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Description
"What's with the invitation for an overnight stay?" The black-haired, petite Shinigami asked suspiciously, her arms on her hip in classic authoritative fashion.

"It's not like I'm going to ambush you and take away all your belongings," the orange-haired boy replied. "Did you have any trouble getting away?"

"No, Ukitake-Taichou was happy enough to give me the day off. I won't lie though, it feels great to be back here in this small town!"

"Shut up. And it's not small."

Ichigo had sent an invitation message through his Soul Phone a week ago. It was a message to Rukia, telling her to take the day off on the fourteenth of January for an overnight stay at the Kurosaki residence. And today, the Shinigami had arrived in Karakura town where she entered her designated Gigai at the Urahara store before being promptly picked up by Ichigo.

"Hey midget, take leave from your duties and stay at our house on January fourteenth. Dad's request," Rukia spoke in a singsong tone as she recited the words off the Soul Phone in her hand. She looked over at Ichigo, who was walking next to her. "Is that how you invite someone over to your house?"

Ichigo scratched the back of his head absentmindedly, as they walked along a side street. "That's the usual way I talk- OWWWWWW!!!" He doubled over in pain, clutching the side of his ribs where Rukia's strategic elbow had just landed seconds before. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR!? I invite you over, and that's how you repay me?"

"That was for the midget name-calling."

"Do that once more, and I will really put you in your place."

"Do you think you could do that to a Lieutenant?"

Ichigo stopped and looked at Rukia, before he chuckled. "Oh yeah, Kuchiki-Fukutaichou. So, how are things over at Soul Society? You seem to be very busy, you haven't visited in three weeks." Despite the promotion to the rank of a Lieutenant in her squad, Rukia had insisted that Karakura town remained under her jurisdiction as a Shinigami and frequently visited the town.

Rukia nodded and smiled, as she walked next to Ichigo. "We are planning to revise the officer system at our division. And there are more missions these days but all in all, it has been rather smooth. I will be back here soon enough."

Ichigo nodded. The two figures continued walking down the familiar lane in comfortable silence.

"How are you? How's school?"

"The building is still standing. But I will be ending high school soon, then there will be applications to universities. Dad has been bugging me about it these days." Ichigo let out a deep sigh.

Rukia smiled. "You should be happy that your father cares so much about your education."

Both of them arrived at the house and Ichigo walked up to the front door. "We are back."

From inside the house, a loud crashing was heard followed by a huge bellowing of a man's voice. "RUKKKKIIIAAAAA-CHAN!"

Ichigo rolled his eyes and turned to look at Rukia. "Oh, and welcome home."

*********

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUKIA!" Kurosaki Isshin shouted at the top of his voice, his two daughters Karin and Yuzu smiling by his side.

Ichigo watched the shock appear in Rukia's violet eyes, as she momentarily froze in the living room, where colourful banners with the words 'Happy Birthday Rukia' had been tacked up high on the walls. Her mouth opened and closed but no sound came out.

As I thought… she really had forgotten that today is her birthday.

"Come, come! We made you a Kurosaki homemade chocolate birthday cake!" Isshin was practically cackling with glee as he steered Rukia to the dinner table, which was piled with dishes and a beautiful chocolate cake with thick chocolate icing. And in a corner was-

"CHAPPY!" Rukia's eyes were shining as Yuzu took the fluffy white rabbit plushie and approached her with it.

"We chipped in for the rabbit toy too, Karin and myself. So it's not only Onisan and Otousan." Yuzu smiled as she gave the black-haired girl the plushie and a hug. "Happy birthday."

"Arigato." Rukia's smile was soft, and then she turned to Ichigo. "Today is the fourteenth of January?"

"Yes, Rukia. I thought you would like to spend it with some actual living people, than with your office paperwork. Though sometimes, paperwork can be better than some crazy living beings…" Ichigo trailed off, looking at his psychedelic father as he chased his two daughters around the house with three party hats strapped to his head.

Rukia chuckled. "Everyone… thank you so much for this."

*********

"So your father said we had to eat the cake and dinner early because you had plans for today," Rukia spoke up.

"Huh? Oh, that. Yeah." Ichigo fumbled with something in his coat pocket.

