Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach. It's property of Tite Kubo.
Summary: Thank you so much for your reviews! I know a lot of you cried when reading last one-shot, but I'm glad you still liked it. Now, today it's time for some fluff, my fvaorite genre as you might have noticed. Now, over the course of these one-shots and in general of my IR stories I realized I had written first kisses, first time together, the wedding, the arrival of their first child, getting back together, and more, but that I had never written the IR first date. Since that's unacceptable, I decided to write it here. So, here's the IR first date, along shenanigans from other characters. Now, this isn't an AU, as for the timeline it's a few months after the end of the war. It's Semi Au-ish for I decided to ignore the last two chapters altogether. So, no IH or RR in here.
I hope you like it!
Until tomorrow!
Reviews:
Bleach power: Thank you very much! And don't worry for not reviewing last chapter, I hope you and your family are alright!
Perfect
Prompt: Fluff Daily Themes: Sun, Heart, Perfect
Summary: Ichigo and Rukia finally go out on a date.
Kurosaki Ichigo was anything but vain. He didn't care that much about his looks or the clothes he wore. It if was comfortable and his style, he'd wear it. However, today he actually wanted to dress nicely. He raided his closet, frantic, looking for something decent at least. He found nothing, zilch, nada. All he had were ripped jeans and several T-shirts. The teenage boy cursed loudly. Of course he didn't have anything to wear on this special occasion.
"Onii-chan, are you alright?" His little sister said, knocking the door.
"Yeah, Yuzu, don't worry!" Ichigo said, running his hand through his hair.
However, his bedroom door was opened, and in came both of his sisters.
"It looks like a tornado passed through here." Karin said, whistling.
"Gah! Who gave you permission to come in?!" The boy yelled, feeling completely embarrassed.
"Why are your clothes on the floor?" Yuzu asked instead. "Is something wrong with them?" She said innocently.
"It looks more like a wardrobe malfunction." Karin commented, inspecting the clothes.
"Are you putting together an outfit, onii-chan?" The youngest Kurosaki said. "I can help you with that! What's the occasion?"
"Isn't it obvious? It's clearly for a date with Rukia-chan." Karin said matter-of-factly, making her brother blush.
"Wait, that's not─"
"Did someone mention my third daughter?" Isshin stormed into the room looking wildly everywhere. "Wait, why are all your clothes on the floor, Ichigo?"
"Onii-chan's got a date with Rukia-chan!" Yuzu exclaimed, grinning.
"What?! Seriously?!" Isshin yelled, looking at his son.
"That's not it!" Ichigo shook his head vehemently, his cheeks red.
"There's no need to feel embarrassed, Ichi-nii. We all know." Karin said.
"Finally! My idiot of a son is becoming a man! And with my dear third daughter, no less! Ichigo, you're making your papa proud!" Isshin ran to hug him, but Ichigo kicked him.
"Can you guys please not make this weird?" He pleaded, already giving up on the hope to dissuade his family that he wasn't going on a date with Rukia when he, in fact, was going on a date with said girl.
"It's not weird, onii-chan! We all know how you feel about her, and we're glad you're together now!" Yuzu said. From the very beginning, she had known Rukia was special to his brother, and was excited his feelings were mutual.
"Honestly, it took you too long." Karin muttered.
"We were beginning to think you had been friendzoned!" His dad interjected, making his three children stare at him as if he had grown a second head. "What? I keep with the slang of the youth."
"In any case, if you're having problems, you can always ask us for help, y'know?" Karin said, her words holding more meaning than what could be inferred at first.
Ichigo sighed. He knew that he would regret this later, but he had run out of options. "Fine. I'm taking Rukia out on a date around the city. What should I wear?"
Yuzu squealed, Karin nodded approvingly, and Isshin yelled loudly.
"We have a lot to do! Starting with your hair!"
"Hey!"
His family was very obnoxious, but Ichigo couldn't be too mad about it right now. It was a joyous event, really. This was his first date with Rukia after all, and it had to be memorable.
