AN: Oh, what d'ya know? I made two updates in a month. Shocking, I know.

Chapter Twenty Seven: Something to Remember

December 20, Saturday, 11:45 AM

Karin narrows her eyes at Yuzu, as the latter Kurosaki twin offers a regretful smile.

"What do you mean you invited your two friends to stay in our house this winter break, Yuzu?" Karin gnashes, fixing her twin a hard stare.

"I am really sorry, Karin-chan!" Yuzu grabs Karin's arm across the table and looks at her with pleading eyes. "They said their towns are too far away from Seireitei so they couldn't go home and spend their time with their family. I just felt sorry for them, so..."

"So you invited them to stay in Karakura? In our house?" Karin cuts in, the disbelief in her voice evident. She notices her twin sister flinch as she leans forward and slams her hands on the table. Realizing that the action may have been uncalled-for, Karin settles back to her seat and heaves a sigh to calm herself down. "Seriously, Yuzu, did you realize what's the implication of that to me?"

Yuzu lowers her head. "I realized that, Karin-chan, but it was too late. I am really sorry."

"C'mon, Karin," another voice, one that is distinctly masculine, joins the conversation, "Aren't you being too hard on your sister? So she invited her friends to stay in your house but I don't see any problem with that."

"The problem with that, Captain Renji," Karin begins explaining, pronouncing each word with too much emphasis than necessary, "is that her friends don't know that I am a girl. They don't know that Yuzu is my sister. They don't know that we live together. So how am I supposed to stay in my own house with them around?"

"So?" Renji sounds genuinely confused. "Then, you can stay there as Kaito. You can tell them Yuzu invited you too. They're at least aware that you guys are close to each other so I don't see any reason they won't believe you'll be staying as her friend."

Karin opens her mouth to say something, closes it, then shakes her head. She can't believe someone can be as slow as this guy.

"Are you really that dumb, Renji?" It is Rukia who asks the question that Karin has in mind. "They may have believed that Kaito was a transferee student from LA, but most students are somehow aware that Kaito's hometown is in Karakura. Of course, they don't know that the house also happens to be Yuzu-chan's. So if Kaito-kun stays there, wouldn't Yuzu-chan's friends suspect why Kaito-kun is staying there when he has his own house in town?"

"Not just that," Karin adds, "Do you really expect me to stay there as Kaito and trust the old man and Ichi-nii not to blow up my cover?"

Renji scratches his head. "Oh yeah... Well, now that you said that."

Karin doesn't speak for a while. She looks outside through the glass frame of the fast food restaurant that they are in and observes people cross the street. Lost in thought, she picks up a few strips of french fries in front of her and brings them to her mouth, chewing the food half-heartedly.

"I am really sorry, Karin-chan," she hears Yuzu say again.

Karin exhales, knowing she can't stay upset with her twin sister for long. "It's okay, Yuzu. I must have overreacted. I realize it's better if I don't go home for this school break. I mean, what with Rukia-nee's news about Ichi-nii wanting me to go back to Karakura for good just because he's convinced I no more have a reason to stay here in Seireitei."

"That's what I thought." With her downcast gaze, Rukia appears like she might as well be talking to her noodles on the table. "With Ichigo being the idiot that he is, I will not be surprised if he will not allow you to go back here in Seireitei once you're home in Karakura. So it's best that you don't show yourself to him for now to avoid further argument. It's bad enough already. I talked to him and told him you'll stay here until this school year is over and he didn't take it well."

For like the hundredth times, Karin lets out another sigh. "Why am I not surprised? I guess I have no other choice but to spend my break in dorm. I'll be alone on holidays, isn't that exciting?" Snide, she inquires.

"Sorry, Karin-chan." Rukia is the one to apologize this time. When Karin raises a brow in question, the older woman elaborates. "Much as I want you to come with me this holiday so you won't feel left out, Nii-sama and I already a have plan to go out of town."

"It's okay, Rukia-nee," Karin dismisses, "That can't be helped."

"So how about you, Renji-kun? You said you're not going to spend the break with us in Karakura, right?" Yuzu offers silently. The way she glances at Karin gives the sign that she still thinks her twin sister has not yet forgiven her.

Renji pauses from munching his burger when he hears his name. He looks like he's contemplating something for a moment before turning to the women. "Ah, I'm planning to visit my grandparents. It's okay if Karin wants to come, but it's not exactly near here in Seireitei and there's not much to do there."

