Rukia stood outside of Urahara's shop tapping her foot impatiently, a gate to soul society behind her. The winter sun was declining behind the modest buildings of Karakura, searing the sky with vibrant oranges and yellows, and her eyes softened as she took in the sunset. She had always preferred these sunsets to the purples and pinks; they seemed warmer and cast everything in a soft glow. And reminded her of a certain someone whom she was currently mad at. Her frown abruptly returned. "Where the hell is Renji? He was here ten minutes ago."
"Oi, Rukia!" She looked away from the sky to a figure at the end of the road walking slowly towards her, his spike-haired silhouette missing its arms.
"Ichigo." Her frown deepened, although he could not yet see it. "You didn't have to see me off, I'll be back in a few days." He continued towards her at his slow pace, not bothering to reply. With each passing second her mood darkened, and the seconds were turning into minutes. "Well, hurry up, idiot, the gate doesn't stay open forever."
"Don't say it like you're in a rush, you're still waiting for Renji."
"You could still walk faster." He was close enough now for her to see that his arms were tucked against his chest, his face his face marred with its usual frown.
"You were going to leave without saying goodbye?"
"I'll be back in a few days."
"You're mad at me." He stopped in front of her.
"No."
"You've been quiet all day."
"You're imagining things." She balled her fists.
He looked at Urahara's shop. "So how was the meeting?"
"Idiot, it wasn't a meeting, it was. . . a celebration."
He turned back to her, curious. "A party? And I missed it? What was it for?"
"Ichigo. . ." A vein throbbed in her forehead as her knuckles turned white.
"You thought I forgot." His eyes softened. "I didn't. Happy birthday, Rukia." Ichigo pulled back his left arm to reveal a young rabbit tucked against his chest, sleeping peacefully.
"A Chappy?"
"A bunny."
"Its orange, just like you."
"Not quite so orange."
"May I hold him?"
"Of course."
She carefully gathered the ball of fluff into her hands and held him up to her face for closer inspection. The bunny opened his eyes to reveal black orbs and its nose constantly twitched.
"I'll name him Ichigo!"
"Don't name him after me!"
"Ichigo, Ichigo."
"Why not Inoue? Or Carrot?"
"He's much quieter than you are."
"Ginger, Cheddar."
"And he has a cute face, not a grumpy face."
"Copper, Ember, Tinder."
"His hair is much softer than yours."
"Those are all better names than 'Ichigo.'"
"Ichigo two point oh." The bunny's eyes drifted shut. "Ichigo's very sleepy."
"I had the twins play with him to wear him out. You have to play with him, or else he'll get irritable."
"Just like his namesake." Ichigo felt a blush creep up his neck. "Thank you, Ichigo." She motioned with a free hand for him to bend down and he complied, their lips meeting in a soft, chaste kiss. He brushed her cheek with his thumb before pulling back.
"Happy birthday, Rukia."
"You still missed my party."
"Ah." He scratched the back of his head. "Inoue's no good at keeping secrets, so I went to get this guy when it started. I was hoping to be back half way through, but I got caught up, sorry."
"Hmm. . . chibi Ichigo makes up for it, but just barely."
"I'll make up for the rest of the day when you come back." He kissed the top of her head and massaged the bunny's ears.
"Hmm. . . doesn't he need food and stuff?"
"Ah, I made Renji meet me at the store so he could carry the stuff back."
"Che, you didn't make me do anything, bastard." Renji appeared next to them, his arms holding a cage full of rabbit supplies. "Ready to go, Rukia?"
"Mm. Thank you, Ichigo." She stood on her toes and kissed him again.
"Happy birthday, Rukia."