It had been after the little celebration and dinner at the Kurosaki residence. Rukia happily ate three plates of chocolate cake, much to the surprise of everyone. Isshin had also prepared all her favourite food, and she gobbled them down easily despite her small physique. They talked and laughed over the dinner table, the girls ignoring a fist fight between Ichigo and his father that kickstarted in the middle of dinner over the taste of the soup.

It had been a very lovely affair. Rukia was thoroughly enjoying herself, and the little spring in her steps displayed her light mood.

"So where are we going?" she asked curiously as they walked down the main street. After dinner, Rukia had changed into a pale yellow button-up dress with knee-high boots. It was still chilly out in January so she had brought a scarf out with her. Ichigo himself wore a red jacket over his shirt, with jeans and his usual set of shoes.

"I'm taking you out for a drink, there is a new place in town that Keigo was telling me about just last week." Ichigo chanced a glance over Rukia. "I have to ask you something first though… do you drink alcohol?"

Rukia looked at Ichigo in surprise. "Alcohol… as in sake?"

"Yeah… sake, or beer but you probably haven't had that before. The last thing I would want is to drag you home drunk, so I thought I'd ask first." Ichigo finally extracted a card from his pocket and handed it to Rukia. "This is the place. I thought you have never been to a pub before, so it would be a nice first time. But if you can't drink, we can always-

"Of course I can!" Rukia puffed out her chest. "I once downed a barrel of sake in one night and Renji had collapsed after just half of it!" She turned the glossy black card in her hand, with the words 'Bodega' written in ornate gold writing. "Er… what's a pub?"

"You would say it's the equivalent of a sake house in the real world." Rukia nodded at Ichigo's answer. "I haven't been to this place myself, but I have already put in an order for a birthday drink."

*********

Bodega.

Rukia stared at the gold words on the sign mounted high above the wooden door. She barely had time to register the words before the friendly woman at the door swept them both into the local pub.

Inside, it was warm and the place was lit with golden dim lights. Rukia looked around her new vicinity, a look of intrigue and fascination on her face. Three men playing cards at a table, a young man accepted a drink from a stool at the bar, and there was even three couples dancing to a slow tune on a small dancefloor in the corner.

"Well, this is a pub," Ichigo spoke, waving his hand around dismissively.

Rukia smiled. "It certainly doesn't look like the standard sake shop."

"Come on, your birthday present is waiting up at the bar." Ichigo nodded and walked up to the multi-tiered wooden bar, where a young man stood handling the various drinks on sale. Rukia's curious eyes took in the multitude of coloured glasses and bottles of alcoholic beverages.

"Order for the Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, under Kurosaki." Ichigo spoke to the young man behind the bar who nodded and reached under the counter. Rukia watched with round eyes as the boy placed a brown-and-cream coloured tall bottle in front of her, the edges lined with gold.

"What is it?"

"Well, it's alcohol but with a flavour of chocolate to go with the tinge. Mizuiro told me that females usually prefer chocolate liqueur to standard alcohol, so I thought I'd get you one."

Rukia turned to look at him, and he scratched his head.

"Yeah, well, I hope you like it," Ichigo muttered. "And er, happy birthday."

"Arigato." Rukia grinned happily at Ichigo, and it was only natural that the teenage boy smiled easily back at his black-haired companion.

"Well, cheers… to an even longer age and a fulfilling life." Ichigo raised the glass filled with the chocolate liqueur.

"Cheers… to more Chappy bunnies!" Rukia smiled and took a sip of the liqueur. Ichigo watched as the smile on Rukia's lips widened at the exquisite taste of chocolate and alcohol mingled in the drink.

*********

"One more! You know Ichigo, we should invite Nii-sama here! He would totally rock this place!" Rukia laughed, stumbling slightly on the pavement. Ichigo immediately caught her with both hands.

"What was that about downing a barrel of sake? You have just taken several glasses of chocolate liqueur and you can barely stand now," Ichigo grumbled as he placed an arm over her shoulder to stabilize her.

Rukia giggled slightly. "I'm fine! We should get more bottles… for Chappy to drink!" She started to turn back and Ichigo had to grab her arm to prevent her from walking back to the pub.

