Just a big thank you to all the reviews I've received so far! Thank you for your continued support and please carry on giving the love :) Anyway, hope you enjoy!

"You know... you go ahead and sleep in my room, Rukia. I know how much you love being in my bed." Ichigo was leaning against the door post, casually.

The family had all turned in early after a long tiring day of eating, playing and eating.

"Ha, very funny." She returned, striding from the bathroom and making her way towards Yuzu's bedroom, "But my dear brother is under the impression we'll be sleeping separately."

"Hey, hey, wait a bit." Ichigo caught her from behind, winding his strong arms about her waist, "C'mere." He mumbled, burying his face into her neck, "What Byakuya doesn't know can't hurt us."

She paused and raised her hand to rest on the side of his cheek, "Ichigo," she whispered, "We'll be waking the others up."

Silently, he walked her backwards into his bedroom and closed the door behind them.

"Ichigo..." She murmured, "If Byakuya..."

Ichigo turned her to face him with her back pressing against the wall and she suddenly found herself unable to finish what she was bout to say (whatever it was).

"You were saying?" He prompted, kissing the underside of her jaw.

"Something about sitting on your bed because my legs are tired." Rukia replied after a gasp.

"Yes, Milady." Ichigo stooped down and picked Rukia up in the bridal position. Walking across to the bed, he added, "By the way... you're blushing."

Rukia widened her eyes and coloured, "I am not."

"You are now. I just... can't resist you... especially when you're blushing." He placed her gently on the bed and laid down beside her.

Automatically, she nestled her head in the crook of his neck and rested her arm over his bare chest, "I hate you..." She mumbled, snuggling closer to his body.

"Love you too, darling dwarf." He kissed the long midnight strands of hair and began tracing his fingers along her back.

"You know, Ichigo, for what it's worth, I'm really proud of you." She sighed, delicately.

"Yeah? Why's that?" Ichigo raised his eyebrows.

"I guess because not everybody would have done what you did."

Ichigo could feel her shrug against him as she tucked her head beneath his chin, "I didn't do anything to be proud of. I just did what needed doing."

"True. But not everyone has the guts to do it. I know it took you a lot of effort to do."

"I couldn't have done it without you." He reasoned.

Her arm tightened around his chest, "You could have."

He let out a hoarse laugh, "You really have no idea what you mean to me, do you?"

"Well..." Rukia kissed the hard panes of his chest, "...If it's anything close to how I feel about you, then I've got a pretty good idea."

"The first time I met you was the best thing that ever happened to me." The two fell silent and Rukia smiled against his warm skin, "...And by that I mean it was funny to watch you fall over when I kicked you."

She gave him a light slap, laughing despite his comment, "Oh, shut up."

There was a low rumble in his chest and his gentle chuckle began to slowly lull Rukia to close her eyes.

Ichigo looked down after a couple of minutes and realised she had fallen fast asleep. Women...

Carefully, he disentangled himself and stood up to leave.

It would be best that he honoured Rukia's promise to Byakuya and went to go sleep in his sister's room instead if he wanted to keep on her good side...

Besides... he was getting pretty tired himself...

"Hey, son, where you off to? Sneaking off to see Rukia, huh?" Ichigo's Dad walked out the bathroom, shaking his hands dry, a ridiculous smirk plastered on his lips.

"No, idiot. I'm going to bed."

"You're going the wrong way."

"I'm sleeping in Yuzu's bed tonight because Rukia fell asleep in mine." Ichigo replied, quietly.

"I can't believe my son is finally entertaining a girlfriend while the rest of the house is asleep!"

"Besides you, of course..." Ichigo rolled his eyes, "Or could you just not sleep because you were so excited that I have a girlfriend–"

"–Who you were entertaining secretively!"

"She's asleep!" Ichigo took another step towards his room, ignoring his Father's delighted squeals.

"I knew you'd come around one of these days."

"Dad – I have not been doing anything of the sort!"

