Two months had passed. It was now the beginning of summer, and all Rukia wanted to do was have iced tea on a boat. That sounded nice. She waved the fan in front of her face as she sat on her couch. The air conditioning was broken until tomorrow, so she had to try and pass the time not thinking about the heat. That was easier said than done. She flipped around on the TV for a while before turning it off. She sighed and got up to get an ice pack from the freezer. She opened the freezer to find a small assortment of food. She opened the fridge and was reminded that she lived alone now. For many years, she had lived with Ichigo. The day to day life and routine she had been used to were now gone. She went to work on weekdays and spent time alone or had the occasional friend over, but that was it. Today was the beginning of her five day vacation. She had requested it after she returned from that inn. The one she had on her mind every day. She had made a reservation online for it, and was excited to learn she was able to get Emma's room for four nights. There was even a coupon where if she stayed three nights, she'd get one free, so she jumped on the offer. She wondered as she wrapped the ice pack in a thin towel if Renji would notice that she was staying there again. She didn't know how automated the process was. She looked out the window of her lonely apartment.

"I'm going to have to get a roommate or move soon." She said quietly to herself.

Her apartment was too large for just her, and the paychecks were being stretched thinner than usual. She sighed deeply as the cool ice pack hit her neck. She tried to lean against a nearby wall, but underestimated how far away she was from it. She slammed into it with a bit of force. Instantly, the memory of her kiss with Renji came flying back. She lifted one leg slightly to remember how she was. She could feel him holding her. His smell. His taste, everything. She lowered her leg as reality set in. She looked at the clock and realized she was running a little late. She couldn't check in until two, but it was almost noon, and she had to drive for an hour. She took her shower quickly and put a lightweight headband on that made her look feminine, yet mature. The ends of the headband ended just before her hair did. She loved the way it looked, so she wore a lavender dress that complimented the headband. She packed her bag quickly, making sure to bring along some comfortable clothes. She secretly wanted to impress Renji, but he really seemed like a laid back guy, so having a girl be overdressed around him might make him feel uncomfortable. She checked to make sure she had her camera, made sure everything was turned off, then locked the door to start her vacation.

As she drove to the inn, she could feel the nervousness increasing. She rolled down the window, took out her headband, and stuck her head out. She yelled and cheered to a fast paced song she found on the radio and kept doing it until she felt relief. It really helped, because when she arrived, she felt more confident and relaxed. She fixed her hair in the mirror and pulled her suitcase from the trunk. She looked around and was amazed to find that the one side of the inn was on a river. The dead end road was also a bridge that went over the river. She took a quick walk past the road and stepped onto the bridge. She took a few steps and was amazed at the beautiful, quiet river below her. She took out her camera and snapped some pictures of the river, the inn, and the road she was on. She didn't quite know why, but she felt like she wanted to see them later. She stepped off the bridge and headed inside.

She pushed the door open and was amazed to see Renji standing at the door, helping her open it.

"Welcome."

She immediately blushed. "Thank you. I..I'm checking in."

"Of course." He walked around the counter and checked her in. "Four nights I see." He looked up at her. "I'm glad you came back. I didn't know how much you'd want to come back here." Renji took her card and walked into the back.

"I'm here alone this time. Ichigo and I broke up shortly after we got home. He's already dating an old friend of mine. I'm happy for him. We still talk every once in a while."

Renji walked back and handed her card to her. "I'm sorry to hear that. Are you doing alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. We were together for so long that it felt like I would always be with him, but the move to being single was rather smooth, except I think I need to get a roommate or move into a smaller place."

"Well, you never know what tomorrow brings." Renji smiled warmly at her.

She smiled softly back. "When I get done unpacking, is there anywhere that you would recommend where I can go to relax?"

"You can go out on one of our boats. They're free to guests."

Rukia chuckled to herself, thinking about her longing for a boat and iced tea. "You wouldn't have any iced tea, would you?"

"We should. I can make some while you unpack."

"Sure, thanks." She ran upstairs and flew into the room. She ran downstairs in an instant and was met with Renji nowhere to be found. She looked around and saw the fireplace where they sat and talked, then moved into the dining area, where there were several tables set up. The large windows showed a view of the river right outside. She walked over to the door leading out and stepped onto the porch. A table with an umbrella sat near the edge of the porch. She watched the gentle water move the boats slowly, causing them to make a thumping noise as they hit the dock. She took a seat at the table and took more pictures. She heard the door open and looked over to see Renji arrive with two glasses of tea. She thanked him as he sat down at the table.

"This is nice Renji. I like it."

