Jesus, it's been time! Sorry about that! Real life suddenly got mega hectic. I've had ridiculous amount of hours at work, and no time to work on this. I'm so so so sorry. I can't apologise enough. As it is, this is longer than usual, but I need to get this up in one go.

I hope I've done this chapter justice.

I've also had to work on my dissertation, which means mega amounts of research – law based research at that. Yes, it's so very fun… ¬_¬

Anyway, here it is, finally. The date you've all been waiting for. Could it be any less like a normal date? Well, at least Renji's in for a good time…

Thanks so much for your reviews. They are the only reason I have been up all night working on this. I should definitely be asleep right now. I got work again tomorrow. I'm hoping to be able to update soon, but I'm I can't make any promises.

Anyway, enough of my sleep induced rambling. I hope you enjoy the chapter. Please review if you enjoyed it and you can. :)

Renji grinned at his reflection. His hair was tied back as per usual. He was wearing dark stone wash jeans and a bright white vest top. He finished the look with a brown leather jacket and his usual sunglasses placed atop his head. A last minute decision lead the red haired lieutenant to wear his dog tags around his neck.

His outfit epitomised manliness, Abarai Renji thought. He wanted the pretty Kuchiki girl to see him as a man. Not just any man, but her man. And he would take her for his wife. Everyone would be happy. Rukia would adore him for allowing her to go back to her roots, and not stick to the stuffy Kuchiki rules, Kuchiki taicho would approve of Rukia's choice of husband, as would the rest of Kuchiki clan and he, Renji? Well he would just have the pretty little thing for his wife. She would be his, to have and to hold, whenever he damn well pleased.

He hadn't expected her to say yes so easily to his offer of a date. In fact, he had been thoroughly convinced she was dating Ichigo. But apparently not, or she wouldn't have said yes to me. Perhaps, Rukia and the fruit are just friends. That's fair. After all they went through; it would make sense for them to be friends. She always did prefer to hang out with guys. That's cool. And Ichigo, well, he's a decent guy – he would never try to take her from me. So I'd be okay with them being friends. They can be friends.

Straightening his jacket for perhaps the twentieth time since putting it on, he finally headed out.

Rukia was sat nervously in the kitchen of her home. Yuzu had made her a strong tea, to calm her nerves and then the young Kurosaki had begun cleaning. Rukia had insisted that she shouldn't, but the light haired girl just smiled and continued anyway.

The doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." Yuzu called from the hallway she was now in the middle of mopping.

"Hi, Abarai-kun, I'm Kurosaki Yuzu. Rukia-nee-san is in the kitchen waiting for you."

Ichigo's sister? "Oh..ah…nice to meet you." Renji shrugged awkwardly. Why is she here? Yuzu's presence had perplexed the tattooed shinigami. "I'll just go... you know…Rukia."

"Hai hai." Yuzu closed the front door. "Oh and watch out for the…." She finished just as Renji slipped on the floor she'd just mopped, resulting in a loud crash. "Floor."

"Renji?" The stunned face of Kuchiki Rukia appeared in the doorway. "Renji, are you okay?" She ran over to her oldest friend and looked down at him, her purple orbs wide with anxiety.

The red head looked up at Rukia's concerned face. He cracked a smile as his eyes roved over her entirety. She looks hot! All for me? Damn! "I'll be alright, Rukes."

Relief crossed her face. She didn't want Renji to be hurt in any way; he was her oldest friend, after all. Still, as unfortunate as it was, she was going to hurt him, this very evening. She was going to dash his hopes of requited love, because she could not return his feelings.

Those feelings were only brought about by Ichigo. He made her feel warm and fuzzy right down to the very pit of her stomach and warmed her heart. He was very attractive, and cute, and funny…oh hell, he is everything. Everything I've ever wanted, everything I'll ever need. Renji… he could never be more to me than a cherished brother.

"Good." She stuck out her small hand.

He took the proffered hand, and stood up, never loosening his grip on her hand.

She wants to hold my hand! His thoughts danced in happiness. She was obviously just waiting for me to make the first move!

The eyes of a young Kurosaki met with Rukia's. Yuzu could immediately tell that Rukia was uncomfortable with Renji holding her hand. Her eyes looked almost…desperate. Pleading.

"You ready to go, Rukes?"

The purple eyed girl nodded tightly, nervously, while searching for an excuse to regain her hand from the grasp of her brother's VC. "I just need…to get my…bag…from the…over there."