Isshin grinned, "Yeah, yeah. I mean, I remember one night when I was staying over at your Mother's house. Ha, I'll never forget the expression I saw on her Mother's face when she walked into the kitchen and–"

"–Dad! Please. Maybe I can relate to you when I'm old, married, have a whole pack of teenagers charging around with their girlfriends or boyfriends. But for now, picturing you doing my Mum on the kitchen side isn't the best of images I can think of right now!"

"You have a very vivid imagination. I never said we were on the kitchen side." He quirked an eyebrow, mischievously, "It was on top of the tumble drier."

"Dad, please!"

"Come on, boy! If you don't wanna hear about my sex life, then at least tell me a bit about yours!"

"You know – you can be a real creep at times." Ichigo shoved past his Dad who went into his own bedroom, laughing silently.

"You're embarrassed." That cold, unwelcome voice crept its way back into his mind, again, completely killing his day.

"Of what exactly?" Ichigo dropped onto Yuzu's bed, punching the pillow into a more comfortable shape.

"You don't want to tell your Dad you've only ever shagged the bitch once."

"She isn't a bitch."

"But you've still only shagged her once and you can barely even remember it."

"I want to treat her respectfully, that's why."

"No, she just doesn't ever let it get as far as getting totally naked."

"I could seduce her if I wanted to. But I don't. It's a little thing called respect. Now get lost and let me sleep."

"That wasn't very respectful."

"I give respect only to those who deserve it. Now get lost." With no further ado, Ichigo had dropped asleep, completely and utterly exhausted.

…

"So, Ichigo, I was thinking... you and Rukia should take off and meet up with your friends today." Isshin was leaning against his bedroom door post the next morning.

"Yeah?" Ichigo asked, stretching out his arms behind him, his whole spine cracking, "Why's that?"

"Well, for one, I think you should let them know you're safe. For two, I think you should introduce them to Rukia. I'd say you should introduce them to Hiro too but... well, maybe they won't be ready to hear that quite yet and he might want to spend the day with us."

"If I tell them we're together, there'll be questions galore. I think I'll let them know gradually. First introduce Rukia to be my very close friend and – you're right. I should just tell it all at once. But they'll want to see him in person."

"Take a picture... or take him some other time. Come on son, I know what it's like raising kids. It's nice to have a break sometimes. Plus that, I know I won't be able to see him too often. I know you'll be busy doing your... Soul Society stuff."

"Gee, thanks." Ichigo rolled his eyes, "But yeah. That would be nice. Thanks, Dad. Anyway – I'm starving. Let's go eat."

…

"So, what's the plan?" Rukia asked as both she and Ichigo pulled their coats over their bodies.

"Uh... Well, I dunno yet. We'll decide outside."

"Sure. Where's Hiro, anyway?"

"I'm right here!" A small ball of fury in the form of a little boy stampeded at both shinigami parents and tackled Rukia to the ground, "Look! Look, Mama, I've got a dart gun!" He aimed it at his Mother and triggered a small dart with a black sucker on the end.

Such was Rukia's shock, she could not react until Hiro had pulled the small bullet from her forehead, "How d'you like that?"

"It's just a good job that Mama isn't in a bad mood right now, Hiro." She replied, sitting up, still feeling a little dazed, "Daddy and I are going out to see some friends. Will you be alright with your Aunties and Grandad?"

He nodded, "Yes! They have lots more dart guns upstairs and we can have a war!"

Rukia transferred him to her hip as she stood to her feet, "Glad to hear it. Now behave yourself, okay?" She dropped a kiss on his forehead before placing him on the ground, "No misbehaving. I mean it, Mr."

Hiro nodded and turned to his Daddy who winked, "Misbehave as much as you can."

"Ichigo!" Rukia swiped at him and he spanned his hands out defensively.

Karin and Yuzu laughed at the exchange before Ichigo stooped down to Hiro's level, "Make sure you get Grandad with that gun, okay?"

"I will do, Daddy." He promised solemnly to which Ichigo chuckled and ruffled his hair.

"Good boy. See you later."

"Don't listen to Daddy." Rukia turned Ichigo around and pushed him from the door, "He's naughty."

