Here's another drabble, hope you enjoy!

Strays Stick Together

Rukia laughed as the canine before her nuzzled her nose with its own, before licking her face all over.

"Aw, come on, Renji," she giggled, patting the dog's head affectionately. "Let's keep him." The city alley they were in was darkening by the minute, as the sunset on the horizon gradually disappeared. "He can protect us, and be a good little companion." Renji glanced at his lover from the corner of his eye, standing and leaning against the cold brick wall as she played with the animal on the ground.

"First of all, Rukia, we live in an apartment building. Second, he might have a disease," countered Renji. The pup was of an unidentifiable breed, obviously a mixed up mash of several different variations. "He might belong to someone." In truth, the man just didn't really want to put up with having to take care of a dog. Rukia gave him a look that said 'Really?', and pointed to the mutt's very visible ribs.

"You're seriously trying to telling me that this dog gets fed on a regular basis?" Before he could answer, she continued, "And you think he's sick? Look at him, he's a sweet little thing, and he's not shying away from me at all. If he wasn't well, he'd either be attacking us or running away with his tail between his legs. I haven't seen a single fly on him, either." And she stood up, lifting the medium-sized dog with her, holding him before her fiance's face. "Come on, you know you want him. He's adorable!" Renji raised an eyebrow, the animal's muzzle shoved in his face, and scowled a bit when its tongue reached out and swiped across his cheek.

"Rukia, I just-"

"Strays stick together," she said, suddenly, her demeanor quickly going serious. He knew what she was referring to. They had once been orphans on the street, abandoned, with no home, no food, and no love. But just like this pup, they had managed to make it through. Beaten, brused-maybe even scarred-but nowhere near broken. And with that thought in mind, Renji allowed a small, warm smile to spread the length of his face, as he took the small creature from his partner, holding it.

"Alright," he sighed, feigning reluctance, "you convinced me." He tried to fake a pouty attitude, but the laughter in his eyes signaled to Rukia that he was fooling around. She smiled, and grabbed his arm, leading him to their home.

END

Yay, more fluff! Tite Kubo owns Bleach, and as always, comments are loved and appreciated!