Of course. He was the last to arrive.

"Hey Yumichika." Izuru said. "You finally ready?"

"Hmph." Yumichika said. "I would've been here sooner if the manager was actually doing his job." He noticed Hinamori wasn't there. "Anyways, did Momo leave?"

"Yes." Shuhei said. "She headed out to Squad 10 not too long after you left. She said she wanted to talk to Captain Hitsugaya and Rangiku about something"

"Oh. Okay." Yumichika said handing the basket to Shuhei. "You carry that. I'm already worn out."

"Sure." Shuhei said without complaint. "You lead the way."

After a lot of jumps using flash step, they ended up right outside the big gate.

"Which way now Yumichika?" Izuru asked.

He pointed. "That way. It's a little ways now. Follow me."

They began walking, and as he saw the leaves fall gently to the ground, Yumichika felt completely captivated by the beauty of autumn. He sighed loudly and looked up into the sky. The sun made a blanket of orange cover the sky, wisps of clouds seeming to take on an orange color as well.

"Hey Yumi," Ikkaku said. "Are you going to stand out here looking at the sky all night? Come on. It's getting dark out."

"Another moment Ikkaku." he replied.

"That's what you said an hour ago." Ikkaku grumbled. "What's so special about the sky anyways?"

He looked up, examining the dark blue settling over the vanishing orange. "I feel like you would laugh if I told you the reason."

"Probably," Ikkaku admitted. "I never could see why you can just look at something and determine if it's pretty or not."

The other laughed. "Obviously you passed my 'pretty' test, or else I wouldn't still be here would I?"

Ikkaku was silent.

The other looked away from the sky. "I'm sorry. That was rude and insensitive of me. I would still be here, even if you were an ugly beast."

"I know."

He looked up at the bald man.

"That's why I have stayed your friend so long," Ikkaku said. "Yumichika."

"Hey Yumichika," Izuru's voice jarred the memory Yumichika was lost in.

Shuhei's face popped into view. "Are you okay?"

Yumichika straightened himself up and walked past them. "I'm just fine. Now we're nearly there."

After a few moments, they had arrived.

"You two set up the picnic out here on the lawn alright? I'll be right back."

"Sure thing Yumichika," Shuhei said and began unpacking the basket.

Yumichika looked at the rickety old porch, left untouched for over 50 years. He felt all those memories come back to him. He walked up the steps, running a hand up the rail as he went. He walked up to the door which was still marked 'Residence of Ikkaku Madarame and Yumichika Ayasegawa'. He put a hand on the slightly rusted knob and turned it. When he opened the door, it was nothing like it was for the 50 years proceeded this.

It had been refurnished. With all the old stuff that had been in here before. He walked inside, looking around.

"It's.." he was at lost for words.

"Just like it was in the good old days, huh?"

Yumichika spun around to find Ikkaku at the doorway leading to the kitchen.

"Ikkaku?" Yumichika asked. "I thought Unohana said you needed more rest?"

Ikkaku walked towards Yumichika. "I just said that. Besides, once I told her the date today, she said it was alright just for today."

"The date?" Yumichika asked.

"You forgot?" Ikkaku asked, rubbing the back of his head. "It's September 19th. Your-"

"My birthday.." Yumichika finished.

Ikkaku pulled Yumichika into a hug. "Yeah you idiot." He paused. "Happy birthday Yumi."

"Hey Yumichika." Shuhei's voice cut in. "Izuru and I have it set up. You coming?"

Yumichika pulled away from Ikkaku. "Yeah. I'm coming."

"Wait," Ikkaku said. "I, uh, got you something.."

"Oh really?" Yumichika grinned. "How thoughtful."

"Shut up before I change my mind and don't give it to you." Ikkaku paused. "You're gonna have to close your eyes. It's a surprise."

"Alright." Yumichika said, closing his eyes. He didn't know why, but he felt a little nervous.

Before long, Yumichika felt warm lips on his. He opened his eyes in shock, but slowly closed them back as he got lost in the feeling of Ikkaku on his lips.

Ikkaku pulled away, leaning his forehead on Yumichika's. "Dammit." he muttered, but he didn't seem mad at all.

Yumichika blushed.

"I'm sorry." Ikkaku said. "I didn't have enough time to think of something else or buy you anything, but I realized how important you are to me Yumi."

Yumichika smiled a little. "You don't need to apologize Ikkaku. That was the perfect present."

He heard someone clear their throat by the doorway.

Yumichika turned his head to see Izuru and Shuhei standing there, staring at Yumichika and Ikkaku, holding each others hands.

Note: I'm sorry. I couldn't resist adding some Shuhei x Izuru in here :3