"Always listen to Daddy!" He shouted behind her shoulder before they disappeared around the corner, "Mama doesn't know what she's talking about – hey! That hurt! Ow! Stop it!" Ichigo's shouts faded away along with the sound of Rukia's light yet manic laughter.

"You know, I seriously hope she succeeds in disciplining that boy..." Isshin chuckled, loading his dart gun.

…

"So, where to first?" Ichigo asked, pulling Rukia along the icy road with his hand, making sure to steady her whenever her foot slipped, "I suppose at some point we should visit Uryu. We might as well get it over with, right?"

Rukia shoved his arm, "Be nice."

"Hey – I am being nice! I'm paying him a visit aren't I? Jeez."

She rolled her eyes, "Just... behave, okay?"

"Fine... We're gonna have to pick up the pace a little if we're wanting to visit everybody before sunset."

"You set the pace, then."

Ichigo smirked, "Sure you can keep up?"

"I'll try my best."

He doubled the speed of his feet and the sudden shock nearly made Rukia trip up. But determined to remain on track, she moved her short legs as fast as she could without actually running before Ichigo lengthened his strides and moved quicker.

"Come on, Ruke, you can do better than that." He was still walking faster.

Sliding her hand up his arm, she gripped onto both his shoulders and leapt onto his back, smiling contentedly.

When he slowed, she dug her heels into his side, "Come on. Mush!"

He let out a soft growl, "Ha, you'll regret that."

Then Ichigo was running.

He was running impossibly fast.

He was running impossibly fast on the ice!

"Ichigo! Ichi – you'll kill us!" She yelled, slapping his shoulder.

"How? You're already dead!" He gave an evil cackle before skating along the ice, gleefully, receiving some very concerned looks from passers-by.

"Well, dying the first time wasn't very nice and I'd rather not do it again!" She squealed, slapping his shoulder.

"Are you sure? Because I can go faster if you really want?"

"No! Just stop it! We're there now!"

Ichigo was still laughing as he came to a halt outside the large house.

Rukia slid off his back an stood by Ichigo's side as he knocked on the door.

After a minute, it opened and a man looking scarily identical to Uryu but with white hair appeared at the door, "I see."

"Oh." Ichigo backed away, "Uryu not in?"

"No. He no longer lives here."

"Really?"

"He moved out... he now lives with a classmate."

"Who?"

Uryu's Father scoured the two Soul reapers before him with his cold eyes, "I really don't think that is any of your business. Why should I tell you?"

"Because we're his friends?"

"His friends? Ha. Soul reapers are not his friends. They're his enemies. Just like you are mine which is why I can only pray that you get hit by traffic on your way off my property."

Before he could go Bankai on the son of a bitch, Ichigo watched the door slam in his face.

"Well, aren't you such a delight? I'll bet your parents had a marvellous time raising you!" He yelled turning away from Uryu's house, "I'm in the right mind to set my squad on you, you old Quincy fart!"

"Ichigo..." Rukia slapped his arm and pulled him away, quickly.

"Well, I am!" He shouted, storming away from the house, moodily.

Then he found himself flat on his back after misjudging his step and slipping on the ice.

He glared grumpily up at the sky for a moment before folding his arms like a sulky child.

Rukia laughed and grabbed hold of his elbow, "Come on, Ichigo. You look ridiculous."

"Oh, shut up! I was trying to make a smooth exit."

"Well, it looked very smooth. You managed to slip and fall very gracefully if that helps the situation."

He growled and picked himself up, "Let's go see Chad, already."

"I thought you said Chad would be in Mexico for Christmas?"

"Did I? Oh... yeah. So, I guess that means Orihime and Tatsuki, then..."

"Don't sound too happy about that." Rukia laughed, jumping onto his back once again, "Now, onwards!"

Ichigo rolled his eyes but complied all the same, "Next time you can travel with me on your back and see how It feels..."

"Why, what's wrong with me riding you?" She asked, a little too innocently.

Ichigo let out a breath of laughter, "Absolutely nothing at all. You know you can ride me whenever you please."

She leaned forwards and whispered directly in his ear, "Can I give orders on the speed, then?"