After the war, Ichigo had started contemplating about many things regarding his life. That had been the closest they had ever been to the end of the world. He could have died. His friends could have died. Rukia could have died. Life was too short to waste it away with nonsense. So, Ichigo decided to take his life into his own hands. First, he told his sisters that he was a Shinigami and everything that had to do with his job. Karin didn't seem surprise. Yuzu had accepted everything, although she did admit she was worried about him. Secondly, he told his father that he was seriously thinking about not being just a part-time Shinigami anymore, but taking it as a full-time job. He'd become a Shinigami instead of going to college. Isshin accepted that fact, for he know that was what made his son happy. Lastly, he put his feelings for a certain Shinigami in order. He had always known Rukia mattered to him more than just a friend, but he hadn't put those feelings into words. Now, though, he was brave enough to acknowledge the fact he had fallen in love with her. Ichigo decided to let her know, because they could have died, and she would have never known his true feelings. He confessed, expecting nothing, and was surprised when Rukia told him that she loved him back. They had been together since, but hadn't actually gone out because of Ichigo's schoolwork and Rukia's job managing the 13th squad now that Ukitake had, sadly, passed away. The two of them had been through too much, and that is why Ichigo wanted their first date to be perfect. His life would keep going, and he would make the best of it, Ychwach's words be damned.
"There! Do you like it?" Yuzu said. She had put together an outfit which consisted on dark tight jeans, black sneakers, a red shirt, and on top of it a black shirt.
"Yeah. It looks good, Yuzu." Ichigo said, feeling satisfied with her choices.
"Here." Karin said, passing him his leather wristbands. "They complete the look."
Ichigo smiled at her, and put them on.
"Now, let's do something about that hair, Ichigo!" Isshin said, taking out of nowhere a comb and gel.
"No! Leave my hair alone!" Ichigo yelled, covering his hair with his hands.
"I agree on this one with Ichi-nii, dad. He looks better with his hair as always." Karin expressed.
"Yeah, plus Rukia-chan likes him with his hair like this." Yuzu said, making her older brother blush.
"Ah, well. I guess you look good, son. Now, let's talk about your date. Always be a gentleman, bring enough money for food, drinks, and other things Rukia-chan might want, give her your jacket if she gets cold, and most importantly, bring protection, I do want to be a grandfather but not right now." Isshin's three children blushed heavily.
"Stupid goat chin!" Ichigo shouted and kicked his dad.
"I just want you to be careful!" Isshin yelled back, punching Ichigo.
"We're not doing that!" At this point they were brawling on the floor.
"Look, just take them. I'll be happy to have mini Ichigos and Rukias running around, but you do not want to face Kuchiki Byakuya's wrath, right?" The older Kurosaki said, cleaning the blood from his mouth.
"Fine!" Ichigo said, and took the condoms his dad was offering him. "But at least we could've had this conversation in private and not in front of Yuzu and Karin!" He pointed to his sisters who were still there.
"Oh no! What have I done?! I've tainted my beautiful daughters' innocence! Masaki, I have failed you!" Isshin cried, and hugged both of his daughters.
"Dad, we took health class in school already." Karin deadpanned, and got away from her father's embrace.
"Well, it's time. I gotta go pick Rukia." Ichigo said, starting to walk down the stairs. His family followed him.
"Good luck, onii-chan, I hope you have fun!" Yuzu said, and hugged him briefly.
"Tell Rukia-chan we said hi!" Karin added.
"And I hope you brushed your teeth, son. Don't want to scare her away after the first kiss!" Isshin joked.
"I'm leaving!" Ichigo retorted, slamming the door shut.
The three remaining Kurosakis watched him go with a smile on their faces. Then, Isshin ran to the poster of his deceased wife that he had hung up on the kitchen. "Oh, Masaki! Our son's finally a man!"
"So, where is Kurosaki-san taking you today?" Hinamori asked Rukia.
