Ichigo jumped down the hole that led to Urahara's training grounds, gift bag in hand. He had never gotten used to falling for so long without so much as a twisted ankle.
"Guess that's one of the perks of being a Soul Reaper..." He thought sloud as he fell. Ichigo left his body, along with his Substitute Soul Reaper Badge in the back, so as not to arouse suspicion from passers by. Ichigo landed with a soft thud, and was immediately greeted by two grinning former Captains.
"Ichigo! The Senkaimon is opening!" Yoruichi called. "Why don't you go hide, so you can surprise her?" The orange-clad 'were-cat' suggested. "
Why in the hell would I do that?" Ichigo asked bluntly.
"Awwww... Is someone too excited to see their girlfriend?" Yoruichi teased.
"Dammit! Why won't you people listen?" Ichigo seethed.
"Now who's the one winding him up?" Kisuke said under his breath. Yoruichi shot him a menacing glare and struck him.
"Fine...I'll do it, if it'll get you to stop teasing me..." Ichigo obliged, fearing that he too might bare the brunt of Yoruichi's backhand.
"Oh, Ichigo use this." Kisuke said when he finally stopped cringing. Urahara tossed Ichigo what looked like a large towel.
"What the hell's this thing?" Ichigo asked, eyeing what turned out to be a thick, black overcoat.
"It'll cut off your spirit energy." Urahara grinned, making the 'okay' sign.
"I'm sure..." Ichigo muttered, knowing full well Urahara's crappy inventions, more often than not, required a messy cleanup of 'organic matter'.
"Don't worry, I tested it myself." Urahara assured him.
"You're not helping!" Ichigo snapped. He took a deep breath and pulled the coat on. Surprised that he still had a functioning nervous system, Ichigo took his place behind one of the boulders that littered the room. There was a bright flash of light, but it quickly dimmed. Not wanting to betray his presence, Ichigo remained hidden.
"My, my, welcome back, Miss Kuchiki!" Urahara greeted in his 'shop-owner' voice. "What can I help you with today?"
"Save it, Urahara. I'm not in the mood." Rukia snapped. "Just hurry up and get my gigai ready. I want...to see Ichigo." Rukia almost whispered. Ichigo's spirits were instantly lifted.
"She...wants to see me first?" He thought to himself.
"I'm afraid I can't do that, Miss Kuchiki." Urahara said coldly.
"WHAT?" Rukia practically screamed.
"Well, it'll take well over a week to re-sync and prepare." Urahara said meekly. "But I'll be sure to cut you a deal, alright?" Urahara chirped, folding up his fan and grinning.
"Do it. Now" Rukia fumed, tightly grasping Urahara's collar.
"Well, you certainly are excited to see your boyfriend, aren't you?" Yoruichi giggled.
"That idiot is NOT, I repeat, NOT MY BOYFR..." Rukia flustered, but was cut off by the beeping of her soul pager. She glared at Kisuke once more and growled, "Not a word to Ichigo, or I'll make a new sheath for myself with your spine. Understand?" Urahara gulped and nodded.
"Of... course... Miss... Kuchiki..." He coughed, struggling to breathe through the vice grip Rukia had on his throat. Rukia released him, and stormed off outside to take care of the hollow. Ichigo stood up. This time it was his turn to hold Urahara by the neck.
"You're a real jackass, ya'know that?" Ichigo spat. He released Urahara, and took off after Rukia.
"He's right." Yoruichi said, turning her back and making her way back to ground level.
(A/N: Ughhh...Sorry it's so short. Oh yeah, the jacket Urahara gave to Ichigo was the same one he used in the "Turn Back the Pendulum" arc, when he was trying to sneak out in order to save Hiyori. Review, to make an IchiRuki fanboy happy! Do it, or Rukia will carry out her threats!)