"I – I guess so." Ichigo mumbled, turning a little red at the thought of Rukia –

Stop it.

"Then hurry the hell up and get to Orihime's before I freeze to death."

Oh, hilarious.

…

"Ichigo?" A voice sounded from somewhere above Ichigo and Rukia's head, "And... Rukia? Is that you? You're home?"

They looked up to see Orihime leaning out the window, her hair ruffled and cheeks coloured.

"Hey, Orihime! Are you busy?" Rukia smiled up at the ginger haired girl who shook her head, vigorously.

"Of course not! Uh... I'll be right down!"

The window closed and the two could hear clattering within Orihime's bedroom before she came downstairs.

She opened the door and invited them inside, smoothing down her hair, self-consciously.

"You alright?"

"Sure! It's great to see you both! Is everything okay with your family now? I knew he'd go to you, Rukia. I was positive he would be fine." She wrapped her arms about Rukia's neck in a happy hug. Returning her embrace, Rukia smiled, "It's sure nice to see you too!"

"How are you, Ichigo?" She asked, shaking his hand, formally.

He chuckled, "I'm doing really good, actually. How have you been? What have you been up to? Sorry I haven't really been in touch much."

Orihime giggled, "I've been... really good. Come on in and sit down! I've made some pasta!"

Ichigo replied, "That's alright – we've just eaten before we came."

Her face dropped a little and she nodded, "O-okay, that's fine."

"Ignore him. He'd love to have some pasta – he's just being polite." Rukia rolled her eyes and elbowed her boyfriend discreetly in the ribs who winced at the force and attempted to disguise it as a cough.

"Oh, great! I'll – I'll be right back!" She hurried from the room and Ichigo took a seat, pulling Rukia down with him, "I should call Tatsuki! I know she'd want to see you!"

They sat for a moment in silence as Orihime bustled about in the kitchen before Ichigo whispered, "She seems a little on edge, don't you think?"

"Maybe she's just excited to see us."

"Maybe... But she hasn't been smiling as much, has she?"

"She's probably shocked to see us. I mean, it's not like we've been in touch with her, is it?"

"Well, I... haven't been home since..."

"I know." Rukia replied, quickly, "But... all the same, I think she's just surprised."

They stopped their hushed conversation once Orihime had returned, holding two plates full of what liked green mush but was actually pasta coated in spinach and squid sauce with sprinklings of dark chocolate.

Ichigo poked at the dish with his fork and Rukia smiled, taking a large mouthful, "This is great, Orihime."

"Thank you! I'm glad you like it. Ichigo... You're not eating. Are you feeling alright?"

"Sure, I'm just letting it cool."

"It's already cold, Ichigo." Orihime replied.

"Ah, of course." He stabbed a piece of pasta and nibbled it before Rukia cleared her throat.

"You know... I think he's probably just a bit tired. It's been quite a long day for him. He never feels like eating when he's tired."

Orihime took his plate from him, "Oh! Of course, you don't have to finish it off, Ichigo! You should have said!"

Ichigo shot a grateful look at Rukia before turning to thank Orihime.

She placed the plate on the small table and smiled, "So... what's been going on?"

"Nothing much." Ichigo shrugged and Rukia just ate another mouthful of poison.

"Really? I would have thought that you would have been in some kind of adventure!"

"Yeah... heh. You could say that." Ichigo muttered, "We got into a bit of a scrape with some guy who was trying to take over the Soul Society but it's all good now."

"Oh, I see. What happened?"

Ichigo explained in very brief detail about Jirou Shihōin and how he was defeated, leaving out all additional information about his developing relationship with Rukia.

"And what about you, Rukia? How is everything?"

"It's very good thanks. It was nice to get a visit from Ichigo."

"You weren't saying that at first." He smirked and Rukia rolled her eyes.

"I wonder why..."

The ginger-haired girl raised her eyebrows, "Did you two have a falling out?"

"Something like that, but we're friends again, right?" Ichigo nudged Rukia's arm, playfully.

"Oh, good! You should both stay over one night."

