Hi all :) Sorry this update took a while, but here it is: the 5th chapter of Thwarting Walls.

To cornelia77 - where Matsumoto is in the plot is explained during this chapter, but basically because this is set about 200-300 years after the winter war, I figured everyone would have moved on. Matsumoto will be making appearances (probably) but isn't integral to the story. Ichigo, on the other hand, would have died (as a human) and is probably in the soul society somewhere, but is just a resident in Rukongai, have little or no memories of his previous life (like Karin did at the beginning of the story), so he won't be making an appearance in this story. Sorry that I didn't explain that before, and I hope this clears your question up. Feel free to question me further if you want :)

Anyways, ENJOY :)

A pair of teal eyes opened early the next day, well before dawn, as they usually did. He groggily sat up, rubbing his eyes, trying to wake up. He glanced to his left and chuckled at the sight before him. Karin was lying flat on her back, her hair and limbs sprawled out. She looked so peaceful and serene - a side of her that was rarely seen.

The snowy captain didn't know when or how exactly it had happened, but he found himself in love with the loud mouthed girl slumbering beside him. It had taken some time to come to terms with his feelings but once he had, he found there was no reason to reject them. However, he had no idea how or if to act upon them. For one, he had no idea whether or not Karin felt the same and didn't have a clue how the murky area of 'love' actually worked full stop. Besides, he didn't want to take the risk of losing whatever it was that he and Karin had at the moment.

Putting his thoughts to one side, Hitsugaya slid off the futon and stood up, heading towards the bathroom. He showered and changed into a fresh uniform before padding into the kitchen, drying his white hair with a towel. To his surprise, Karin was already up, standing next to a boiling kettle with two cups filled with - he assumed - tea leaves.

"I didn't expect you to be awake yet." he said, sitting down at the small table. Karin shot him daggers.

"I didn't expect me to be awake yet either, but someone had to go shower and make the bloody boiler sound like a walrus trying to do a tricky shit."

The captain chuckled at Karin's analogy, a small smile spreading across his face.

"And you would know what that sounds like because...?"

Rather than verbally reply, Karin raised her middle finger at him, pouring the hot water into the cups as she did. He chuckled at her - she was definitely not a morning person.

"Here." she grumbled, putting the cup of tea down on the table in front of him with slightly more force than was necessary. Hitsugaya smirked at her, raising one eyebrow when he received a look that clearly said one-word-and-your-life-won't-be-worth-living. She set her own cup opposite and sat down too, resting her head on one hand, the other holding her warm cup of liquid caffeine.

"So what's on the agenda today oh great and icy overlord?" her tone teasing and sarcastic.

"Well puny underling," he said, matching her sarcastic tone "We've got to see Head Captain. It seems he's finally figured out how to handle you."

"Pftt... He wishes." she said flippantly, taking a gulp of her tea.

"Mmm... I don't think there is anyone who could actually handle you. I pray for whom ever is cursed with the task of training you."

In retaliation, Karin reached over, dipping her fingers in his tea before flicking the residual green liquid at his face.

"That was mature." He said monotonously. Karin just stuck her tongue out at him.

After about half an hour of bickering and tea-flicking, the two made their way to Squad One barracks. Once they reached the solid oak door of the Head Captain's office, the two stopped momentarily.

"Toshiro… Thanks for everything. I don't know what the old man's gonna tell me so I just want to say thanks for putting up with me these last few weeks."

Teal orbs looked into the violet ones, swirling with earnest gratitude and affection. Hitsugaya smiled a rare, genuine smile.

"You don't have to thank me. As annoying as you are, I actually enjoy having you round."

Karin chuckled at the insulting compliment and leant in to give the frosty captain a kiss on his cheek.

"…Thanks Tosh…" she whispered, her face just inches away from his.

There was no thinking involved. For the first time in his life, the snowy captain didn't analyse what he was doing, he just did it on instinct. He leant in, closing the gap between them and brushed his lips against Karin's. To his utter surprise and joy, she kissed him back. They simultaneously took a step towards each other, closing the minute distance between them, pressing their bodies together. Of their own accord, his arms wrapped themselves round her, one at her waist, the other tangling in her raven hair. He couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face as he felt her arms wrap themselves round his neck, pulling him closer. Karin parted her lips and her tongue slipped out, meeting his own and they both moaned when they felt the hot muscles meet, delving passionately into each other's mouths.

They only broke apart when their lungs were literally screaming for oxygen. They were both panting but Hitsugaya didn't dare open his eyes, scared of what Karin's reaction would be. Had he just ruined everything? Well, her arms were still wrapped round him, and she had kissed him back… Could he take that as a good sign? Teal orbs snapped open when he felt the raven haired girl lean into him, resting her forehead against his own. She chuckled slightly at his startled expression.

"…Finally managed to untuck your dick, did you? Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for you to do that?"

The snowy prodigy was relieved beyond words. She returned his feelings, and that made all the difference in the world.