"Just around town. Maybe even to this thing called 'movies'." Rukia answered simply.
"Sounds exciting!" Isane said. "Maybe we should have movies in our next meeting."
"Yes. That's an excellent idea." Nanao nodded in agreement.
"You should take advantage of it, and go shopping, making Ichigo pay for it." Rangiku joked, winking for good measure.
"Rangiku-san, stop giving Kuchiki-san ill advice!" Nanao scolded the blonde woman, making Rukia laugh.
The female lieutenants were currently at the 13th squad barracks, helping Rukia get ready for her date with Ichigo. Date. She had never expected she'd actually get to experience something as human as dating, but here she was, getting ready for a date with a human boy. Her cheeks turned red just by thinking about it. Although it was true she had harbored strong feelings for Ichigo for a long while now, she hadn't expected to get into a relationship with him, let alone go on dates. It was something special, though. They had been officially together for some time now, but had spent little time together. When her schedule was suddenly freed for a day, it was the right moment to go visit Ichigo. She didn't expect him to ask her out on a date. Yet, here they were, and she couldn't be happier.
"What? It's perfectly sound advice. The guys always pay, you know." Rangiku defended herself.
"Yes, well, I do not think Kuchiki-san is going out with Kurosaki-san to mooch off his money." Nanao replied.
"Guys, relax. It's going to be something simple. We just want to spend some time in each other's company." Rukia said simply, cheeks rosy and a soft smile on her face.
"That's so romantic!" Hinamori exclaimed, swooning a bit.
"Yeah, it is." Nanao conceded.
Rangiku glanced at Rukia and smiled. The normally stoic Shinigami looked very happy. She had never seen such a calm expression on her face. It was clear to Rangiku that her fellow comrade was very in love with Ichigo. She felt a slight pang of sadness. Rangiku hadn't forgotten about her friend Orihime, who was in love with Ichigo as well. Then, there was Renji to think about. Both were heartbroken after the news broke out. However, Rangiku knew that they would have to get over it. There were times when first loves didn't work out. You can't make someone fall in love with you. She thought, remembering her own experiences. Yet, despite pitying her friends, Rangiku was also happy for Rukia and Ichigo. They deserved to be happy after everything they had been through.
"So, what are you going to wear?" Rangiku asked her.
Rukia shrugged sheepishly. "I was thinking about a dress, but I don't know."
The girls nodded approvingly.
"Make sure it's dark blue, so that it compliments your eyes." Hinamori advised her.
"And it shouldn't be too short. Just above your knees. That way it's classy and feminine." Nanao added.
"Add a necklace or other accessories to go with it." Isane said.
"And pair it with killer heels. They'll make your legs look long and sexy. Ichigo will appreciate it, believe me." Rangiku said.
"Rangiku-san!" Nanao said, scandalized.
Rukia just laughed. "I will." Then she looked at her phone. "Well, I gotta go. I'll see you later!" Rukia said and dashed out, leaving her friends behind.
"I wish I could go on a date too." Hinamori whispered.
"I'm sure if you ask my taichou, he'll say yes." Rangiku said deviously.
"Rangiku-san!"
"Stop meddling with other people's affairs." Nanao scolded her.
"Yeah. Whatever." Rangiku shrugged. "So, who's gonna tell Kuchiki-taichou that his sister might not come home tonight?"
The four women blanched.
"I'll prepare beds in the 4th squad for the unfortunate receivers of his wrath." Isane muttered.
Rukia opened the Senkaimon and landed in Karakura Town. She smiled, breathing deeply the air around her. She always felt calm when coming here. It relaxed her. Still smiling she walked to Urahara's shop, where the man was already waiting for her with her gigai. She put it on, ignoring Urahara's lewd remarks about the reason she had come for a visit. She asked him for the nearest mall, and started walking on that direction, still ignoring his words. Rukia noticed it was sunny, so that meant she would get away with using a dress like she had originally planned. She looked around the first store she found, and was lucky to find an indigo dress with short sleeves. She tried it on. It was a little shorter than what Nanao had recommended, but she liked it. Next, she grabbed a pair of black flats to go with the dress. She wasn't going to listen to Rangiku. Using her human currency, she paid for the outfit, and then returned to Urahara's to get dressed. There, she waited for Ichigo to come at exactly 3 o' clock.