"Yeah, maybe..." Rukia nodded, knowing it would probably never happen.

"It might be better company for Uryu if there were others here too."

"Uryu?" Ichigo asked, lifting his head up.

"Didn't I tell you? He got kicked out from his house and so I offered for him to stay in the spare bedroom. He's been really helpful too. He's at work right now though."

"Really? Wow. So, are you two... together?"

Orihime coloured, "Of course not! I..."

Rukia watched the way she stared at Ichigo before lowering her gaze, blushing. She knew for a fact that Orihime was still in love with Ichigo.

"I'll clear away the plates." She stood up and took the plate from the table, "Thanks, Orihime."

"Oh, don't worry! I'll do it!" Orihime tried to get to her feet but Rukia shook her head.

"No, I insist. I won't be long." Rukia left the room and placed the plates in the sink, filling up the washing up bowl with hot, soapy water.

Leaning against the counter, she pondered on Orihime and Uryu.

What if there was something going on between them?

But the way she looked at Ichigo was enough to make Rukia's mind up.

Orihime was still definitely in love with Ichigo.

She could hear their voices from the other room and Orihime was talking, "Uh, Ichigo, do you mind me asking something?"

"Go ahead."

"Are you... are you and Rukia... together?"

"Sure. We travelled here together."

"No, I mean... I mean... are you in love?"

There was a short silence.

"What makes you think that?"

"I don't know... it's just... you're so right for each other and... well, I guess I'd be kidding myself if I thought that there wasn't something going on between you."

"What do you mean?" Ichigo's voice wavered and Rukia was willing to bet she knew what was going to be said next.

"I don't want things to be awkward between us, Ichigo, but I know if I don't tell you how I feel, I'll regret it for the rest of my life."

"Right."

"It's just... I want what makes you happy. I know that Rukia is the one who completes you and not me. I just want you to know that if you ever need anyone and for whatever reason, Rukia isn't around – there's always me."

Bingo.

Ichigo was silent and he was most like wondering how to react to Orihime's hopeful suggestion. Rukia turned the tap off and dipped her hands into the water.

"Orihime... I don't... look, I'm going to be honest. I value you as a very good friend. You've done a lot for me and words can't describe how much I appreciate that. But... the thing is... Rukia and I... we're... well... I'm not sure how to say it."

"You're together. I'd be a fool not to notice that you're in love." Orihime was speaking in gentle tones and Rukia couldn't help but feel ever so slightly jealous. Why did she have to have the harsh, unkind voice when Orihime could speak so... soothingly?

"Huh?"

"Ichigo... I can see you're in love. Maybe you just don't know it yet, I don't know. But, please, I need you to let her know, okay? If she doesn't already know. The only way I can be happy is knowing you are happy."

And she had big boobs... Rukia sighed, splashing soapy water all over her front by mistake.

Dammit.

"Listen... Orihime, I'm not gonna lie. I have a shinigami kid... with Rukia."

Tactful, Ichigo. Really tactful... Rukia rolled her eyes and wiped the plates up.

There was a silence before Orihime spoke with a shaking voice, "Really? I – I didn't know that was even possible."

"No, neither did I! It's awesome, right? You should totally meet him!" Ichigo replied, happily.

Orihime laughed, nervously, "I don't know if he'll like me, or not."

"Oh, he will! I know he'll love you."

"Really? You think?"

"I know he will. It'll be great. In fact, I'd suggest you came over for a visit to meet him tomorrow, but we're going back to the Soul Society then."

After stacking the plates up, Rukia decided it would be okay for her to rejoin the group and she made her way back into the main room.

"Oh, hey, Rukia, Ichigo was just telling me about your son. I can't wait to meet him!" She smiled, happily and Rukia gave a small laugh.

"Oh, he told you about him? Well, I know he would love to meet you too! How about we drop by tomorrow before we go back to the Soul Society?"

"That'd be great!" Orihime's smile widened just at the point when the front door opened.

"Orihime, are you home?" Uryu's voice called through from the lobby and Orihime stood up, grinning from ear to ear.