Barely able to stop herself from snorting, Karin eats another strips of her fries. "Yeah well, thanks, Captain. I don't think I'll have fun with your company anyway. No offense but you're kinda boring."

"Excuse me?" Renji scowls at her but Karin is no more paying attention. Nevertheless, that doesn't stop the redhead from continuing to talk. "By the way, why are you not with Hitsugaya today? Don't you think he'll get jealous if he knows you're choosing to hang out with us than him? Especially today."

At the remark, Karin remembers something. She moves her head to the side, meeting the stares of the others on the table. Blinking, she almost gasps, "Oh yeah, I have almost forgotten the real reason why I wanna meet you today guys." She looks at her twin sister. "Yuzu, you have it prepared, right?"

Yuzu has her spoon in her mouth when she blinks at Karin, looking like she is at a lost. Karin can't tell whether Yuzu has sincerely forgotten or she is just taken aback by the sudden shift of her mood. Yuzu pulls out the spoon from her mouth, then lightens up as though something dawns on her. "Yeah, Karin-chan!" she answers somewhat proudly. "I asked Rangiku-san to help me. And she got Gin-sensei and Momo-san to assist us as well."

"Cool." Karin can't help but grin. "Captain Renji, I just wanna tell you to remind the team about our plan later."

"Geez, you already told me that plenty of times. And I already relayed it to the team. I haven't forgotten, okay?" Renji mutters then proceeds finishing his burger.

"It doesn't hurt to be sure," Karin answers. "And Rukia-nee?"

Rukia smiles. "I've got the permission to use the place."

"Great! You guys are great!" Karin stands up and grabs the remaining french fries from the table. "I'll see you guys later then." Waving a hand to her companions, she gets out of the place.

5:30 PM

"Now spill, Kaito."

"Just follow me." Karin frowns and continues walking; Toushirou keeping in stride with her. She hears Toushirou growl. Hah! He must have been pissed off, but there is no way she is telling him anything. Not until they reach the place, at least.

"Kaito." Toushirou's tone is stern. Yep, he's definitely pissed off. "You disappeared this afternoon without telling me anything and you were not even answering my calls. You just came back a few minutes ago and the first thing that you told me to do is to follow you? Without any explanation? Who does that? Where have you been anyway?"

Karin halts and faces Toushirou who also stops walking. And talking. The guy is awfully talkative today. Not to mention, exceptionally aggravated. Then again, he is not used to anyone mandating him without telling him anything.

"Seriously Toushirou, stop scolding me, will you? You're starting to sound like a possessive boyfriend to me."

As soon as the words come out, both blush at the implication. But neither notices since they are too busy looking somewhere else to hide the red tinge on their faces.

"I was just worried." Toushirou whispers, almost inaudibly. "And I was hoping..."

Karin yanks her gaze away from her feet and looks up at her roommate, only to find him looking to the side with a frown. Not the usual I-could-care-less scowl though. On the contrary, he does look like he is concerned. It's quite endearing, to be honest, to see him helpless once in a while.

Karin smiles. "Sorry for worrying you. It was kind of too sudden that I wasn't able to tell you. And my phone was on a silent mode so I didn't hear you calling. So... you were hoping what?"

Toushirou meets her eyes. He remains staring at her for a while before shoving his hand in his pocket. "Nothing. Never mind. It's nothing important."

His casual gesture earlier should have given the heads-up that he'd brush off the subject, but Karin won't have that kind of answer.

She crosses her arms, decided not to buy his response. How can Toushirou expect her to believe it's nothing important when his expression is like stating it's something serious for him?

Before she can tell him that, however, another voice interrupts.

"Hitsugaya-san. Kaito-san."

They don't need to look at the person to know who it is. The laid back tone is distinguishable anywhere in Seireitei Campus.

"It's nice to see you, boys. Any plans for this winter break?" Kyouraku greets, ever the carefree school principal that he is. He walks to them and smiles. "You're both going home, right?"

Toushirou rolls his eyes but answers nonetheless, "Sure. You know how Uncle Jyuushiro can be overdramatic when Momo and I are not home on school breaks."

The principal hums thoughtfully, before turning to the other teen, "So you too, Kaito-san? And I don't mean LA since it sounds impractical, but you're at least planning to go back to your parents' hometown in Karakura, no?"

