Summary: As of late, Rangiku has been more and more depressed even though it's been four years since the defeat of Aizen's army. Ichigo has been reclusive of late since their is hardly any hollows to fight since the fall in Hueco Muendo four years ago and rarely finds anything exciting. Friends of both parties have tried everything to cheer them up and yet everything failed. In a last attempt, they bring the two of them together and it's an instantaneous click. But will forces of the unknown threaten to tear the relationship apart?

A/N: I thank all my reviewers so much! They have given me needed advice and confidence in this story. Now for disclaimers ^ ^! I do not own Bleach! (Though I wish I did) The series and manga belong to the author/creator and the animators who brought it to its existance.

"", ''- Speaking Normally, thoughts

''- Private Thoughts

"" or ''- Hichigo, zanpaktou's, etc speaking

A/N: F*CK MY LIFE RIGHT NOW! Guys I am so sorry about this but due to something happening at home I wound up messing up this chapter so badly! Which means Ima have to re-write the whole damn thing. If you have any clue to what was fully written please let me know. For now everything will be updated and re-written to what I see fit.

Chapter 3: Summer Days

2 weeks later...

"Dad! We're home!"

"MY LOVING SON! WELCOME HOME AND MY LOVELY DAUGHTER WELCO-!"

"Idiot!" Kicking his father across the room, Ichigo made sure Rangiku was in the house before closing the door and locking it behind him.

"Are you okay Isshin?"

"MY DARLING NEW DAUGHTER IS WORRIED ABOUT ME! SHE ALREADY HAS TAKEN A SHINE TO M-!"

"DAMN YOU OLD MAN!"

Watching the comical scene before her, Rangiku felt pity for the man but not as much as she should have. 'Stop saying stupid things in front of him.'

"OH MASAKI! THE GODS ABOVE HAVE BLESSED US WITH ANOTHER DAUGHTER INTO THE FAMILY AND THIS TIME SHE WILL BE MARRIED TO ICHIGO!"

"Ugh, come on." Grabbing Rangiku's hand, Ichigo grabbed the rest of the bags and dragged them upstairs and away from his father who was ranting happily like a mad man to his dead wife's poster.

"Yay! Finally out of the heat!" Placing the bags near his bed, the strawberry blonde collapsed onto the cool sheets.

"What do you expect? Its close to June even though its mid- May."

"I know, I know but still it shouldn't be this hot. Not that I'm complaining, still got my shopping done today!" Sitting up, Rangiku pulled one of shopping bags close to her and began rummaging through it.

"No kidding! You nearly bought out all the damn stores!" Sitting in the chair at his desk, Ichigo watched as Rangiku paired up tops and bottoms.

"Is that a bad thing?"

"No, but didn't that drain nearly all your money?"

"Nope."

"Say what?" Raising an eyebrow at her, Ichigo didn't believe Rangiku.

"I'm serious! It really didn't! Stuff here is a lot cheaper than back at the Soul Society, thats probably because there's more in stock here also..." Holding a top up, the female stared at it before tossing it into a pile behind her.

"Cheaper? You mean..."

"Yep. Inflation up the ass in that place. That's why Renji is mad sometimes when you break his shades. Sometimes those things take up to half his pay check."

Laughing, the orange haired teen nearly fell out his chair laughing. "Are you kidding me?"

"Nope!"

"He's a freaking idiot! He could come here and pay less for them."

"Were not always able to get out and shop here. Which is why I am always shopping when I come here, doesn't dent my wallet too much and I still have enough for stuff back home." Folding up some clothing, Rangiku placed it into bags before grabbing some more and beginning the sorting process again."

"That brings up my next question, hows the payment for being in the squad."

"Not bad at all. Captains make the most, followed by lieutenants, then third to fifth and the rest get paid a set sum. If its a holiday or something than we get bonuses if there is enough money profit."

"Not bad."

"And those who are say in the fourth or twelfth squad get paid more for their services in the basic ranks." Finishing up with another set, the blonde yawned and stretched before laying down.

"That seems fair." Watching her, Ichigo couldn't help the smile that spread across his face.

"Yea... What are you smiling at?"

"It's nice to see you happy again..."

Unable to speak for a second, a similar smile spread across glossed lips before baby blue eyes closed. "It feels nice to be happy again." Soon gentle sounds indicated that she was sleeping.

'I hope that this is the right location.' Looking up at the clinic doors, Momo stood outside nervously. She wanted to check up on Rangiku since she had heard from her since she left the club with Ichigo that night. She wasn't comfortable coming to the house despite fighting alongside him and his father. 'Hopefully he answers... Here goes nothing.' Summoning up her courage, Momo rang the door bell and waited.

"Coming!"

'Oh thank god it's Ichigo.'

"Who is it?"

"Momo!" Waiting patiently, she heard locks being undone before bright orange haired peek through along with it's owner.

"Hey there! Come in!"

"Thank you." Walking in, she was grateful for the cold air that washed over.

"It's been a while since I've seen you! What has happened?" Locking the door, he lead the timid woman to the living room and took a seat across from her.

"We'll I am now the captain of the fifth squad."

"Really? When did this happen?"

"About a year ago."

"Well let me give my late congratulations. I think I know who you are here for, she's been asleep for about an hour upstairs."

"And she just woke up." Appearing at the top of the stairs, Rangiku rubbed her eyes.

"Well that didn't take long." Getting up, Momo helped Rangiku downstairs and sat her down near her.