"I'll be right back." She bounced joyfully from the room, leaving the two Shinigami to exchange significant glances.

After a moment, they both came back into the room and Uryu dropped his sewing basket at the sight of Ichigo and Rukia sitting cross-legged on the floor.

"Ichigo, Rukia!"

"Yes?" They both asked, simultaneously.

"You're back!" He was smiling now, walking towards Ichigo who had stood up, ready to shake his hand.

"Yeah. Not for good though." After the greeting, the three sat down on the floor beside Rukia.

"So, you're going back to Seretei? I can only assume that's where you came from."

"Yes." Ichigo nodded.

"What happened?"

Ichigo explained everything, briefly, not even bothering to pause for a breath.

"So, let me get this straight... you and Rukia... have a son together?" Uryu asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Sure." Ichigo replied, shrugging as if it was the smallest deal in the world.

Uryu burst out laughing – which was a rarity for him, "I am honestly surprised at you, Ichigo."

"What? Why?"

Orihime shot him a warning glance but Uryu just shrugged it off, still chuckling, "I must confess it is slightly shocking that you were able to produce a child."

"What? What's that supposed to mean?"

Rukia looked down, placing her hand over her mouth to prevent her smirk from showing.

"What? What are you all laughing at?" He slammed his hands down on the floor, "Why does everyone sound so surprised when I say I have a girlfriend and a son?"

"Well... we weren't all expecting it..."

"Not even I was expecting it." Rukia spoke, innocently.

"Rukia!" He complained, miserably.

Only Orihime was remaining completely serious, which sort of made Ichigo want to laugh, but instead he just asked, clicking his tongue, "Well, what did you expect?"

Uryu pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose with both his middle and index finger, "Oh, I don't know... A gay lover and a handbag chihuahua?"

Even Orihime laughed at this, but regretted it instantly at the glower forming on Ichigo's face.

"Uh, excuse me, Mr Handicrafts, but I'm pretty sure you'd have been the one who designed the freakin' handbag." He muttered.

"Anyway, how have you been getting on?" Rukia asked, changing the subject even though she was still giggling at the thought of Ichigo carrying a pink handbag.

"We've been great, haven't we?" Orihime smiled at Uryu who nodded, "Uryu's got a job at the local crafts club and I've volunteered as a chef at a care home. It's all working out just fine for us, isn't it?"

Both Ichigo and Rukia forced congratulating smiles at the two despite feeling completely sorry for the residents at the care home.

Just so long as she didn't cook them any pasta...

"Orihime? I'm here. Is everything alright?" Tatsuki's voice called from the lobby.

"Oh, sure! Come in! I've got visitors."

Tatsuki appeared at the door, her eyes widening at the sight, "Ichigo! Rukia! What're you both doing here?"

"Oh, hey, Tatsuki. We... I came back."

She surveyed Rukia, quickly, "And brought Rukia. Well, it's great to see you both. What happened?"

"Long story. But the ending is that now Rukia and I have a son. His name's Hiro."

Tatsuki paled, "You're kidding, right?"

They both shook their heads, "He's at home with his Grandad right now... but, yeah."

As the group continued making light conversation (once Tatsuki had got over the initial shock), Rukia couldn't help but watch the way Uryu was around Orihime.

He would give her the chance to speak first and if she was unsure of what to say, he would fill in the blanks and laugh at all her jokes – no matter how crap they were.

Unconsciously, Orihime would smooth back her hair every now and again after Uryu would look at her or mention her in passing.

Rukia was adamant they were in love but just didn't realise it yet.

"Hey, Orihime... I was wondering... could you get me a recipe for that pasta you made?"

Ichigo stared at his girlfriend as if she were insane.

"Sure! It should be in the kitchen."

Rukia followed Orihime into the kitchen and leaned against the side, "Hey, Orihime... I was thinking something when we were in there."

"You were?" She grabbed a huge ring-binder labelled: Orihime's Home-made Recipes.

"Yeah... you know, you and Uryu seem pretty close."

"Mm-hmm, we're great friends!"