"You are a piece of work. Here, stand still." Ichigo looked at Rukia to make sure she was alright as he let go off her. Rukia's cheeks were red, the same shade of red that always appeared on her cheeks each time her Nii-sama was mentioned. She was wearing a silly grin but her violet eyes were bright and happy. Ichigo turned, his back facing her. "Come on, I will carry you home."

Rukia's voice was almost childish. "Honto? Really?"

Ichigo sighed. "Yes, and hurry. I don't want you to suddenly puke all over my jacket." He bent himself on his knees.

"Okay!" Rukia climbed up on his back, and Ichigo easily straightened up. He started to take steps forward, Rukia's weight a minimal problem to his movements.

"You okay there?" Ichigo asked as he walked down the street, his hands supporting Rukia below her knees.

"Hmmm…" He felt Rukia nod against his back, her hands looped around his shoulders.

Ichigo smiled. "You should have told me you couldn't drink alcohol. We could have done something else instead."

"I liked it."

Ichigo's eyes widened at Rukia's whisper, before softening. "I see."

"The chocolate tastes really good," Rukia murmured. "Chappy- I mean, I liked it very much."

"I'm glad." Ichigo chuckled. "Because that bottle of liqueur wasn't cheap."

"Arigato."
Ichigo smiled. "You are welcome. It's not like you come down everyday for birthdays anyway."

Rukia nodded, and then pressed her face into his shoulder. "I think Nii-sama was going to force me to go for a meeting with a noble tomorrow, something like an arranged date. I will have to tell him I can't make it then."

Ichigo, who had momentarily stopped in his movements at the statement, continued walking again. "I see."

"I told him women like me probably wouldn't get a match till forever. First off, my hair is short and I just made it even shorter. I do like it though." Rukia shook her head slightly in a funny attempt to flip her hair. "I'm also smaller than most… and I don't like girlish things. The only thing I find decent is my talent of art."

"Which is a delusion, because it is a real nightmare," Ichigo spoke under his breath, and promptly received a blow to the back of his head.

"You are a real Baka." Rukia huffed. "But what sort of man would like a woman like me anyway?" She chuckled at her own question. "But… I would take a night drink out with you anytime over a stupid date."

Ichigo smiled. "I'm honoured."

Rukia's voice was soft. "I really liked this a lot, Ichigo. The cake, the dishes, the bunny, the drink… the company. It's like… having a loving, big family all together around me for the first time."

Ichigo's eyes widened.

"Best birthday ever…" Rukia murmured. "Arigato… Ichigo."

"If you want to… you can come down to celebrate your birthday every year. We will do so without fail… every year."

All that answered him was a peaceful little grunt from Rukia as she slept.

*********

The house was already semi-dark as Ichigo reached out and unlocked the front door with his right hand. He let himself in as carefully as he could, careful not to let the doorframe graze against Rukia. Ichigo climbed the stairs easily with Rukia on his back, her weight barely a hindrance to his movement.

Ichigo moved in the direction to his closet but stopped immediately, wondering how he was going to move the petite girl from behind his back to her usual sleeping place without waking her up. After a second's thought, the orange-haired boy moved to his bed instead and gently sat himself onto the mattress. Slowly, Ichigo loosened Rukia's hands around his shoulder and transferred her onto his bed, making sure that her head rested properly on the pillow. He removed her shoes and placed them at the foot of the bed.

Left with nothing to do, Ichigo could only stare awkwardly at the girl now sleeping in his bed. He had not turned on the bedroom light when he carried her in, so it was rather dim in the bedroom with only the moonlight filtering in through the window. The silver light played across the features of Rukia, her pale skin and  stubborn bang across her forehead.

The brown-amber eyes softened as Ichigo stared down at Rukia, who was now sleeping blissfully in bed.

"What sort of man would like a woman like you… Rukia?" Ichigo chuckled softly as he looked down at the sleeping Shinigami. The whisper made its way from the young boy's lips, so soft it could have passed for a breezy wind. "Maybe… a Baka?"

Ichigo continued looking at Rukia silently, something he allowed himself for today… where it was just the both of them now, where nobody was looking, when Rukia did not know.

She was… beautiful. Ichigo liked that serene expression on her face as she slept, the absence of a concentrated frown and responsibilities of a hundred years as a warrior giving way to a pure, almost child-like image of a blissful woman as she slept. He had watched her sleeping on several occasions, be it a rest to recuperate after a near-deadly match or a phase of unconsciousness after she had been knocked out during battle. All those times, Ichigo had always been too worried for her safety to really look at her… he had never seen her sleeping properly before. And this here, this right here… fascinated him.