Yuzu sighed, and shook her head. Rukia-nee-san is never like this with Onii-san. They just move around each other, almost like they don't even notice it. The light haired girl smiles to herself as she watched Rukia disappear into the kitchen to get her bag.

Soon the pair were on their way to the movie theatre. Renji kept wrapping his arms around Rukia's shoulders, mistaking her discomfort for being cold. She tried to walk a little far from his reach, but every time she did, he'd just pull her closer.

After about five tries, she sighed and resigned to having his arm there. It wasn't that it was overly uncomfortable, but it was the intention behind the gesture that concerned her. Renji's grasp kept her from straying away; if it were Ichigo, she'd have no qualms about his intentions. In fact, he'd probably be trying to keep her warm.

She couldn't help that wish tonight would be just her and the Berry she secretly adored.

She felt a little guilty at how relieved she felt as the movie theatre came into view. Her purple eyes automatically starting scanning the area for the bright mop of orange she'd recognise instantaneously, anywhere.

Her stomach dropped.

She couldn't see him.

There were a lot of people at the cinema, but not the one she wanted to see the most. She hadn't seen his handsome face since her feelings had come crashing down on her. It made her nervous and excited – her stomach did not agree with it.

"Rukes, you alright?"

Rukia was shaken to reality by a brash voice. Nodding, she replied, "Yes. What movie are we going to see, Renji?"

The red haired man paused at that point, following his date's eyes to the movie posters.

"What about that one?"

Rukia's eyes followed the pineapple's pointed finger and found the movie poster it was identifying.

"Horror of the Groom: The Resurrection?" Rukia asked. It looked like a horror movie. She despised horror movies.

"Yeah! Sounds awesome right?"

"Uh, right."

"Then we'll go see that one!" Renji walked forward almost triumphantly, dragging an unwilling Rukia behind him.

The two old friends joined the queue. Renji was holding onto Rukia's hand as if his life depended on it and Rukia…well, she was still searching for her Berry boy.

"I'm so glad you agreed to this, Rukes."

"Uh, oh right, yeah. Me too. I haven't been able to catch up with my oldest friend in quite some time." I hope he gets the message.

Friend? Did she…does she…but…she can't think that I just want to be friends? Perhaps, she doesn't want to presume things? Perhaps, I should ask her directly… she likes logical things…asking her would be logical…right?

"Er, Rukia, I was thinking that maybe, y'know, if you wanted to, we could–"

A pair of firm hands placed themselves onto Rukia's shoulders. Without even looking up, she knew who it was.

"Ichigo." It was a statement. She'd be waiting an eternity for him to arrive, but now he was here, she, for some reason, was too scared to look at him.

"Alright midget, Renji."

"Ichigo…what are you doing here?" Renji frowned. What is he doing here, interrupting our date?

"Well, Rukia said that you guys were headed down here, so I'd thought I'd join you. Hope you don't mind."

"No, no, it's fine." Rukia insisted.

It's bloody not. Renji's thoughts were overflowing with venom.

"Sorry, Renji, I should've told you. I invited Ichigo because you said you wanted to see what the cinema was like here in the World of the Living. Ichigo obviously knows best."

"But…but…"

"Sorry. If you don't want me here, I can go. It's obvious you two want to be alone." Rukia could hear the smirk in his masculine voice.

"Ye-"

"Don't be silly, Berry. Get your ass in the queue with me and Renji and pick a popular film. If we're to fit in here, then we should see a movie that is most highly rated by our peers." The feminine fuku-taicho pulled on the Kurosaki's arm.

So my idea gets knocked out of the park the minute Berry turns up? What the hell is this?

"Fine. Sheesh, I'm gone for less than a day and I come back to be treated like this?" Ichigo's eyes finally fell on Rukia's.

Rukia was not in the mood for Renji's sulking. Not now Ichigo was here. He, in her opinion, looked amazing – not that he didn't usually, but some reason he looked even better tonight. He was wearing brown trainers, dark grey jeans, a tan top and a brown beanie. That would explain why she hadn't seen his brashly coloured hair. His eyes were light and playful; he had obviously achieved what he had aimed to at training. Knowing that reassured her.

"Well did you expect? I'm not your wife."

"That's a shame." Renji interjected.

"Renji?" Rukia's brows met in the middle of a frown.

"I bet that's what you two want, isn't it? You just wish I wasn't here, so you can be together without anyone else."

