I'm so happy for everyone's review! You're all so kind! :D

Well here's chapter 6 Hope you enjoy :)

Ichigo's POV

I hung up the phone, smiling broadly. I can't believe I actually asked her. I decided earlier that day that I would do it, pushing the thought of what Mina would say away. Though it took a little crafty effort on my behalf, she said yes and I'd be picking her up Saturday morning.

Later that afternoon while I was finishing with the dishes, I got a phone call. I picked up the phone expecting a bill collector or someone else. I was surprised to hear a familiar voice answer.

"Hello? Ichigo?" Mina's voice asked on the other end.

"Oh hey Mina, whats up?"

"So, you scared Rukia into riding with you? I thought you weren't interested in her." I could hear the smile seeping into her voice. I could practically picture her face, grinning like she'd just won a fight.

"She told you I scared her into it? I just told her that she would probably get stuck in between your kids, like I usually do. I was warning her." I said trying to sound like I was just being friendly.

"So, is this a date or are you just coming to her rescue again?"

"I was just offering her a ride, Mina. Just because she doesn't have a car doesn't mean she shouldn't be involved in the town's picnic." As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I knew they were an excuse and so did Mina.

"Yeah, yeah. Well I'm glad you asked her. I guess we'll both find out if it's a date on Saturday. See you then." She laughed before hanging up. I sighed loudly as I hung up the phone. I went back to the kitchen to finish the dishes. Picking up a bowl, I began drying it. It's not a date, I thought. Surely she doesn't think it's a date....right?

Rukia's POV

Saturday morning I got up at around nine o'clock. That gave me time to fix breakfast, take a shower, dress Hanajima, and get myself ready. Checking the temperature, I decided to dress Hana in a yellow dress with a pair of black shorts underneath to make playing more comfortable. I dressed in a pair of black shorts similar to my daughter's that were about two inches above my knees. I wore a plain purple tanktop and brought both myself and Hanajima a light jacket in case of a change in weather.

I was brushing Hana's hair back in a braid when I heard a knock on the door, this one expected. "Come in," I stated without looking up from what I was doing. In my peripheral vision I saw Ichigo let himself in and noticed a little discomfort in his actions. I was almost finished with the braid when Hanajima attempted to run towards our visitor. Without a chance to let go of her hair, she got caught and fell back against me, letting out a groan. I heard Ichigo stifle a laugh as Hanajima began to cry. Smiling, I lightly hugged her after finishing with her hair. "Sweety, I'm sorry, but I wasn't done." I carefully patted her head before allowing her to say hello to Ichigo.

"Hey Hana, you okay?" Ichigo asked as he picked her up off the floor. She wrapped her arms around his neck and nodded.

"Yes." She spoke quietly and smiled up and him.

"Can you say 'Thank you' Hanajima?" I grabbed our jackets and my purse before walking up next to them. She looked down at me with this blank expression before shaking her head. Ichigo laughed and pat her back lightly. He looked down at me and smiled.

"You ready to go?" He pulled Hanajima higher in his arms closer to his shoulders.

Nodding, I took a small step away from him and closer to the door. When he made no move at all, I started for the door, apparently leading him to his truck. Once we reached his vehicle, he tried to help me in again before I stopped him. "Thanks but I got it, I'm not that small and helpless." Laughing, he backed off and watched as I pulled myself into my seat without much effort. He handed Hanajima to me carefully before walking to his side and pulling himself in. We were headed toward our destination and sitting in silence like we had a few days before. The silence wasn't that bad but I could sense Ichigo's discomfort again. I noticed him tighten his grip on the wheel, he had an expression on his face like he was straining to think of something to say.

I smiled up at him amused while his attention was still on the road. "Are you okay?" He glanced down at me and relaxed a little when he noticed my expression. He turned his gaze to the road again and nodded.

"Uh, yeah thanks. So..." He glanced at me again, still not sure what he was saying.

"Yeah?"

"Um...how are you doing?" He asked with an unsure tone. I couldn't help but laugh.

"We don't have to talk, I didn't mind the silence." Reaching over, I turned on the car radio and chose a station turning the volume down slightly. "There, does that work?" I looked back up at him, my amused expression still visible on my face.

"Uh, yeah." He smiled, also looking entertained. The rest of the car ride was silent and we both relaxed a little more. Leaning my weight against the window, I listened to the soft music until we reached the large picnic. Hanajima sat up and began looking around outside the window curiously. I reached over and unbuckled her seatbelt after unsnapping mine. As I opened the door and slid out, I finally realized how akward this was going to be. I didn't know anyone here except Ichigo and his friends and I had a feeling he would feel obligated to be my guide throughout the day. Lost in thought, I didn't realize Hana reaching out to me. She grunted loudly to get my attention.

"Oh sorry sweety." I grabbed her and sat her down next to me. Ichigo handed me our jackets before he pulled a cooler out of the back of his truck. He started off towards a few picnic tables and turned back to make sure we were following. I was a step behind him and when I looked down at Hanajima she was walking closer to him than I would have liked. She really liked him and I had no idea why. I shoved the thought away as we approached Ichigo's friends. They all smiled and greeted us with a little more enthusiasm than I expected.