Ichigo never knew what prompted him to do what he did. Maybe it was the soft glow of the moonlight that bathed Rukia in a halo, maybe it was the alcohol in his blood, maybe it was just something that he had wanted to do for a long, long time. For Ichigo suddenly found himself leaning forward, his eyes never leaving Rukia's face as he moved closer to her.

His lips hovered in the air just inches above Rukia's forehead, and Ichigo felt the heat rush to his face. What was he doing!? For heaven's sake, this was Rukia, his long-time comrade and best friend! But for once, Ichigo wanted to acknowledge the feelings about this certain comrade, feelings that had been there for a long time now.

The first feeling of gratitude that came with her delivering her powers to him to protect his family, the feeling of fear when she was sentenced to death, the feeling of unshakeable resolve to walk through anything and bring her back safe with him, that warm feeling when she returned to Karakura and insisted on taking up hospitality in his closet once more.

And that one time, when they had the party at Karakura High and she wore the strapped black-and-white knee-length dress to the occasion. Ichigo had told her she looked like a mourner going to a funeral (before expectantly receiving a punch to the face)… but he had not told her how his heart had managed to skip a beat when he first saw her. He had not told her that he only felt irritation that night as he watched three boys ask her for a dance… and the fact that he was too embarrassed to do so as he felt she would laugh in his face. He had not told her that it was a Herculean effort to pretend that he was not looking at her all the time.

And he soon realized that one of the reasons (and a very big one) why he was so torn upon losing his Shinigami powers… was her. Without a Shinigami status, he no longer could see her, no longer could share anything with her. He could not fight next to her, nor work together on missions. Would she even have any reason to come to see him?

Ichigo was no fool. He long knew the nature of his feelings but it was still alright this way. Their bond had already been built on by so many things, and he would continue sharing everything with her. And one day… maybe one day when everything felt right, he would address these feelings aloud to her.

But for now, he was content. He was content to tease her on those nightmarish bunny drawings, content to fight alongside her in battles, content to see her on her visits to Karakura town. And right now, it should be alright like this…

   Ichigo leaned in a little closer to Rukia.

'Wait, what are you doing!?' Ichigo could hear his inexperienced teenage side call out to him. 'Rukia completely trusts you, she went out with you and got drunk and now she is not conscious! How could you do this to her, out of her knowledge?'

'Pffffttt, it's just a bloody kiss on the forehead. Stop it with the holier-than-thou principles, King.' Ichigo's eyes widened as he heard that familiar, evil-filled voice in his subconscious as his Hollow teased him. 'Be a man already, you are what, eighteen? I have heard the murmurs of your heart, King… and the images of that little Queen of yours in your head are quite tasteful in your dreams, she being all hot, flushed and bare, spread out on the bed like that. Hey, I never knew you were quite the naughty-

No, no!' Ichigo shook his head in horror. 'I never imagined her like that! Shut up!

If you are not brave enough, shall I do it for you? Coward?

Ichigo turned to look at Rukia and she chose that moment to smile slightly in her sleep, probably dreaming of an insufferable giant Chappy bunny. And it was the happy, sincere smile that undid him.

Taking in a deep breath, Ichigo took the plunge… and gently kissed Rukia on her forehead. The heat of embarrassment immediately gave way into something much warmer… and comfortable, as his lips contacted her skin. It was a simple gesture, an expression of words that he would not speak. That he would always look out for her, that he would always hope for her happiness and wellbeing so she could sleep well every night like this. And the kiss also carried a deeper meaning, being a first that Ichigo granted on his free will to the only girl other than his sisters.

He lifted his comforter higher up on her body, and watched as she snuggled into the sheets before letting out a loud snore. Ichigo chuckled softly in the dark, before grabbing a jacket from his clothes drawer. He  turned to head downstairs to the living room, where he would put up for the night.

Good night… and happy birthday, you midget.

*********

The next morning, a very angry and murderous Kuchiki Byakuya arrived in Karakura town armed with a pregnancy test kit and a sharpened Senbonzakura.