"Kuchiki-san~! Kurosaki-san's here~!" Urahara announced, and Rukia came out of the shop, to find Ichigo waiting for her. His clothes suited him. He looked very handsome.
"Yo." Ichigo greeted her with a smile on his face.
"Hey." She said, a bit shyly.
"Let's go." He said, and Rukia walked towards him, nodding to Urahara on the way out.
"So, how have you been?" Ichigo asked her.
"A bit busy with the repairs and everything. Things have calmed down recently, though." She explained, noticing their hands were almost brushing.
"That's good to hear. Things were really bad last time I went." Ichigo said, remembering Soul Society's current state.
"And you? How's school?" Rukia asked him next.
"Busy. We're having exams soon, so I've been reviewing with Ishida a lot."
Rukia smirked at that. "Oh, so Ishida's your tutor now?"
Ichigo frowned. "Don't remind me. He's the worst teacher ever. He has no patience and is always scolding me."
"Oh, poor, baby." Rukia said, patting him on the cheek.
"Mock me all you want, but it's true. He's ruthless."
The girl chuckled. "And your family?"
"Dad's as crazy as ever." Ichigo said, rolling his eyes. "The twins are good. They say hi, actually."
Rukia beamed at that. "Tell them I say hello too, and that I'll visit them soon."
"You will?" Ichigo asked her, surprised.
"Yeah… I mean… if you want me too." She blushed at that.
"Of course."
"Then it's a plan."
They both smiled at each other. Ichigo reached out and grabbed her hand. Rukia smiled, and entwined their fingers.
"So, what's the plan?" Rukia asked him, realizing they were walking to a mall near the school.
"I thought we could eat while we wait for the movie to start." Ichigo said. "There's a nice place around here. I think you'll like it."
Rukia nodded and followed her boyfriend. They arrived at a nice and quaint restaurant which served a variety of dishes. They were seated at a cozy table for two people. It was almost secluded, giving them the privacy they both liked to have. Ichigo ordered curry, and Rukia was a bit more adventurous and ordered an Italian pasta. As they ate, they conversed about different things, and Rukia laughed at Keigo's latest antics. Ichigo seemed interested about the reforms Kyouraku was implementing and the changes they were going to be in the Soul Society. It seemed the place was going to be less rigid.
"Nii-sama talked to Kyouraku-soutaichou about the possibility of helping make things in Rukongai better for the souls living there. I think he was inspired by my sister. Many other Shinigamis supported his idea." Rukia said.
Ichigo marbled at the fact Byakuya had changed so much since the first time he met him. He liked that the noble was using his privilege as captain and noble to bring about change in the Soul Society. Although, Ichigo was aware he wasn't doing it just for his late wife. There was a very important reason for that petition, and it was standing beside Ichigo.
"There's been talk about rebuilding the Sokyoku." Rukia announced grimly.
Ichigo frowned. "What for?"
"It's apparently an important landmark." Rukia said, stabbing his pasta.
"It's a sign of oppression and death, that's what it is." Ichigo muttered, remembering Rukia's execution.
"I don't think they're going to rebuild it, though. A lot of Shinigami are against it. Nanao even started a petition against that motion."
"I'll sign it next time I visit."
Their conversation turned light again, as Rukia retold a story starring Kiyone and Sentarou, and their inability to work as a team unless it's meant to impress someone, such as their lieutenant. Soon, it was time for the movie. Ichigo paid for their food, while Rukia teased him for being a gentleman. Then, they walked to the cinema and Ichigo paid for their tickets as well. They were going to watch an adventure film about a couple of spies discovering a great conspiracy against their organization and other secrets. Ichigo figured action was a good genre, for both weren't really the romantic kind, and watching a horror movie on the first date seemed like a cliché to Ichigo.