"Why didn't you say something, then? I've never known you to hesitate before."

She pulled back slightly so she could look him in the eye.

"That's because it's you, Tosh. You're gonna want to kick me for saying this but you've seen the bad side of emotion one too many times. You've been hurt too many times before, and that makes you scared to express your real feelings in case they're thrown back in your face. I figured it out a long time ago. If I was gonna be with you, I'd have to wait for you to make the first move otherwise you'd be scared off."

Teal eyes just stared at her, stunned. Hitsugaya had always known Karin was more perceptive than she let on, but it was apparent that he had never known the depth of it. She understood him better than he thought, perhaps even better than he knew himself.

Karin laughed at the atypically dumbfounded look in those teal eyes and gently extricated herself from the warm hold.

"C'mon. Let's get this over and done with."

The Head Captain's voice resounded through the office, making Karin cringe slightly. Hitsugaya remained impassive – years of captain's meetings had made him immune to the border-line-deafening voice.

"Kurosaki Karin. It has been decided that, if you so choose, a lieutenants' position will be available to you. You have achieved shikai and are, therefore, a suitable candidate for the position."

It was true. Just like her brother, she was able to learn shikai in a matter of days (well, after she recovered from the hollow attack, she wasn't just going to sit around in the Squad Ten office all day). And with Hitsugaya's help, she was well on her way to mastering it.

"Captain Hitsugaya, since you have already taken Kurosaki under your wing and your squad is in need of a lieutenant since Matsumoto was promoted to Captain, would you be willing to have her placed into Squad Ten?"

Teal eyes snapped up to the Captain Commander.

"Yes Head Captain." He said, almost without thinking.

"And you, Kurosaki. What do you say?"

"Yeah, sure. That'd be great." Karin said, a rouge grin spreading across her face. Hitsugaya chuckled at her colloquial reply – it was so like her to still speak so informally even to the Head Captain.

"It is decided then. You two are dismissed."

Karin knew she was smiling like a lunatic, but she couldn't bring herself to care. Having collected her uniform and lieutenant's badge, emblazoned with the 10th insignia, the two were making their way back to Squad Ten.

"You look like a complete idiot." Hitsugaya said, his eyes swirling with amusement.

"Who gives a shit?! I'm your lieutenant!"

Hitsugaya chuckled, feeling slightly elated at the enthusiasm and genuine happiness in her voice.

"Yes, I'm aware. I've got my work cut out."

"Shut up… Remember I've gotta put up with your grouchy ass too." She said teasingly, slipping her hand into his.

He started slightly and she quickly withdrew.

"Sorry, sorry. Too fast?" she spoke softly, concern flitting across her features.

"No… Nothing like that. I'm … I'm just not used to people actually wanting to be near me…"

Teal eyes slid away from violet ones, looking down at the floor. Karin inwardly made a vendetta to end all those people who made him feel like this. She stopped walking, turning slightly to face him. Confused, Hitsugaya stopped too, looking at her curiously. No words were spoken as Karin pulled him in for a hug, wrapping one arm round his shoulders, the other hand stroking his hair.

"Well, you better get used to it. I'm gonna be around until you get fed up and tell me to fuck off, you hear?"

Hitsugaya smiled into her collar bone, his head resting heavily against her shoulder. He wrapped his arms round her waist, etching this moment of bliss into his memory once again thanking which ever divide influence crossed his path with the raven haired girl's.

"Why don't we just skip duties today? I seriously can't be bothered to do crappy paperwork."

"You've been a lieutenant for all of twenty minutes and you're already slacking off..." he chuckled, feeling considerably more light-hearted than before.

"Paperwork's shit and you know it." He chuckled again, but couldn't help agreeing with her sentiment. He gently untangled himself from her arms, but didn't relinquish his hold on her hand.

"C'mon…" Karin said, softly kissing his cheek. "Let's go back to yours. If you're lucky I'll even cook dinner for us."

"Even though it's my turn?"

"Yeah… Seriously, take the offer whilst it's there."

"That would be nice… Thanks."

"S'alright… Now, c'mon, not getting any younger over here!" she said, tugging slightly at his hand. He smirked at her, but followed her nonetheless, leaving his happily captured hand where it was. It had been an eventful day, but one of the happiest days of his life. He was officially with the woman he loved and, although there had not been many words spoken, he knew she was equally as happy as he was. To anyone else, nothing would have seemed to have changed – with the exception of the occasional affectionate gesture. They would always have their fair share of banter, Karin would always be just as crude and Hitsugaya just as cynical. However, neither of them wanted that to change, both quite enjoying their verbal jousts, regardless of whether they won or not.

But something had changed. Just by knowing the other shared and returned their love, both of them were considerably happier and all the more grateful to have the other by their side. And with Karin being made lieutenant, they had all the time in the world to enjoy each other's support, comfort and love…

R+R... You know you want to...