At the reminder, Karin feels the disappointment this afternoon resurface. "Much as I want to, I can't go home. So I'll be stuck in the dorm this coming holidays." She smirks mirthlessly. "At least if everyone is going home, I'll have the whole building to myself."

Karin doesn't notice Toushirou looking strangely her until the guy speaks, "You're staying here?"

"What other choice do I have?" she grumbles.

"You don't seem thrilled about spending your break here in Seireitei, Kaito-san," Kyouraku notes.

No more bothering to hide her displeasure of the situation, Karin sneers, "An understatement. I mean who the hell would be excited?" She pauses, and when she continues, she sounds more composed, "I was kind of looking forward to spend the break with the people I care about, you know. But I can't go home with Yuzu."

Remembering that Toushirou is standing next to her, Karin quickly backtracks, "I mean she's a close friend and all... And I can't go back with her. In Karakura. Yeah, of course, in Karakura not in Yuzu's house because we don't live together, right? Ah well, what I wanna say is there are circumstances at home right now and I can't go back. Going with Rukia-nee or Captain Renji is not really an option for me either." She ends up groaning inwardly, as she realizes she has been fumbling.

Fortunately, the men don't seem to notice her struggle to make up a good excuse. That, or they are both good actors.

"Ah I see." Kyouraku nods, the smile seems to be permanently pasted on his face. "Then why not go with Hitsugaya-san here?"

Karin blinks at the principal, failing to catch what he means. When it occurs to her, she all but flails, "No! I mean I'm okay with staying here!"

"Ah but why not?" The principal's smile turns into a full grin. "Being roommates for months, I'd think you're completely comfortable with staying with each other by now. Besides, I think Jyuushiro will be delighted to meet his nephew's dearest friend. Even Rangiku-san and Momo-chan seem to have taken a liking to you so they won't mind you staying with them."

Glowering at the grinning old man in front of them, Karin wonders if the principal has somehow known that she can't go back to Karakura and if he only asked because he wanted an excuse to suggest the idea of her staying with Toushirou's family this coming winter break. After all, this is Principal Kyouraku Shunsui, one of the canniest old man she's ever known.

"Will you not agree with me, Hitsugaya-san?"

At the mention of her roommate's name, Karin sends a side-long glance at Toushirou only to learn that he is still staring at her with an unreadable expression. He's remained silent during her and the principal's exchange but he appears like he wants to say something.

Oh you don't look happy with the idea. Karin thinks bitterly. If you have anything to say, just say it.

Avoiding Toushirou's eyes, Karin resumes on glaring at the principal instead. "No. It's alright, really. I don't want to be a bother."

And it's in that moment that Karin is thankful for another intrusion.

"Kaito-senpai," Akira calls out, jogging towards them. "Everyone is waiting for you guys."

"Oh yes!" she exclaims. She grabs Toushirou's hand and runs, pulling him with her. "Let's go, Toushirou!"

"You haven't told me where we're going yet," Toushirou protests but keeps up with Karin.

"You'll know," is Karin's only response as they turn into a corner.

A few more minutes of running and they stop in front of a very familiar door.

"So this is the assembly hall," Toushirou states, and Karin can't tell if he's confused, irritated or just plain bored. Or maybe all, if it's possible. "And we're here, why?"

To answer his question, Karin pushes the door open and drags Toushirou inside.

Everyone is present.

Okay, maybe not everyone but most people in school who are somehow connected to him.

Toushirou looks around quizzically, wondering what's going on. Suspecting that his roommate can explain it to him, he turns to his side and asks, "What's this all about, Kaito?"

"Oh c'mon, Toushirou, look alive!" Karin grins. "It's your birthday!"

A snowy brow shoots up. That information doesn't come as a surprise at the slightest. It's not as if he has forgotten about it. Of course, he is perfectly aware that it is the date of his birth.

In fact, it is with the same reason that he has gotten frustrated when he couldn't find Karin earlier. It's his birthday and all he wanted was to spend some time with her. It wasn't possible in the morning because they had half-day classes so Toushirou thought he could just invite her at lunch. Then maybe they could go to an arcade because Karin had always wanted to play video games with him since she'd heard from Yukio that he also slays at it.

But when his classes ended and he went to find Karin, he discovered that the stubborn woman was missing in action. Her classmates told Toushirou that they saw Kaito run out of the campus ground and it appeared like he was in a hurry.