"I do too. Sometimes when there are no guests, I just sit here and sharpen my knives, or take a nap."

They talked for a while about anything they could think of before Renji let out a secret Rukia was not expecting. He was silent for a while before he finally told her. "Rukia, I shut the inn down while you are here."

Rukia put her glass down. "What? Why?"

"Well." He shifted himself in his chair. "The truth is, I wanted to get to know you better, and I didn't want any distractions. None of the workers will be here either. I actually locked the door before I came out here." He looked at Rukia's confused face. "I'm not trying to be creepy or anything, I just wanted to take you out to dinner, go on a boat ride, anything without being pulled away."

"So, you'd like to go on a date with me."

"It..it's not like that." Renji rubbed the back of his neck.

"It totally is." Rukia smirked.

"Hey, don't go putting words in my mouth."

"Ok, I won't say it's a date." She looked at him with a sly grin. "But it is."

"Ah, fine. You got me." He leaned back and drank his tea, stopping to hold his head from the brain freeze. He recovered quickly and slammed the rest of the tea. His glass made a loud thud as it hit the table. "Hey, want to go on a date right now?"

Rukia took a sip of her tea. "Now? Where?"

"Let's go on a boat ride. I'll take you to my favorite spot."

They hoped on the nearby boat and Renji rowed them towards some rock formations. There was a small island, and Rukia could see a picnic table. She was helped off the boat and took a seat on the table. Renji pulled up the boat. "See, this is nice, isn't it?"

"It is. I like it." The view is nice. She took out her camera and took a few quick pictures. While Renji was inspecting the area, Rukia secretively took a few of him. She felt guilty for taking pictures like that, but she wanted to remember everything. She put away the camera and looked around at the beautiful surroundings. They were surrounded by water and rock formations. Renji sat next to her on the other side of the table and pointed out all the different formations and where he's caught large fish. She loved the small talk they made with each other. It was like it was second nature. After a few minutes of talking, Renji got a call. He excused himself and walked towards the boat. Rukia watched him as he rose. He subconsciously unbuttoned a button of his shirt as he stood, causing her to stare. She watched as he walked towards the boat. She then could hear him yell.

"Tonight?! It's Friday?! I thought it was Wednesday! Can you give me 10 minutes? I'm on the island. Yeah, we'll be over in a few. Huh? Oh yeah I have a guest with me. Yeah, it's a female. Date?! I guess so. Does that mean you won't bug me about not having a date this year? We'll be right there."

Renji hung up the phone and turned around to a very red Rukia. "Hey, listen. I kind of forgot there's an Innkeeper Association dinner tonight. Can you go with me?"

"As a date?"

"Well yeah, if that's ok."

"Sure, but I don't have a dress to wear."

"Damn, that's right." Renji thought for a moment. "I bet Momo would have a dress in your size. We need to stop by the bar quick to pick up my suit." Renji helped Rukia back on the boat.

"Since when do you get suits at bars?"

"Since Ikkaku and Yumichika came to town. Ikkaku likes to serve drinks and Yumichika likes alterations and does dry cleaning. They were business partners, but their previous business bombed, so they opened the bar. It's actually very popular."

Rukia laughed at the thought of a businessman taking off his dress shirt, untucking his undershirt, downing a shot, and handing the shirt to get cleaned. It seemed like such a great idea. She wondered why no one had thought of it before. Rukia was snapped out of her day dream to Renji calling someone. It sounded like it was Momo. Renji turned around swiftly.

"What's your dress size?"

"Huh? I, um, a 0 or 2."

Renji spun back around and continued on the phone. Rukia contemplated if this was too small for him. She knew she was small. She's not even to her brother's shoulder, and he's a pretty average sized guy. She can't help it. She eats enough for two people most days. Renji hung up the phone as they reached the dock. He shoved the phone back in his pocket and tied the boat up. He helped Rukia out and told her to wait in front. She walked to the front and looked around. She then heard a car and saw Renji drive around the inn, turn around the dead end, then park right in front of her. The car was a black convertible that Rukia was surprised Renji could fit in. As she was about to open the door, the roof started retracting. She waited for it, then got in as Renji rolled the windows down.

"Nice car."

"Thanks. Let's roll."

The mid afternoon sun was shining bright, and Rukia loved the feeling of driving in a convertible. She never had before, but she could get used to it. She held her arm out the window as he drove. Rukia would catch Renji glancing over at her once in a while. She smiled as she loved the idea of spending more time with him. They arrived at the bar, and walked right up to the bar. Rukia sat down next to Renji. She felt like spinning in the bar stool, but resisted the urge.

"Yo, Ikkaku, ya gonna wait until February to get my suit?!"

