, as the Kurosaki patriarch took the letter back; smiling down at it. "I taught him a little bit of it when he and his parents came for Masaki's funeral. He must have kept learning it on his own."
Ichigo nodded, and looked from the paper in his father's hands, to his face; a curious look in the crown prince's eyes. "So, what does it mean?" he asked, as Isshin looked up to meet his gaze; a smile on his face that was filled with fatherly love. "Translated, it means: 'Thank you for trusting me with something so precious to you. I promise to look after it, cherish it, and protect it with my life'."
Nodding once more to his father, Ichigo looked over the sketch for several seconds, and processed the information; the silence stretching for over a minute before he spoke. "She married him, didn't she?" he asked; watching as his father merely nodded in confirmation.
Another moment of silence passed before Ichigo adopted a small, sad smile of his own; staring unseeingly at the letter in his father's hands. "Well, I knew it was coming. I'm kind of surprised it happened that quickly, but I did know it was coming. All I have left to say is that he better treat her well, and value her as much as we do. It's going to be so strange without her here. My second-in-command…my sister is gone, and my other one's leaving soon. It feels like things are changing too quickly." he said; shifting his gaze from the letter, to his son, who was fast asleep in his crib.
Walking over to the new father, and putting a hand on his shoulder, Isshin gave his eldest child a warm smile. "Karin may be gone now, but we haven't lost her; we've just gained a son, and brother-in-law. I know you'll miss your sister, just like Yuzu, Orihime, and I will; but what would be the point of living if we didn't let life change us? I know he'll take good care of her, Ichigo, and I think he loves her more than any of us will ever know." the Kurosaki patriarch replied; a knowing look in his eyes.
Ichigo raised a quizzical eyebrow at that; confusion once again evident on his face. "Not that I disagree with you, but how do you know that? You haven't seen him in almost a year, and he doesn't talk much, anyways. Hell, I couldn't even get a good read on him; and I was working, and fighting alongside him for weeks. I wasn't even sure about him after I'd had that conversation with him in Hueco Mundo." the strawberry said; watching closely as his father's face adopted a thoughtful look.
After a moment's pause, Isshin met his son's gaze, and he responded. "That's true, but Toshiro's never been a man of many words; he's a man of actions. Call it instinct, but just listening to Karin talk about all of the things he's done for her, both on and off the battlefield…I could tell there was a deep connection between the two of them. Toshiro's the type of person who doesn't trust anyone, or anything; but he trusts Karin, and that's a huge tell in and of itself. Believe me, Ichigo; he loves her deeply, and I know she's going to have a happy life with him." he finished, as his eyes reflected a peace, and confidence that reassured Ichigo more than he expected it would.
The crown prince nodded, as he held his father's gaze; silence once again taking over…until Kazui started crying; prompting his father to pick him up once more, and rock him back to sleep, while Isshin suddenly clasped his hands together in child-like excitement. "Oh, I can't wait to have more grandchildren to dote on! They're a young, energetic couple; I'm sure it won't be long befo-"
"OH, HELL NO! Karin's WAY too young for that, and I don't even want to THINK about THAT part of their relationship!" Ichigo shouted, red-faced and frantic; cutting off his father, and causing Kazui to start crying once again.
Isshin laughed, and smirked at his angry and panicked son as the carrot-top tried desperately to quiet the baby back down. "Ichigo, you of all people should know that children are the natural consequence of marriage. Yes, Karin's young; but I'm sure she could handle it if it happened. I, for one, would love to see this family keep expanding…and I think it would be good for Toshiro, too. Given his past, and the amount of people he's lost, I think having his own family would start to heal some old wounds." Isshin said; a softer, more melancholy smile making its way onto his face as he thought about the long list of important people in Toshiro's life who had died over the years.
Ichigo looked at his father skeptically in reply; his brow furrowed, and a worried expression on his face. "Before Aizen is stopped, though? If Toshiro's worried about Karin, who can take care of herself, being a target; how much worse would it be if it was a helpless baby that Aizen decided to set his sights on?" the strawberry asked; clear concern in his eyes as he met his father's gaze.
Isshin nodded contemplatively in reply, before letting his facial features relax; giving his son a slight smile. "You're right; it would be safer to wait until after this war is over, but no one knows what life has in store. Whatever their future looks like, they'll face it, and figure it out together. Now, I think it's time to go to bed; it's getting late." he said; walking over to his grandson, and giving him a kiss on the forehead. Looking back at Ichigo, the Kurosaki patriarch gave him one more encouraging smile. "Don't worry about your sister; I know he'll keep her safe, whatever comes."
Ichigo nodded, and wordlessly watched his father as the older man walked out of the nursery; the sketch still in his hand.
The strawberry continued to stare at the door for several more minutes before looking down at his own son; a small smile gracing his face as he watched the baby sleep soundly. 'Good luck, Karin. I'll miss you, but I really am happy for you. I hope you and Toshiro have a happy, and blessed life together; just like Orihime and I have' he thought, as he gently rocked Kazui in his arms; contemplating, just for a moment, how it would feel to be rocking his own nephew or niece, and feeling his smile grow in spite of himself. 'Alright, even if the thought infuriates me for certain reasons, I have to admit that I'd enjoy the result. Let's see what the future brings' he thought, as he put his son back in his crib, called the nurse in for the night, and made his way to his room; both anxious, and excited about what the future held for all of them.