A Normal Day?

"Rukia! Hurry up or I'm leaving your ass here!" Ichigo shouted from the bottom of the stairs.

"I'm coming!" Don't yell at me! I had to get my list!" She shouted right back, rummaging in his room

"You should have had it down earlier! Now let's go! I don't want Urahara to up and move just cause I'm late."

Rukia rolled her eyes as she stood at the top of the stairs. "What the hell are you picking up from him anyways?"

Ichigo turned a few shades of red, rubbing the back of his neck and turning away. "If it was about you, I'd have told you." He muttered. "I'm waiting in the car."

She sighed and gathered her things, slipping her shoes on right after. "He's in a weird mood today." She muttered, shutting the door and running out to the car. He had already started the engine and the car was nice and warm.

"It's been a bit chilly out…I thought you might want the heater." He stated nonchalant, keeping his eyes on the road as he backed up. Rukia smiled softly. "Thank you." She loved how he did this. He would always do little things to make her feel cared for. Even if she never complained about it. For example, there were always fresh sheets for her bed in his closet every month when she first commandeered it as hers. Neither Yuzu nor Karin had known she was there and it was unlikely that Isshin had gone through the trouble. This left her with one suspect. She never told him she knew. It would only embarrass him and make him uncomfortable. But words were not always necessary between them. He seemed to understand her gratitude without her words. It was always the little things with Ichigo. Just like Byakuya. How ironic.

"So what do you have to buy anyways?" He asked, interrupting the silence that had fallen between them.

"Just some dresses, shoes, a few feminine toiletries." She smirked, giving him an evil grin on the last one. Ichigo's face immediately turned red again.

"Please say no more." He covered his mouth and looked away. Rukia's smile only grew wider. "Then don't ask stupid questions, baka."

"Deal." He agreed quickly as he pulled up to the mall parking lot. He drove up to the designated drop off area and parked, stepping out and opening Rukia's door for her. "Here you are, Miss Kuchiki of There's-a-stick-in-my-ass clan. " He mimicked a driver, bowing deeply. Rukia couldn't help but laugh, punching his arm lightly as she jumped out. "Don't let Ni-sama hear you say that." She teased. Suddenly, her face became serious. It was like a feeling of dread just washed over her when she realized they were parting ways.

"What?" Ichigo chuckled, poking her nose. "Don't look so sad. It's only a couple of hours. I'll meet you at home when I'm done."

Rukia nodded, uncharacteristically hugging him around the waist. "Don't do anything stupid, baka." She whispered softly. Ichigo's eyes widened slightly in surprise at her affection but he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. "That goes for you too midget. Remember, you're taken now. Don't let any of those guys try and touch you, got it?"

Rukia just rolled her eyes. "Go already baka."

His hand ruffled her hair as he let her go reluctantly. "Have fun." He muttered, feeling the same sense of dread. Rukia watched him as he pulled out and drove away slowly. "It's probably nothing,…" She murmured, trying to shake off any weird feeling and putting a smile on her face. Ichigo watched her until she entered the store.

"Be careful, midget…," he muttered, putting the car in drive again and heading toward Urahara's. That special ring he ordered…he hoped it wasn't damaged during shipment. He would wring that shopkeeper's neck if it was.