"Calm your ass, man. Yumichika's baggin' it up right now." Ikkaku spun around, looked at Rukia, then smiled. "Hey, I'm Ikkaku."

"Rukia."

"Did this monkey drag you here kicking and screaming?"

Rukia leaned forward. "Nah, I was just on vacation and needed a distraction."

"Can I get you both a drink while you wait?"

"Old fashioned with cherries, please." Rukia's nerves were a little rattled from being around Renji's friends for some reason. The men looked at her.

"I was thinking more of a beer, but that works too. One old fashioned coming up. Renji, anything for you?" Ikkaku began making the drink.

"Beer's fine. Whatever you have on special."

"Cheapskate. I'm guessing Rukia will be paying for her own drink then?" Ikkaku eyed Renji with a wide grin.

"You bastard." Renji slapped down a 10 on the counter. "Take them out of that."

"Renji, you don't have to."

"It's fine."

"Thanks." Rukia took the newly presented cup and felt the drink warm her. She sipped it slowly as she watched Renji and Ikkaku talk. She looked around at he other people at the bar. They were all in lively conversation, or they were on one of the slot machines. The whole bar seemed clean, but still felt a little rough around the edges. It felt like at any moment, a biker gang would storm in and start a fight. Rukia just chalked it up to not being in bars that much. She looked back to see another man emerge behind the bar doors. Rukia guessed this was Yumichika. Renji and the two men talked for a bit while Rukia sipped on her drink. She didn't really mind that Renji didn't introduce her, but she did feel a little isolated. She saw Renji look at his watch. Rukia decided it was a good time to chug the rest of the drink since they probably had to leave. She slammed it on the counter, startling everyone.

"Oh sorry. I just though we'd have to leave soon." Rukia looked at Renji with questioning eyes.

"Yeah, we do have to see Momo. Thanks guys. I'll see you later."

They walked out and got back in the car. They drove back the way they came and parked just a few blocks from the inn. Momo was already outside waving.

"Hey Momo."

"Hey guys." She ran over to Rukia. "I'm Momo."

"Rukia. Nice to meet you. Thank you for the dress."

"Oh, it's no problem! Come inside. I have plenty to choose from. You wouldn't think that being this guy's housekeeper would lead you to many fancy parties, but I've had my share. Come on." Momo grabbed Rukia's hand and ran inside. "Now Renji, Rukia's going to model the dresses for you. You need to stay here and give her your opinion." Renji stopped and looked confused.

"Ok, I guess. I'm not very good at this sort of thing."

"Nonsense. Let's go to the closet." A few minutes later, Rukia emerged wearing a black frilly dress. Renji was sitting in a chair in the living room and gave a slight smile, but soon frowned.

"Too frilly."

She came out in three more before coming out in a simple black dress with lace trim. Renji widened his eyes, but before he could speak, Momo came over with a flowered clip for Rukia to hold her hair back. She also put on some earrings that dangled.

"So Renji, how's this one?" Rukia asked.

"Perfect." Renji shifted in the chair. Rukia looked at Momo.

"Do you by chance have any shoes in a 6?"

"We totally match. I do have some heels." She went to the closest and came back. Rukia slipped on the heels and was surprised by how comfortable they were. Renji stood up.

"We should get going. Thanks a lot Momo. Do you have a bag for Rukia's clothes?"

"Yeah, one sec." She ran back and gave Rukia the bag. She put all her clothes and her shoes in it and waved a goodbye to Momo as they exited quickly and drove off. Rukia looked down at the dress.

"This is a nice dress." She looked over at Renji, who remained focused on the road.

"Yeah, it is."

As they pulled up, Renji got out of the car and sighed. He didn't think he'd be that taken aback by how beautiful she was. They walked inside, and Renji threw his bag over a chair.

"We should be leaving in about 15 minutes. I'll wait for you down here." He then took off his shirt right in the front lobby. Rukia froze upon staring at his many tattoos. She came to the conclusion very fast that she liked tattoos. Renji walked over to the bag, which made Rukia promptly walk up the stairs.

She freshened up as best she could, then headed back downstairs. Renji was already waiting at the door. She stopped at the last step for a moment, then tried to take another step, only to lose her balance. Renji rushed over and caught her.

"Easy there. You ok?"

"Yeah, I just, haven't seen you dressed like that."

"Aw, did I take your breath away?" Renji joked.

"I guess so." Rukia looked down in obvious embarrassment. Renji looked away and cleared his throat.

"Well, you look like you should be in a painting or something." Rukia giggled, then they walked out the door.


Note: Thanks for reading.