Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, but I own at least one pair of pants.


"Welcome to Urahara Shouten!" Urahara enthusiastically greeted one lone customer at the shop, which had just begun opening for the day. He sat cross-legged in his usual spot at the back of the shop, covering his face with his fan the way he usually did.

"I'm Urahara KISSuke, the owner of this shop. If you have a problem just call on me, Urahara KISSukeAgain, that's Ura-ha-ra KISSssske -"

"I have a problem with your inability to correctly pronounce your own name," said the one lone customer at the shop.

Rukia stood solidly in front of him, arms crossed and stone-faced.

Urahara Kisuke. Kiss. How hebetudinous.

"My my, aren't you supposed to be in school, young lady?"

"I came to collect my clothes," she replied with a scowl and slight embarrassment.

"Ah, Kuchiki-san's clothes." Urahara stood up and grinned. "Remember to pick them up next time. It caused a lot of misunderstandings this morning."

"KISuke-san, I've finished opening the cash register," a meek Ururu piped in. Rukia twitched an eyebrow.

"Good. You can go clean the front with Junta." Ururu nodded and politely bowed herself out.

"I'm surprised you're here early. Are you in that much of a hurry to see me?" Urahara fanned his face, hiding a teasing grin, making his way to his room. Rukia followed. She was tempted to stamp his butt with her shoe.

"You're coming with?"

"I don't trust you."

"Fine with me," he casually shrugged.

They had passed by the communal bathroom. Tessai was busy repairing things. He briefly greeted Urahara and Rukia.

"Why don't you use Demon arts, or call a plumber?" Rukia asked. "I understand not wanting to risk revealing Soul Society goods, but that can be easily camouflaged."

"Demon arts require you to know the source of the problem to fix it. None of us are plumbers, so Tessai's getting to the core of things. Besides," Urahara looked back at Rukia, looking serious and grim, "plumbers cost money."

"Idiot cheapskate."

"And it also means Kuchiki-san still has to shower in my room"

"SH-SHUT UP."

"Okay okay, we're here."

Rukia resolved to lean on the wall next to the bedroom door, arms crossed, waiting silently and impatiently.

"I put it in a plastic bag and put it here," Urahara said as he searched into his closet, "I didn't touch anything I didn't have to -- honest. Ah - here it is! I trust you have Ururu's dress? "

"It's in my school bag. However, I was unable to wash it or anything of the sort."

"Great! That means it'll cost ya"

"Ara, Urahara-sempai, I was hoping I'd get an Early Bird Special, too," Rukia's hand was placed on her cheek, trying to hide a modest blush. Her voice had become coy, noticeably girlish. She pouted her small, tender lips. "So unfair."

Urahara blinked a couple of times, then noticed that she had locked the door and dropped her school bag. He grinned, playing along.

"Don't you have a test today, little missy?" He asked enthusiastically, lowering his back to her face her closely, index finger pointed in a playful, a-matter-of-fact manner.

"Academics were never really any of my strong points," she purred. She blushed even more as Urahara dropped his bag and approached her. Both of her hands covered her cheeks this time, and she shifted her body around in a demure manner, "How shall I ever pay you?"

She eyed him mischievously. He smirked.

Their kisses were messier than last time. They were disheveled, but just as stubborn - determined to translate this garbled lust. They were on the floor now, Rukia with her legs grasped around Urahara. Their kisses ebbed into a softer rhythm. Longer. Sensual.

He wanted to indulge her. He kissed her passionately, slowly. Her lips welcomed his tongue. He sucked on her neck, licked her collarbone.

She felt the warmth of his weight on top of her. His hands grazed her body, undoing the buttons on her shirt. His kisses trailed down her chest. Deep sighs moaned from the back of her throat.

"Ohwah, Kuchiki-san? Where are you-"

"Out."

Kuchiki Rukia was walking briskly out of Urahara's room, steadily primping her high school outfit. She held in her hand her school bag and clothes. Urahara was hiding behind his bedroom door with only his head peeking out.

"But I thought - you...we..."

"Maybe next time Urahara-sempai, but I really have an important test today," Rukia let her hand shield her mouth in faux sweetness. She let out a sickeningly saccharine giggle. "My, Urahara-sempai, you don't look yourself today...maybe you should rest."

"..."

"Thank you for everything," she smirked triumphantly, giving him a girlish wave before she strode her way out.