Description
"What's with the invitation for an overnight stay?" The black-haired, petite Shinigami asked suspiciously, her arms on her hip in classic authoritative fashion.

"It's not like I'm going to ambush you and take away all your belongings," the orange-haired boy replied. "Did you have any trouble getting away?"

"No, Ukitake-Taichou was happy enough to give me the day off. I won't lie though, it feels great to be back here in this small town!"

"Shut up. And it's not small."

Ichigo had sent an invitation message through his Soul Phone a week ago. It was a message to Rukia, telling her to take the day off on the fourteenth of January for an overnight stay at the Kurosaki residence. And today, the Shinigami had arrived in Karakura town where she entered her designated Gigai at the Urahara store before being promptly picked up by Ichigo.

"Hey midget, take leave from your duties and stay at our house on January fourteenth. Dad's request," Rukia spoke in a singsong tone as she recited the words off the Soul Phone in her hand. She looked over at Ichigo, who was walking next to her. "Is that how you invite someone over to your house?"

Ichigo scratched the back of his head absentmindedly, as they walked along a side street. "That's the usual way I talk- OWWWWWW!!!" He doubled over in pain, clutching the side of his ribs where Rukia's strategic elbow had just landed seconds before. "WHAT WAS THAT FOR!? I invite you over, and that's how you repay me?"

"That was for the midget name-calling."

"Do that once more, and I will really put you in your place."

"Do you think you could do that to a Lieutenant?"

Ichigo stopped and looked at Rukia, before he chuckled. "Oh yeah, Kuchiki-Fukutaichou. So, how are things over at Soul Society? You seem to be very busy, you haven't visited in three weeks." Despite the promotion to the rank of a Lieutenant in her squad, Rukia had insisted that Karakura town remained under her jurisdiction as a Shinigami and frequently visited the town.

Rukia nodded and smiled, as she walked next to Ichigo. "We are planning to revise the officer system at our division. And there are more missions these days but all in all, it has been rather smooth. I will be back here soon enough."

Ichigo nodded. The two figures continued walking down the familiar lane in comfortable silence.

"How are you? How's school?"

"The building is still standing. But I will be ending high school soon, then there will be applications to universities. Dad has been bugging me about it these days." Ichigo let out a deep sigh.

Rukia smiled. "You should be happy that your father cares so much about your education."

Both of them arrived at the house and Ichigo walked up to the front door. "We are back."

From inside the house, a loud crashing was heard followed by a huge bellowing of a man's voice. "RUKKKKIIIAAAAA-CHAN!"

Ichigo rolled his eyes and turned to look at Rukia. "Oh, and welcome home."

*********

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUKIA!" Kurosaki Isshin shouted at the top of his voice, his two daughters Karin and Yuzu smiling by his side.

Ichigo watched the shock appear in Rukia's violet eyes, as she momentarily froze in the living room, where colourful banners with the words 'Happy Birthday Rukia' had been tacked up high on the walls. Her mouth opened and closed but no sound came out.

As I thought… she really had forgotten that today is her birthday.

"Come, come! We made you a Kurosaki homemade chocolate birthday cake!" Isshin was practically cackling with glee as he steered Rukia to the dinner table, which was piled with dishes and a beautiful chocolate cake with thick chocolate icing. And in a corner was-

"CHAPPY!" Rukia's eyes were shining as Yuzu took the fluffy white rabbit plushie and approached her with it.

"We chipped in for the rabbit toy too, Karin and myself. So it's not only Onisan and Otousan." Yuzu smiled as she gave the black-haired girl the plushie and a hug. "Happy birthday."

"Arigato." Rukia's smile was soft, and then she turned to Ichigo. "Today is the fourteenth of January?"

"Yes, Rukia. I thought you would like to spend it with some actual living people, than with your office paperwork. Though sometimes, paperwork can be better than some crazy living beings…" Ichigo trailed off, looking at his psychedelic father as he chased his two daughters around the house with three party hats strapped to his head.

Rukia chuckled. "Everyone… thank you so much for this."

*********

"So your father said we had to eat the cake and dinner early because you had plans for today," Rukia spoke up.

"Huh? Oh, that. Yeah." Ichigo fumbled with something in his coat pocket.

