Ichigo laid on his back watching the clouds move across the darkening sky of Soul Society. After much begging from Rukia on behalf of her brother, (though he'd never admit it nor would Ichigo dare to ask) he had agreed to act as the 6th Division lieutenant until a replacement was found. Renji's promotion party was going on as we speak and Ichigo, who had quietly excused himself about an hour ago, was feeling quite depressed.
"Hey what ya doin' up 'ere?" Ichigo jumped a bit at the voice but didn't turn around.
"Shouldn't you be at your party?"
Renji laid down next to Ichigo before answering, "Nah. Rangiku started a drinking game and "
"I thought you'd be the first to sign up." Ichigo's voice carried with it more bite than Renji was expecting. Renji turned his head to face Ichigo.
"What's wrong, berry-tan?" Renji said impersonating Mashiro.
"Don't call me that." All the bite from a few minutes age was gone. This change in attitude caused Renji to fully turn to face Ichigo.
"Kay what's wrong?"
Ichigo didn't answer for a few moments. 'What is wrong? Sure I like him but he doesn't like me so why be depressed?'
"Ya know," Renji said not waiting for an answer, "I missed ya after ya lef'. Rangiku even organized the drinking game to cheer me up. But I refused, said I need air and lef'. So why'd ya leave?"
"I don't know. Maybe I needed air, too. Or maybe it was to get away from you."
"So is that a not-so-subtle way of saying get the hell out a 'ere and leave me alone?"
"No, you're here now no reason for you to leave," Ichigo said turning to face the red-head. A half smile on his face. Renji took this as an improvement and turned back onto his back.
"'ey Ichigo, do ya like Rukia?"
Ichigo was taken back by the question.
"Not the way you're implying," Ichigo said with a snort.
"Then why'd ya agree to work for Kuchiki after her begging? If I were you, I wouldn't. Didn't like working for the bastard during the fall, winter or spring let alone the summer."
"It was that or deal with Shinji's weird-ass training and mumble, mumble"
"What was that last part?"
"To see you," Ichigo said softly.
"Why'd ya want to see meh?"
"Cause I like you." Ichigo said looking away. "Like the way you were implying about Rukia earlier."
"Oh." It was Renji's turn to be taken back by a statement.
"Well now that you know, I'll leave so you can think up ways to tease me about it later." With that Ichigo made to get up but found he was pinned by Renji.
"Didn't I say I missed ya when ya 'ad lef'? I don' want ya leaving again so soon so stay," and Renji planted a soft kiss on Ichigo's lips but pulled away before Ichigo could respond.
"Sorry," Renji said blushing.
"Don't be," Ichigo said pulling the Shinigami back down for a longer kiss. After the kiss ended, a breathless Renji unpinned Ichigo and rolled on to his back pulling the vaizard with him.
"Ya know that was the best promotion present I got," Renji said burring his nose into orange spikes.
"Well, you're welcome, glad you enjoyed it cause I wouldn't mind giving you another."