"Have you ever thought... have you ever thought of him as anything more than just a friend?" She asked, cautiously.

Orihime coloured and flicked through the book, "N-no. Of course not."

"Really?"

"Well... I guess he's a real nice guy."

"And he does seem to care for you a lot."

"He does look out for me... I guess I do like him a lot... but I've just been so caught up thinking about Ichi–" She cut herself off, feigning a cough, "...You know... thinking about other things."

Rukia nodded, "So, you like him?"

Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she shrugged, "Even if I did... it wouldn't make a difference."

"What do you mean?"

Orihime sighed, "Rukia... Uryu has a girlfriend."

What?

"A girlfriend? Since how long?"

"He's had her for a few weeks. She's a real nice girl, though. We get on really well. She comes over a lot to see him."

"And... she's okay with you living with her boyfriend?"

"Sure... I guess."

"So... if you think about it, do you like Uryu in that way?"

"Well, there was a point earlier on in the week when I saw him after I'd been crying and he was really lovely to hug. He also looked really good on that day, but I don't know. I'm scared of telling him."

"Well, you might not believe me, but judging by the way he is around you... I would definitely say you need to tell him how you feel."

"Listen, Rukia... Uryu thinks I'm in love with Ichi– with someone else."

"Depending on how you feel, I think you should let him know. As soon as you can. Don't leave it for ages. Believe me. I waited three years before I let Ichigo know how I felt."

Orihime nodded, avoiding Rukia's eye, "Well, here's the recipe."

Rukia took it and smiled, "Thanks. Just think about it, Orihime. You're a lovely girl and you deserve someone who will treat you well and I think that Uryu would agree."

"Thanks, Rukia. You're a great friend and I know that you and Ichigo deserve each other."

They made their way back into the living room and Ichigo looked up.

"Well, anyway, it's getting late. We should be off, right Ruke?"

"Right."

Just before Orihime closed the door, Rukia grabbed her and pulled her into a hug, "Think about what I said." She whispered subtly in her ear.

"I will. Thanks."

"I guess we'll drop by tomorrow, alright?" Ichigo asked to which they both nodded.

"Thanks for coming by, Ichigo, it was great to see you both again."

"No problem, Orihime. Catch you later."

Both Orihime and Uryu watched as Ichigo turned from the house, shoving Rukia's arm so she landed in the snow and laughing before speeding off ahead.

"I'll get you for that, Kurosaki!" She yelled, picking herself up and shooting off behind him.

"That's Captain Kurosaki to you, shorty!"

"I can't believe it took them three years to finally get their heads round their love for each other." Uryu shook his head and Orihime gave a nervous giggle.

"Listen, Uryu... there's something I need to talk to you about."

"Sure, go ahead. But let's talk inside, it's freezing out here. I don't want you catching a cold and dying of pneumonia or something..."

Orihime smiled before turning to follow Uryu into the house.

…

Covered head to foot in ice cold snow, Ichigo and Rukia stepped through the door, shivering.

"What on Earth have you two been doing?" Isshin asked once they'd trudged through into the living room, water dripping from their bodies, "Wait – don't even tell me!"

"We...had... a fight..." Ichigo spoke between shivers, "And... now we're freezing... a-and we'll be g-going... upstairs to... dry off."

"Don't you just love the excuses youth these days come out with? A 'fight'... going upstairs to 'dry off'."

"Dad... please." Karin rolled her eyes.

"Who won?" Hiro asked, interestedly.

"I think we both lost... to be honest." Rukia replied, teeth chattering.

"Well, there has to be a winner."

"If we... had to determine it... it would probably... be the one who squealed less." Rukia shot a smug glance at Ichigo who grumbled something unintelligible and turned out of the room followed by the laughter of his family.

Rukia closed the living room door behind her and moved up the stairs behind Ichigo.

"I say we go dry off... take a hot bath or shower... then get in bed and have hot chocolate... what do you say?" Ichigo asked once they'd reached the top of the stairs.

Rukia managed a smile despite her trembling, "I couldn't agree more."

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to leave a review and I'll love you unconditionally forever 3