It had been after the little celebration and dinner at the Kurosaki residence. Rukia happily ate three plates of chocolate cake, much to the surprise of everyone. Isshin had also prepared all her favourite food, and she gobbled them down easily despite her small physique. They talked and laughed over the dinner table, the girls ignoring a fist fight between Ichigo and his father that kickstarted in the middle of dinner over the taste of the soup.

It had been a very lovely affair. Rukia was thoroughly enjoying herself, and the little spring in her steps displayed her light mood.

"So where are we going?" she asked curiously as they walked down the main street. After dinner, Rukia had changed into a pale yellow button-up dress with knee-high boots. It was still chilly out in January so she had brought a scarf out with her. Ichigo himself wore a red jacket over his shirt, with jeans and his usual set of shoes.

"I'm taking you out for a drink, there is a new place in town that Keigo was telling me about just last week." Ichigo chanced a glance over Rukia. "I have to ask you something first though… do you drink alcohol?"

Rukia looked at Ichigo in surprise. "Alcohol… as in sake?"

"Yeah… sake, or beer but you probably haven't had that before. The last thing I would want is to drag you home drunk, so I thought I'd ask first." Ichigo finally extracted a card from his pocket and handed it to Rukia. "This is the place. I thought you have never been to a pub before, so it would be a nice first time. But if you can't drink, we can always-

"Of course I can!" Rukia puffed out her chest. "I once downed a barrel of sake in one night and Renji had collapsed after just half of it!" She turned the glossy black card in her hand, with the words 'Bodega' written in ornate gold writing. "Er… what's a pub?"

"You would say it's the equivalent of a sake house in the real world." Rukia nodded at Ichigo's answer. "I haven't been to this place myself, but I have already put in an order for a birthday drink."

*********

Bodega.

Rukia stared at the gold words on the sign mounted high above the wooden door. She barely had time to register the words before the friendly woman at the door swept them both into the local pub.

Inside, it was warm and the place was lit with golden dim lights. Rukia looked around her new vicinity, a look of intrigue and fascination on her face. Three men playing cards at a table, a young man accepted a drink from a stool at the bar, and there was even three couples dancing to a slow tune on a small dancefloor in the corner.

"Well, this is a pub," Ichigo spoke, waving his hand around dismissively.

Rukia smiled. "It certainly doesn't look like the standard sake shop."

"Come on, your birthday present is waiting up at the bar." Ichigo nodded and walked up to the multi-tiered wooden bar, where a young man stood handling the various drinks on sale. Rukia's curious eyes took in the multitude of coloured glasses and bottles of alcoholic beverages.

"Order for the Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, under Kurosaki." Ichigo spoke to the young man behind the bar who nodded and reached under the counter. Rukia watched with round eyes as the boy placed a brown-and-cream coloured tall bottle in front of her, the edges lined with gold.

"What is it?"

"Well, it's alcohol but with a flavour of chocolate to go with the tinge. Mizuiro told me that females usually prefer chocolate liqueur to standard alcohol, so I thought I'd get you one."

Rukia turned to look at him, and he scratched his head.

"Yeah, well, I hope you like it," Ichigo muttered. "And er, happy birthday."

"Arigato." Rukia grinned happily at Ichigo, and it was only natural that the teenage boy smiled easily back at his black-haired companion.

"Well, cheers… to an even longer age and a fulfilling life." Ichigo raised the glass filled with the chocolate liqueur.

"Cheers… to more Chappy bunnies!" Rukia smiled and took a sip of the liqueur. Ichigo watched as the smile on Rukia's lips widened at the exquisite taste of chocolate and alcohol mingled in the drink.

*********

"One more! You know Ichigo, we should invite Nii-sama here! He would totally rock this place!" Rukia laughed, stumbling slightly on the pavement. Ichigo immediately caught her with both hands.

"What was that about downing a barrel of sake? You have just taken several glasses of chocolate liqueur and you can barely stand now," Ichigo grumbled as he placed an arm over her shoulder to stabilize her.

Rukia giggled slightly. "I'm fine! We should get more bottles… for Chappy to drink!" She started to turn back and Ichigo had to grab her arm to prevent her from walking back to the pub.