Toushirou tried calling her phone then. He heard the ringback tone but after a few seconds, his call went out to the network operator. And that was enough to put him in a petulant mood for the rest of the afternoon.

He's been convinced that Karin doesn't know that today is his birthday. Now, he's proven wrong.

Turning back to the others, he examines the place better. At the corner, there are two long tables wherein trays of foods are placed. Nothing fancy, Toushirou is pleased to note, but what amazes him is how Karin has managed to gather all of these people here. Most of their soccer teammates, his classmates and some of the members of the Student Council and Student Disciplinary Squad are present. Unsurprised as he is, it doesn't mean he is expecting this.

A normal reaction should have been to be grateful. Unfortunately, such area is not covered by Toushirou's expertise.

"This is so..." he breathes, eyeing the cake on the table, "Cliche."

Because it is for him. At least the people didn't shout 'Surprise' or sing the 'Happy Birthday' song when they saw him enter few minutes ago. But still.

"Hey, shut up," Karin tells him indignantly, sending him a light punch on the shoulder. And then, she grins at him again. "Let's make this more cliche, shall we? You have to blow your birthday cake candles and make a wish."

She must be kidding. Toushirou doesn't see any candle. Thankfully. Because there is no way he's blowing candles in front of all these people.

But then, he sees Rangiku and Gin placing candles on the cake and lighting them.

"Seriously?"

"Yes, Toushirou. Seriously."

Toushirou begrudgingly lets himself be pulled by Karin again as she leads him to the table where his birthday cake is waiting.

Two hours have passed. Most people have cleared out, leaving earlier but not before giving Toushirou their birthday greetings.

"Hey, Toushirou."

Toushirou looks up at the caller, just in time to see her tossing a little box at him. On reflex, Toushirou catches the said box with his right hand, checks it and then looks back at the person with a raised brow. "What's this, Kaito?"

"What do you think?" Karin shrugs. "It's my birthday gift to you, genius."

Before he can react, Toushirou hears Momo squeal beside him. "That's so sweet of you, Kaito-san!"

"And why do you sound more excited than I am, Momo?" Toushirou asks with a hint of irritation.

"Open it, Hitsugaya-kun!" Momo pries.

Resigned, Toushirou lifts the lid of the box to reveal what is inside.

Silver. That's the first thing he notices. Seeing the thin chain, he assumes that it's some kind of a jewelry. Maybe a necklace or a bracelet. And yet Toushirou finds it odd that Karin would give him that kind of gift when he never wears any jewelry (a watch being the exception). That should have given Karin the idea that he is not into those things.

When he picks up the thing, however, he realizes that it's neither any of his guesses. In fact, it's a silver phone charm with two thin chains, a blue crystal dragon and a small silver crescent on either end. Examining the crescent carefully, Toushirou notices that something is engraved on it—the cursive letters H and T. Given the style, it's apparent that it's not something that Karin has picked up randomly. It doesn't take a genius to know that the phone charm is personalized.

Unable to hide his surprise, Toushirou looks at Karin with wide eyes.

As a response, Karin merely shrugs again. "I understand that you're not used to this kind of celebration, Toushirou. Though, to be honest, I'd think that you've experienced something similar to this before, what with Rangiku-san and Hinamori-san being your family."

"Hey, it's not our fault that he's always managed to disappear on us whenever we're trying to throw a birthday surprise for him." Rangiku chimes in from the corner. She is standing next to Gin, who is watching them with unconcealed amusement.

"How did you manage to organize this anyway?" Toushirou asks, still not sure how he's supposed to react to this whole birthday surprise thing. "I know it isn't something fancy but it must have cost you a lot."

Karin pinches her nose and averts her gaze. "Well, I had our friends' help. And... I saved for it, you know."

Toushirou's eyes widen even more when comprehension hits him. "Kaito... That thing you said you were saving for? You didn't mean..."

There is no need for Karin to speak her answer when she stares at the floor and shuffles her feet. She looks embarrassed and she's desperately trying to cover it.

So she did save for this day. And here Toushirou believed he was helping Karin when he agreed to participate in their class play during School Convention.

"It's no big deal," Karin says, sounding uneasy, "I wanna do this because I know this is your last birthday here in Seireitei High... And well, you know, I want to make it memorable for you."