"Hey." Renji said. He looked over and Hanajima. "Hi Hana." She took a step back and I thought she'd cling onto my leg like she'd done when they all came to visit, but instead she hid behind Ichigo, grabbing onto his jeans. Renji laughed at her actions and they all turned their attention to Ichigo.

"She seems to like you," Michiru stated, her smile widening. Ichigo looked down at Hana.

"Are you okay, Hanajima?" Instead of answering, she pulled closer to him, burrying her face in his leg. Ichigo took a small step away and sat the cooler down. He knelt down in front of her, leaning his arms against his legs, and looked down at her. "Do you want me to show you the playground?" He looked up at me. "Is that okay? It's right over there." Ichigo pointed toward a small play area not far off. I had a good view of it from the tables. I nodded and the next thing I knew, they were bounding off.

Sighing, I sat down at the empty end of the table, putting some distance between myself and everyone else. Mina noticed and slightly slid closer to me. "You okay?"

"Oh, yeah thanks." I gave her a quick smile and she returned the gesture. I looked around the table and asked, "Um...is he good with all kids or is mine just...crazy?" A roar of laughter exploded from the table before Hisagi answered.

"No, she's not crazy." He laughed again. "Most kids like him." Michiru nodded in agreement.

"Our kids love him, he's like the goofy fun uncle." She grinned and rested her elbow on the table, leaning closer to Hisagi. I nodded at her comment and glanced over at them. Ichigo was introducing Hanajima to his friends children before he made his was back to the table. I turned my attention to the table again. I looked over and saw Renji digging in the cooler pulling out two cans of beer, handing one to Hisagi. He pulled out another and tossed it at Ichigo without a word. Turning to me, he asked if I wanted one.

"Um, no thank you."

"How about a soda or water?"

"A water's fine, thanks."

"No problem." He grabbed a bottle of water and handed it to me before opening his can and taking a long pull. I opened my bottle and took a sip, sitting the lid on the table absently. As Ichigo was about to sit down, Hisagi and Michiru spread out, filling the open space across from me. Mina scooted back over to Renji, making room for Ichigo to sit between me and her. He let out a quiet laugh before rolling his eyes and sitting down. I took another drink from my water and screwed the lid back on.

We spent the next hour or so eating and talking. They asked a lot of questions and offered a lot of helpful information about the town. I didn't feel as akward as I thought I would and they didn't treat me like an outcast to their little family, though it was obvious that I was. They also included Hanajima. They continueously asked her questions even though she'd answer only Ichigo and myself. The kids didn't understand why she wouldn't talk but treated her kindly. The afternoon came quickly and after lunch was cleared the kids went back to playing.

I was looking around for Hanajima but couldn't spot her anywhere. I told Mina that I was going to go look for her on the playground and left. Walking through the crowd of children, I looked all around the playground. My heart started racing after a minute or two of my search. I turned to my right to see a part of the play area I couldn't see from my spot at the picnic table. There was a set of swings set aside. What I saw caused me to pause. I spotted Hana right away, she was the only one swinging and to my surprise Ichigo was there pushing her. They must have snuck off after eating without me noticing. I slowly walked up to them, still shocked at the sight of them together. Ichigo looked up at me and smiled.

"Hey, having fun?" He asked once I was close enough to hear him. I nodded without speaking. My thoughts must have been easily read on my face because his eyebrows knitted together. "You okay?"

I took a step closer before answering. "Yes, it's just....no one's ever really...played with her before..."

"No one?" He seemed surprised.

"No. No one other than myself...I mean...children don't really know how to act around her and she's usually too shy around other adults."

Ichigo shrugged. "Well, she didn't want to play with the other kids so I offered to push her on the swings. I hope its alright that we just took off, sorry I should've let you know what we were doing." I shook my head.

"It's fine." Leaning my weight against the swings frame, I watched them for a few minutes. Because I had work, we couldn't stay past four. I helped Ichigo get all of his stuff around and we said goodbye to his friends. We loaded into the truck and I strapped myself and Hana in. Before starting the truck, Ichigo turned on the radio and gave me a warm smile. I laughed and rolled my eyes. The ride was quiet and comfortable as Hana's light snores filled the small space.

Once we reached my house, Ichigo told me that he'd wait for me to get ready so he could drive me to work. As much as I wanted to say no, he'd done enough, I couldn't imagine carrying Hanajima the whole way there. I accepted his offer and invited him to wait inside. He picked up Hana, carried her into the house and waited in the livingroom. I was pulling my hair back in front of the mirror while reflecting on my day. I had a lot more fun than I thought I would. As forced as I felt into going, I had to admit I had a great day. As I opened my door, ready to head out, the thought of Ichigo waiting out in the livingroom popped in my head and I couldn't help but smile.

There it its. It took a long time but I'm glad I got it up! :D Hope you liked it! :)