"You are a piece of work. Here, stand still." Ichigo looked at Rukia to make sure she was alright as he let go off her. Rukia's cheeks were red, the same shade of red that always appeared on her cheeks each time her Nii-sama was mentioned. She was wearing a silly grin but her violet eyes were bright and happy. Ichigo turned, his back facing her. "Come on, I will carry you home."

Rukia's voice was almost childish. "Honto? Really?"

Ichigo sighed. "Yes, and hurry. I don't want you to suddenly puke all over my jacket." He bent himself on his knees.

"Okay!" Rukia climbed up on his back, and Ichigo easily straightened up. He started to take steps forward, Rukia's weight a minimal problem to his movements.

"You okay there?" Ichigo asked as he walked down the street, his hands supporting Rukia below her knees.

"Hmmm…" He felt Rukia nod against his back, her hands looped around his shoulders.

Ichigo smiled. "You should have told me you couldn't drink alcohol. We could have done something else instead."

"I liked it."

Ichigo's eyes widened at Rukia's whisper, before softening. "I see."

"The chocolate tastes really good," Rukia murmured. "Chappy- I mean, I liked it very much."

"I'm glad." Ichigo chuckled. "Because that bottle of liqueur wasn't cheap."

"Arigato."
Ichigo smiled. "You are welcome. It's not like you come down everyday for birthdays anyway."

Rukia nodded, and then pressed her face into his shoulder. "I think Nii-sama was going to force me to go for a meeting with a noble tomorrow, something like an arranged date. I will have to tell him I can't make it then."

Ichigo, who had momentarily stopped in his movements at the statement, continued walking again. "I see."

"I told him women like me probably wouldn't get a match till forever. First off, my hair is short and I just made it even shorter. I do like it though." Rukia shook her head slightly in a funny attempt to flip her hair. "I'm also smaller than most… and I don't like girlish things. The only thing I find decent is my talent of art."

"Which is a delusion, because it is a real nightmare," Ichigo spoke under his breath, and promptly received a blow to the back of his head.

"You are a real Baka." Rukia huffed. "But what sort of man would like a woman like me anyway?" She chuckled at her own question. "But… I would take a night drink out with you anytime over a stupid date."

Ichigo smiled. "I'm honoured."

Rukia's voice was soft. "I really liked this a lot, Ichigo. The cake, the dishes, the bunny, the drink… the company. It's like… having a loving, big family all together around me for the first time."

Ichigo's eyes widened.

"Best birthday ever…" Rukia murmured. "Arigato… Ichigo."

"If you want to… you can come down to celebrate your birthday every year. We will do so without fail… every year."

All that answered him was a peaceful little grunt from Rukia as she slept.

*********

The house was already semi-dark as Ichigo reached out and unlocked the front door with his right hand. He let himself in as carefully as he could, careful not to let the doorframe graze against Rukia. Ichigo climbed the stairs easily with Rukia on his back, her weight barely a hindrance to his movement.

Ichigo moved in the direction to his closet but stopped immediately, wondering how he was going to move the petite girl from behind his back to her usual sleeping place without waking her up. After a second's thought, the orange-haired boy moved to his bed instead and gently sat himself onto the mattress. Slowly, Ichigo loosened Rukia's hands around his shoulder and transferred her onto his bed, making sure that her head rested properly on the pillow. He removed her shoes and placed them at the foot of the bed.

Left with nothing to do, Ichigo could only stare awkwardly at the girl now sleeping in his bed. He had not turned on the bedroom light when he carried her in, so it was rather dim in the bedroom with only the moonlight filtering in through the window. The silver light played across the features of Rukia, her pale skin and  stubborn bang across her forehead.

The brown-amber eyes softened as Ichigo stared down at Rukia, who was now sleeping blissfully in bed.

"What sort of man would like a woman like you… Rukia?" Ichigo chuckled softly as he looked down at the sleeping Shinigami. The whisper made its way from the young boy's lips, so soft it could have passed for a breezy wind. "Maybe… a Baka?"

Ichigo continued looking at Rukia silently, something he allowed himself for today… where it was just the both of them now, where nobody was looking, when Rukia did not know.

She was… beautiful. Ichigo liked that serene expression on her face as she slept, the absence of a concentrated frown and responsibilities of a hundred years as a warrior giving way to a pure, almost child-like image of a blissful woman as she slept. He had watched her sleeping on several occasions, be it a rest to recuperate after a near-deadly match or a phase of unconsciousness after she had been knocked out during battle. All those times, Ichigo had always been too worried for her safety to really look at her… he had never seen her sleeping properly before. And this here, this right here… fascinated him.

