Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. But maybe when I move I'll get a new one :P
Title: Beach
Genre: Challenge a Day: July 11th
The sky was slightly overcast with the sun occasionally making a bright entrance against the waves and shore of the beach. For once Ichigo was glad it had rained earlier. It made the beach practically empty of the usual annoyances that kept him from visiting more often.
Rukia led the way as just the two of them made small impressions with their bare feet in the moist sand. Ichigo noted the difference between their footprints and grinned as Rukia's much smaller tracks skipped ahead of his straight towards the ocean.
A light breeze whipped her sarong around her legs before she completely removed it and timidly moved towards the lapping waves in her bikini.
Ichigo watched her test the water with her toes as he laid out their towels and removed his open shirt leaving him just in board shorts.
"Oi Ichigo!" Rukia called back to him still facing the ocean. "Hurry up and get in before it gets too cold to swim!"
"It's already too cold to swim." he argued despite walking to join her. The water was cold, but not bitterly so. Goosebumps rose along his arms and body before he ducked his whole head underwater to get used to the temperature. He opened his eyes beneath the surface and spied Rukia's pale legs kicking lazily in the water.
He moved in slow motion under the water and reached to grab her ankle to slowly pull her down until her hair spread out and billowed like a dark halo. She was beautiful and Ichigo was glad she convinced him to come out.
Rukia tilted her head as if to ask why he was staring and Ichigo simply shrugged back. The tide gently pushed and pulled them beneath the water, and they took turns swimming little circles around the other before finally needing air.
As Ichigo broke above the surface, the sky had blossomed into blinding pink and orange colors as the sun set and night would fall soon after. Rukia surfaced behind him and wrapped her thin arms around his neck loosely. He held her there for a moment as they breathed the salty air and caught their breath.
"Happy early birthday Ichigo." Rukia whispered quietly in his ear before he felt a soft press of her lips against his neck.
"Ah," He smirked slightly before looking over his shoulder. "Thanks Rukia."
AN: Eh it's very short and not much is going on, but I liked the image and feel of it too much to toss it aside. Thank you very much for reading! Also, I feel like a dork because I was left a review last week about how great I was at responding to reviews and I haven't replied to anyone recently -_- Sorry about that, things are just very busy right now. I'm actually about to move half across the country in a few days, but hopefully when things settle I'll have time to give my many thanks to those who've left me their thoughts. Because they are VERY much appreciated! Thank you!