Yes. Two minds thought simultaneously.

"No, of course not, Renji. I'm happy. I get to be with two of my favourite people at once."

Ichigo said nothing. He hadn't forgotten Renji's words from before.

"Who's your favourite?"

"I beg your pardon?" Rukia eyed her friend.

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. It would be interesting to see where exactly Pineapple was going to take this.

"Who is your favourite: Me or Ichigo?"

"What? How could you even ask –"

"Renji, tonight is not a popularity contest." Ichigo couldn't understand why the tattooed baboon seemed so insist ant on pushing the midget away. If he kept pestering her like this, she wouldn't want to speak to him for a while. His loss.

"Just answer it Rukia."

"I…how can I even –"

"Hi, there. Can I help?"

Ichigo eyed the bickering pair and approached the cinema assistant.

"Yes, can I have three tickets to see Meteor please."

"Certainly."

Ichigo waited for his tickets, paid then turned around to get Renji and Rukia.

"Hey, I got –"

"Renji, are you trying to make me choose between you?"

Ichigo sighed as he took the short girl's hand and lead her to screen ten, where the film was showing. Renji, of course, followed. The pair of them continued to have their heated discussion.

Ichigo didn't want to get involved. He had two reasons for this. One, fighting with Renji was going to put the midget in a foul mood as it was, and two, he damn well didn't want to get on the wrong side of the pretty little Kuchiki.

"Well, you'll have to choose someday." Renji seemed smug.

"I will? And why is that, exactly?" Rukia placed her free hand on her hip.

"Because your nii-sama is not going to approve of you running around with human boys when it is time for you to be married. Think logically, for fuck sake. He ain't gonna let you marry Berryface, so marry me. Kuchiki taicho has already approved of it anyway!"

Rukia purpled. He's lying, he has to be. Nii-sama wouldn't have, not after our discussion, surely?

"Is that your way of proposing to a girl, Renji?" Ichigo couldn't control himself. He was almost literally pissing himself laughing. "Jeez, no wonder you haven't even got a girlfriend." He'd be angry at Red if it wasn't so damn hilarious.

Rukia began to laugh too. With Ichigo at her side, she could see the funny side of things. Life was fun around Ichigo.

Renji's face reddened.

"Renji, I spoke to my nii-sama just a few hours ago, I'm sure he would've mentioned something like this to me."

"Yeah, well, it…it was supposed to be a…to be…a…a surprise."

A low voice spoke out. "Abarai Renji, I most certainly did not say anything of the sort. My sister is not engaged to you, nor will her engagement affect you in anyway."

"Nii-sama!" Byakuya walked over from the ice cream stall. He was in his soul form, so no normal humans could tell he was there. He snapped reiatsu suppressing cuffs onto Renji's wrists before the shock could fizzle out in adrenaline. It would be much easier if he didn't have the opportunity to run.

"Rukia. I know at Urahara's, the group decided to not open gates between the worlds, however, Renji's being here seemed detrimental to the cause, so it has been decided he will replaced with Hisagi fuku-taicho. He has been briefed and will speak with you at school tomorrow. Enjoy your evening." Byakuya smiled as he saw his sister's fingers laced between the former daiko. It seems their relationship is growing slowly. Good. If that brat even thinks about doing unmentionable things to her…

"Arigato, Nii-sama!" He truly does care for me!

With that, Byakuya stuck out his zanpukuto and opened a gate, taking Renji with him, for once feeling like he'd been a true big brother – sticking up for what his sister truly wants. The beaming smile she gave him as he left was confirmation. Now he'd just have to deal with his VC.

"Well, I guess it's just me and you now then, huh?" Ichigo offered when Rukia was not forthcoming with conversation.

Rukia was too busy coming to terms with the fact that Ichigo was holding her hand. "Uh, yeah."

Ichigo looked down, determined to discover the cause of Rukia's distraction when he saw her gazing at their interlinked hands.

"Are you uncomfortable?"

Rukia squeezed his hand. She most certainly was not uncomfortable.

"Good. Now let's get in there, the trailers are already playing." He swung the heavy door open for her, and placed his hand on her lower back as if to guide her.

After the movie ended and the pair had fought their way through the crowd, they'd finally ended up walking home in the cold. Rain was far away; the night was clear, but a little on the chilly side.

"So where were you today?"

"Worried, were we?"

"No." Rukia pouted.