Ichigo never knew what prompted him to do what he did. Maybe it was the soft glow of the moonlight that bathed Rukia in a halo, maybe it was the alcohol in his blood, maybe it was just something that he had wanted to do for a long, long time. For Ichigo suddenly found himself leaning forward, his eyes never leaving Rukia's face as he moved closer to her.

His lips hovered in the air just inches above Rukia's forehead, and Ichigo felt the heat rush to his face. What was he doing!? For heaven's sake, this was Rukia, his long-time comrade and best friend! But for once, Ichigo wanted to acknowledge the feelings about this certain comrade, feelings that had been there for a long time now.

The first feeling of gratitude that came with her delivering her powers to him to protect his family, the feeling of fear when she was sentenced to death, the feeling of unshakeable resolve to walk through anything and bring her back safe with him, that warm feeling when she returned to Karakura and insisted on taking up hospitality in his closet once more.

And that one time, when they had the party at Karakura High and she wore the strapped black-and-white knee-length dress to the occasion. Ichigo had told her she looked like a mourner going to a funeral (before expectantly receiving a punch to the face)… but he had not told her how his heart had managed to skip a beat when he first saw her. He had not told her that he only felt irritation that night as he watched three boys ask her for a dance… and the fact that he was too embarrassed to do so as he felt she would laugh in his face. He had not told her that it was a Herculean effort to pretend that he was not looking at her all the time.

And he soon realized that one of the reasons (and a very big one) why he was so torn upon losing his Shinigami powers… was her. Without a Shinigami status, he no longer could see her, no longer could share anything with her. He could not fight next to her, nor work together on missions. Would she even have any reason to come to see him?

Ichigo was no fool. He long knew the nature of his feelings but it was still alright this way. Their bond had already been built on by so many things, and he would continue sharing everything with her. And one day… maybe one day when everything felt right, he would address these feelings aloud to her.

But for now, he was content. He was content to tease her on those nightmarish bunny drawings, content to fight alongside her in battles, content to see her on her visits to Karakura town. And right now, it should be alright like this…

   Ichigo leaned in a little closer to Rukia.

'Wait, what are you doing!?' Ichigo could hear his inexperienced teenage side call out to him. 'Rukia completely trusts you, she went out with you and got drunk and now she is not conscious! How could you do this to her, out of her knowledge?'

'Pffffttt, it's just a bloody kiss on the forehead. Stop it with the holier-than-thou principles, King.' Ichigo's eyes widened as he heard that familiar, evil-filled voice in his subconscious as his Hollow teased him. 'Be a man already, you are what, eighteen? I have heard the murmurs of your heart, King… and the images of that little Queen of yours in your head are quite tasteful in your dreams, she being all hot, flushed and bare, spread out on the bed like that. Hey, I never knew you were quite the naughty-

No, no!' Ichigo shook his head in horror. 'I never imagined her like that! Shut up!

If you are not brave enough, shall I do it for you? Coward?

Ichigo turned to look at Rukia and she chose that moment to smile slightly in her sleep, probably dreaming of an insufferable giant Chappy bunny. And it was the happy, sincere smile that undid him.

Taking in a deep breath, Ichigo took the plunge… and gently kissed Rukia on her forehead. The heat of embarrassment immediately gave way into something much warmer… and comfortable, as his lips contacted her skin. It was a simple gesture, an expression of words that he would not speak. That he would always look out for her, that he would always hope for her happiness and wellbeing so she could sleep well every night like this. And the kiss also carried a deeper meaning, being a first that Ichigo granted on his free will to the only girl other than his sisters.

He lifted his comforter higher up on her body, and watched as she snuggled into the sheets before letting out a loud snore. Ichigo chuckled softly in the dark, before grabbing a jacket from his clothes drawer. He  turned to head downstairs to the living room, where he would put up for the night.

Good night… and happy birthday, you midget.

*********

The next morning, a very angry and murderous Kuchiki Byakuya arrived in Karakura town armed with a pregnancy test kit and a sharpened Senbonzakura.