He will be teased about what he is about to do, that's for sure. But seeing how adorable Karin is acting at the moment, Toushirou decides that the consequence will be worth it. If Karin can afford to be sweet in front of these people, so can he.

The surroundings shut down, Toushirou gives Karin a soft smile, then whispers, "It is. Thank you for doing this for me, Kaito."

There is no doubt that he'll never forget this particular birthday. After all, he's just received the best birthday present.

It's not about the small celebration nor the charm that Karin has given him, though he extremely appreciates both. But having the woman he loves spend this special day with him is the best gift he could have asked for.

"And I've been thinking about what the principal said. Kaito, do... do you want to spend the winter holidays with us?"

Karin looks up. It's her turn to have her eyes widen. "Eh?"

"You can come with us in Rukon District if you have nowhere else to go." And it's Toushirou's turn to avoid looking at her. "I... I'd really love it if you can be with me, I mean, us, this coming holidays."

"R-really?" Karin hesitates. She glances to the side and bites her lower lip, before asking, "Is it okay?"

"Is that a yes?" A smirk graces Toushirou's mouth.

Karin nods, giving her silent confirmation.

"Wow."

With that single word, Toushirou is snatched from his little world with Karin, back to reality. The reality that they have spectators.

"It's like I was watching a marriage proposal," Momo comments, eyes wide and twinkling.

Sure, Toushirou is prepared for this. Only, he's not expecting it to come too soon.

Yuzu giggles. "Really? But I thought they were already exchanging their marriage vows."

"Shut up, guys!" Karin snaps despite her blush.

"Hey it's true though," Momo reasons out, brushing off of the fact that Kaito had just shouted at them. "If I didn't know any better I'd think that Kaito-san is a girl and you guys are dating."

"Hey that's not fair! Why do I have to be the girl? With his pretty face, Toushirou will easily pass up as a girl."

Toushirou's eyes twitches. He looks at Karin, unsure if he's supposed to take her remark as a compliment or an insult. And why is she acting offended about being called a girl? She is a girl, for crying out loud.

Choosing not to linger on the thought, Toushirou nonchalantly points out, "You're a lot cuter than I am, Kaito."

Karin appears defensive. She walks up to him and pokes him on the ribs, eyes narrowed at him. "Is that another stab on my height, Toushirou? Just because you're taller now doesn't give you the right to call me short."

Toushirou looks at Karin like she has taken leave of her senses. "I said you're cute. I didn't call you short."

Puffing up her cheek, Karin argues, "They're the same thing though."

"No they're not," Toushirou retorts, feeling his own irritation rise. "Not all short people are cute."

Before their bickering can go any further, someone hems to get their attention.

The two simultaneously turn their heads only to realize that their little argument have become an entertainment to the people around.

"Now you're just arguing like a married couple," Rangiku jests, which earns a wild snickering from the others, especially from their soccer team mates. Some of them even have the nerve to whistle.

Yumichika joins the teasing. "Well, that escalated fast."

Bemused, Toushirou watches Karin blush furiously. He feels her hand wrap around his wrist and he is being dragged by her. Again.

"Let's get out of here, Toushirou."

Just as they are about to stalk off, Renji calls out, "Hey where are you going? The celebration's not yet over."

"Let them be, Renji," Rukia tells the readhead, "Married couples also need their alone time together."

Karin's face sets a new record as it practically beats the color of ripe tomato. And as Toushirou hears the laughing of their friends become louder, he sighs to hide a smile.

This has been a crazy day. And indeed, this is going to be an unforgettable birthday for him.

AN: They sooo love each other, Karin and Toushirou, they do.So I'll have my own birthday in a few days but all I wanna do is to runaway. I feel kinda lost, heh.

Anyway, I hope the two chapters in one month made up for my scarce updates. I'll try to finish this story within this year while I am sorting myself out. "Try", being the keyword there.

I'm also thinking of reposting the Hitsukarin fanfic that I discontinued and took down before. It's another AU (well, I'm the queen of AU) with the title "My Sassy Lady". I had the story line (I actually completed it) and it included only 12-13 chapters, so I thought if I am able to come as far as 20+ chapters with LPG, then I might as well be able to pull off writing MSL. And to be honest, I can't imagine myself giving up writing Hitsukarin stories, as cheesy as it sounds. I'll focus with this one at the moment though. :)

So there ya go, folks! Feedbacks will be nice. :)