It was the weekend already and Isshin and his daughters were leaving to visit relatives. Ichigo did not go since he still had to take care of Rukia. Rukia ended up waking up just fine and her rashes were gone. Later that evening Ichigo thought of doing something nice for Rukia since he messed up really bad at the movies, but what could he do. Yes! Dinner! But he needed to muster the courage.
"Hey, Rukia, you want to um…go…and…umm…well…do…you…want to eat something tonight?"
"Ichigo, well, I don't know, I mean."
"Just answer already, do you want to go or not?"
Rukia could see that Ichigo was putting on a brave face and was playing macho, but still, dinner sounded nice.
"Sure, ok, Ichigo!"
"Sure, whatever."
They ate at Sakai's cuisine, a new restaurant in Kakura town. Ichigo was not too happy with the steep price, but Rukia loved the food so that was all that mattered. Even so, Rukia then looked very downtrodden and somber and started to think very deeply.
"What's wrong Rukia, didn't like the food?"
"Well, I loved it of course, but still, why are you so kind to me Ichigo? After all that I have put you and still, you let me sleep in your home, partake in your festivities and even treated me to dinner. What have I done to deserve this kindness Ichi-"
"Enough! Why do you still feel that way after all this time, Rukia? I already told you, it was because of you that I was able to have this power, the power to protect those that I care about. I should really be thanking you. Really, you have been a blessing in my life…for beating bad hollows up I mean!"
For a moment, Rukia could feel the genuine sincerity in Ichigo's words. For the first time in forever, she felt truly cared for.
"Thank you, Ichigo."
As they went home together, Ichigo looked at Rukia. Those lavender eyes, the hair and her petite body, she looked so gorgeous. It was sad that she felt undeserving of love. Ichigo hoped that one day, some rich noble would be able to take her away.
"Ichigo?"
"What is it, Rukia?"
"I…um…well…."
"What is it, spit it out."
"Well, I have been thinking Ichigo, that um…never mind."
"Thinking about what Rukia? C'mon, what is it?"
"Never mind Ichigo."
"Gosh, why do you have to be so weird Rukia?"
"Ha ha, yeah, I guess I am weird."
Ichigo looked down and saw a look of disappointment in her, and knew he said the wrong thing.
"Rukia."
"Yes Ichigo?"
He saw her face and instinct took over as he bent down and kissed her. Ichigo braced himself for the hardest slap of his life, but instead, he was surprised that Rukia returned the favor and there they stood, embraced, for a long time.