One Who Protects.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Chapter 6
The Date.
Ichigo was walking with Rukia side by side. Ichigo felt nervous for some reason. This was his second date which he actually remembers. The first one was with Orihime. It was not good at all. He had to eat some weird food. I think it was grilled beef with orange paste. He was sick for a month after that night. He was actually nervous and worried for this date. He did not have a crush did he?
He looked at Rukia who was walking on his left side. Her bangs were half-covering her beautiful, big violet eyes. She had a winter beanie and had woolen gloves on. Her face was pale and lovely. He could have swore she was pink because of the cold. It was actually very cold today. Winter had just started a week ago and it is already this cold. Rukia saw Ichigo's glaze and Ichigo immediately looked away. He was scowling more deeply and his face was red. He did not realize that Rukia had been holding his hand the whole time.
…
"So I want to take you to my favorite restaurant for lunch." Ichigo said without a bit of hesitation.
Rukia looked up to him and saw his glaze. She immediately flushed. After that argument they had, this was the first time they talked. It was a little 'awkward'. She could hear her soul pager beep but she did not matter at all. She wanted to mend Ichigo and her friendship. That was all she wanted to do for now.
"Oi, are you listening?!"
Rukia snapped out of her thoughts and saw Ichigo's hands frantically moving in front of her face.
"D-Did you say something, I-Ichigo?" Rukia said obviously embarrassed.
"By time you came back to this world, do you want to go to my favorite restaurant for lunch?"
Rukia wanted to spend more time with him and wanted to forget about the past. She did not care what the soul society wanted. She wanted to be with him. She gave her trademark smile.
"Of course."
…..
Rukia and Ichigo stood outside the rather small restaurant. Rukia looked up and saw Ichigo looking at the restaurants name. He was actually smiling. Rukia looked up and saw what was making Ichigo smile.
The Kurosaki shack
Was the restaurant named after them? Why is it then? Rukia thought to herself as they both entered the small restaurant.
The restaurant had more of a bar like look to it. There was a counter which had alcohol and other type of drinks. It had only three tables.
"Come on lets go to that table," Ichigo said while pointing at the table near the window."I always like to sit there whenever I come to eat here."
Rukia followed Ichigo to the table. He tugged on her hand and she started to blush madly. The two comfortably sat across from each other. Rukia looked at Ichigo whose bangs were covering his eyes. His hair had grown considerably long and had just stopped near the base of his neck. Rukia couldn't admit how attractive he actually looks with long hair.
"Oh guess, who showed up after 2 years. Ichigo." Said a voice behind them.
Rukia looked up and saw a middle-aged man. He wore a hat on his head and was walking around in sandals in the middle of winter. Rukia could've swore that she knew this person but he couldn't recall his name.
"Oh long time no see, Hat n' Clogs. Rukia, this is Urahara and Kisuke, this is Rukia" Ichigo said introducing each other.
Rukia knew who this person is. It was Urahara Kisuke. Former 12th division captain and the one who opened up the research department in the sereitai. Rukia suddenly tensed up. Did Urahara tell Ichigo that he was a soul reaper and anything else about the sereitai. If he did this whole mission is pointless! Rukia looked at Urahara who was also staring at Rukia. She guessed that he had found out she was a soul reaper by finding out her riatsu. Urahara gave a serious nod to Rukia. Rukia guessed that he did not tell Ichigo about the soul society and the other spiritual beings. She gave a sigh of relief.
"Well hat n' clogs I want the usual. It has been a long time since I had that special steak. Where is Yorouchi by the way?" Ichigo said which dazed Rukia.
Ichigo knew another shinigami other than Urahara. Not an ordinary shinigami but a former captain of the Gotei 13. Rukia was flabbergasted. Why did the head captain mention this to her?
"She is working in the kitchen. What do you want to have Rukia-chan?" Urahara said.
Rukia snapped out of her thoughts, looked at Ichigo and back at the former captain.
"Just what Ichigo ordered. Oh and some strawberry cake as desert."
Urahara walked away with the order that was given to him. Ichigo was still looking outside, contemplating about something. Rukia wondered why he was out of mood. He usually scowled and brushed people of. But now he was actually smiling.
"Were you making fun of me when you ordered that strawberry cake." Ichigo said all of a sudden which snapped Rukia out of her thoughts.
"No. I actually like strawberry flavor. I did not order it to taunt you because your name means strawberry." Rukia said defensively.
"You know its actual meaning is 'The one who protects'." Ichigo said and proceeded to look out the window.
The conversation stopped right there. Rukia only wished that this conversation would carry on.
"My mother and Urahara had opened this restaurant up 8 years ago."
Rukia snapped out of her gaze and saw Ichigo giving her a sad look.
"My mother hired Yorouchi few months later. They thought even if this restaurant was not well known and small, they could be happy. And they were. My mother used to bring my family here on weekdays. We would help each other and then grab a bite to eat." Ichigo continued
Suddenly a beep rang in Rukia soul pager. Why did it have to ring now? Ichigo looked at Rukia and then Rukia gave a apologetic look at Ichigo.
"Sorry, Ichigo I will be back after 5 minutes. Sorry." Rukia said as she exited the restaurant, leaving a confused Ichigo.
Sorry guys did not upload in two weeks. I am very busy because of the sports meet that happened in our school. As one of the five leaders of red house I have to do important stuff. REVIEW!