"Aww, c'mon, you weren't a little worried? I was worried about you."

Rukia nodded. "Everything seemed weird without you; everyone looked at me like it was my fault you weren't around."

"Well, it was."

"Go on."

"How could I make good on my promise if I don't train? I'm a shinigami again, midget."

Violet eyes met with honey hazel eyes. Happiness and hopefulness radiated from both pairs.

"I knew you'd do it."

"I knew you'd have faith in me."

"And vice versa."

Soft smiles adorned their faces, as Ichigo wrapped an arm around Rukia's shoulders. Rukia took the motion as an invitation for a hug.

"Hey, what's the occasion?" Ichigo grinned.

"You said I could if I needed to, right?"

"Yeah," Ichigo raised an orange brow.

"Well, it's cold."

Ichigo sighed happily. He buried his nose in its new favourite place. He inhaled deeply. "Did you enjoy the movie, shorty?"

Rukia nodded. Ichigo had chosen an action movie. Action beat horror any day. Besides, it was a really good film, plenty of car crashes and burning buildings. She idolised Bruce Willis - an actor Ichigo had introduced her too the last time she'd been here. She now owned his whole collection, thanks to Kurosutchi taicho's ability to make human world movies work in Soul Society. She must have watched the Die Hard movies a hundred times.

"Good." He paused, something that had been bothering him for a while just had to be spoken about. "If you had no intention of going on a date with Renji, why did you dress so prettily?"

"Is that your way of calling me 'pretty'? Sheesh, no wonder you haven't got a girlfriend." Rukia pulled back and grinning, she looked up at Ichigo.

"Nah, I wasn't calling you pretty. I said the way you were dressed was pretty." Rukia's face fell. "You aren't pretty." He scoffed.

I knew it was too much to hope for. Rukia felt like crying her eyes out. I knew he'd only ever see me as a best friend, I knew it. At least, we can still be best friends. I will take whatever I can.

"As best friends go, you're beautiful. I like that you're my best friend. I get to look at you a lot."

"Ichigo…" Rukia's heart felt like it had been suddenly reflated, and it was the best feeling ever.

"And your hair smells really nice all of the time." He paused. "But I don't get why you make the effort for Renji? I thought you didn't like him like that?"

"I don't, Ichigo." Baka, why can't he understand? "I wanted to dress up…Yuzu-chan helped me get ready. I wanted to look pretty for once."

"For once?" Ichigo frowned. That made no sense. She always looks stunning, why would she want to look pretty? It's beneath her. "You always look good, stupe." He poked her in the forehead.

"You think so?"

"I know so." Pulling her form to his, he placed a gentle kiss to her crown. "Now, stop being so silly and get your beautiful self to the ramen place down the road. I'm buying."

"I'm not beautiful though, Ichigo. I'm average looking at the best of times." Rukia trembled as she looked to her feet. That's what the clan had always told her. She'd be lucky to get a man who would take enough pity on her to the point where he'd marry her, was what she'd always been told.

"What mirrors have you been using? You are amazingly beautiful to look at, so shut the hell up."

"Liar." Rukia's emotions were all over the place. Why is Ichigo so cryptic? I just wish I knew if he felt the same.

"Rukia, listen to me. You are the most beautiful midget and I will make you believe it, no matter what I have to do." Using his hand, he tilted her chin upwards so he could gaze into her eyes. Using his thumb, he traced circles into her soft, silky cheek.

Rukia's breath caught in her throat. Ichigo's eyes pinned her to the spot. She could move, she couldn't breathe.

"Listen to me, Rukia. You are beautiful. Say it." He didn't why, but after training today, he felt like he could achieve anything. Even to the point of finally coming to terms with the kind of relationship he wanted with the petite girl he held in his arms and the reason he always thought of her not as a midget, but as his midget.

"I can't. I'm not."

"Say it."

Using their eyes to send messages only they could decipher, they battled it out. In the end Rukia conceded, rolling her eyes to signal her forfeit.

"Say that you are beautiful."

"You're beautiful." A small tongue poked out playfully.

Ichigo growled. "Properly."

"Fine. I'm beautiful."

"I know you are."

"And I made the effort to dress up for you, not Renji." Rukia's cheeks flushed bright pink.

Ichigo couldn't hold it in any longer. She just looked so damn cute. No words were needed to express his feelings. Ichigo leant forward and pressed his lips to Rukia's.