The film was action packed as it had looked in the trailers, but soon the couple discovered it was more than that. The premise was interesting, and the actors knew how to execute the performance. Ichigo was intrigued to know who was betraying the organization, and how would the spies discover it. Then, the movie took a turn when it became clear something was going on between the protagonists. At one point, the main female character took a shot to save her partner, and almost died as a result. Ichigo could feel the protagonist's raw emotions at seeing his partner laying on a pool of blood for his sake. He could understand it perfectly. The helplessness of not being able to protect someone important to you, and having to watch them suffer as a result. The woman confessed to her partner in the midst of chaos, and then she dramatically fainted, while the man screamed. Ichigo thought that part was a little too much, but got distracted from the movie when he heard weird sounds from beside him. He turned and found Rukia was actually crying, wiping furiously the tears that kept falling. That surprised him at first for Rukia wasn't overly sensitive. Then, he understood the reason why she was crying. He smiled, and pulled her close to him. Rukia gasped, but then buried her face on his chest. Ichigo patted her back. She smiled at him gratefully. In that moment, Ichigo thought she looked just like the sun.
They exited the cinema, each telling the other their own impressions about the movie, and what they have liked and disliked about it. They had both agreed that, even though some parts had been too dramatic and cliché, they still would watch it again for the climax. As it turned out, the most unexpected character had been the traitor all along. Ichigo was sure that the film would be widely talked about just for that twist.
Their next step was the mall. They didn't need to buy anything, but Ichigo wanted to spend more time with Rukia. They entered some stuff, and browsed the several items the stores sold. Ichigo tried on some glasses just to amuse Rukia, who laughed out loud at his bizarre choices. When they passed by a jewelry store, Rukia gazed at one of the necklaces on display, remembering that Isane had told her to accessorize. Ichigo noticed her gaze, and went into the shop, buying that necklace, while ignoring altogether Rukia's complaints.
"You didn't have to buy it." Rukia said, shaking her head.
"You liked it, and I wanted to give something to you, to commemorate the date, you know."
Rukia chuckled. "You're surprisingly romantic."
"Shut up." Ichigo said, blushing as he helped Rukia putting on the necklace. It was simple. The chain was silver and it had a pendant in the shape of a heart. Isane had been right. A necklace really complimented the outfit.
They kept walking, casually strolling around town, their hands entwined. Once the sun set, it was time for Rukia to go back. Honestly, she wanted to stay longer, but it was impossible. She had duties she couldn't ignore. Ichigo, noticing her sad look, promised to visit the following weekend. Rukia nodded happily, already planning to take out Ichigo and show him some places he hadn't seen yet. Once they reached Urahara's, they stopped, turning to look at each other.
"I had a lot of fun today, Ichigo." Rukia said earnestly.
"I'm glad." Ichigo said.
"We should do this again."
"Yeah, any time you want. We can go to the beach, next."
"I'd like that."
The conversation had ended but neither had moved yet. Rukia bit her lip, expecting Ichigo take the hint. He blushed, appearing to think about it, and then he grabbed her hands.
"I really want to do this again."
Rukia leaned closer. "Me too."
Ichigo took this as enough confirmation to do what he wanted to do, and leaned down, pressing his lips softly against hers. Rukia made a sound in approval, and deepened the kiss. Ichigo pulled her closer, and continued kissing her until both were out of breath.
"See you, Ichigo." Rukia said, as they separated.
"Yeah. See you next weekend!"
Rukia smiled and opened the Senkaimon. She waved once, and disappeared from Ichigo's view. He sighed and smiled. The date had been better than he had expected. It had been perfect.
A/N: The movie they watched is actually inspired on one-shot number 9 in this collection, "Between Bullets and Kisses", so we had IR watching a movie about them in another universe. Inception.