"Hush you..." Smiling, a yawn followed afterwards.

"Jesus, what made you this sleepy?"

"We went out today since she 'insisted' we needed to shop." Using his fingers to quote, Ichigo barely had time to catch a pillow thrown at him. "What? It's true! It was hot out but you were 'dying' to get these clothes before you had to go back."

"Smart ass." Tossing another pillow at his head, Rangiku snorted when he caught the second pillow. "Oh! Momo! You have to see this cute bathing suit I got while I was shopping!"

"It's actually modest for once... Hey!"

Laughing, Rangiku finally caught him in the face with a pillow. "Gotcha... Anyway, come upstairs so I can show you."

Looking over at Ichigo, when he gave the go ahead Momo followed her excited friend upstairs.

"Oh wow! Ichigo was right!"

Whacking her with the bathing suit, Rangiku silently agreed with them. It was a black piece tankini, the top part supporting her bust well and the bottom part had tie strings and silver charms dangling off of each side.

"So what's the special occasion for?"

"Oh, were heading to the beach." Going back to the bag, she pulled out another bathing suit, this one a yellow and orange halter one piece and tossed it to the captain.

"We? Who else is coming?"

"You'll see in five, four, three, two, one..."

"RANGIKU!"

"There here!" Changing into her bathing suit, she grabbed the tie skirt and gave Momo her's.

Taking it, she sighed and changed into her bathing suit, knowing it was going to be a long day.

"What do you mean your dragging me to the beach!?"

"You heard us Ichigo, you are coming whether you like it or not." Sitting across from him Uryu adjusted his glasses upon his face. He was wearing white swim trunks with the quincy insignia on the right leg and a white shirt with the same symbol on the pocket.

"It'll be fun Ichigo!" Smiling, Orihime tried to cheer up Ichigo about being forced to go out. She had on a bikini the same color as her barrett's with orange hibiscus's on one side of the top. The barretts themselves holding back locks of her hair instead of being on the side.

"And plus your sisters have already told us about you being cooped up in here. It's not good Ichigo for your health."

Glaring at Uryu, Ichigo turned to Chad for help only to see him staring down at the red and black trunks he was wearing. "Dammit... Look guys, I appreciate it but..."

"No buts! You are going!"

Looking at the top of the stairs, a light blush dusted over the teen's cheeks as he watched the soul reaper come down with a large beach bag on her shoulder. 'She looks pretty...'

"You get up there now before me and Momo drag you and change you, right Momo?"

Giggling, she tapped her head as if in deep thought. "You know Rangiku, I wonder if he is a natural..."

"Alright! Alright I am going." Sighing, Ichigo trudged upstairs.

"I swear I am going to kill you guys for dragging me out." Watching the road, Ichigo was still mad about being forced to head to the beach. Cruising in the family car, he cussed when a driver cut him off.

"Oh what can you possibly do? Did you forget that I was already dead!?"

"Me too!" Momo waved from the back seat with Orihime.

Shaking their heads, Chad and Uryu prepared themselves for the thirty five to forty minute drive to the beach.

"Were here!" Staring out the window, as soon as the car stopped, Rangiku hopped out.

"Alright guys! Let's get this stuff out and head into the beach." Turning off the car off, Ichigo hopped out, to be blinded sided by Momo and Rangiku who had the towels, screens, and the other beach essentials already in tow. "Jesus Christ..."

"See you at the beach Ichigo!" Waving at the teen, Orihime carried the rest of the stuff behind the two enthusiastic soul reapers.

"Well they seem happy." Lifting up the cooler, Uryu set it down before pulling out another one.

"Yea, happy enough to leave us with the heavy work."

"What's wrong? Not strong enough?" Smirking, Chad brought one of the coolers and the grill pass a fuming Ichigo and a in hysterics Uryu.

"Towels set up!"

"Alright Orihime!" Turning to the boys, Rangiku tossed them the sun screen. "See you in the water!"

"Wait! You forgot the..." Sighing, the bottle was snatched out of Ichigo's hand by Uryu.

"You coming with us?"

"No Orihime, me and blue boy here have to put on sunscreen."

"Alright."

Waiting till she walked off, Uryu then decided to speak. "Blue boy? That's rich berry boy."

"Hah, your funny." Glaring at him, he snatched the bottle back.

"Yea, yea. I'm heading down to the water, join when you ready berry boy."

Resisting the urge to throw the bottle at his head, Ichigo chose to grumble under his breath and put the bottle away. Finishing the application of sun screen, he finally went down to the oceans edge and dove head in to get used to the water.

"Glad to see you make it!" Splashing him as soon as his head surfaced, Rangiku giggled as Ichigo sputtered.

"Ack!"

"Oh relax and have fun!" Jumping up, the clip holding the mass of hair fell out letting loose locks flow down. "Crap!" Diving under water, she left the awe struck teen alone.

"Ichigo? Ichigo!"

"Hmmm?"

"I think he's out of it Chad, let's help him recover." A malicious glint shone in the blue haired teen's glasses as he approached the orange haired teen from behind.

"Wait what!?" Not paying attention, Ichigo flailed when he was picked up.

"One, two, three!" Tossing the shinigami far out in the ocean, the quincy high five his tall friend before wading back towards the others.

Swimming peacefully in the clear waters, Rangiku had no idea of the trouble that was about to occur. Surrounded by a mass of bubbles, the blonde surface for air and cautiously peered over to where air bubbles were surfacing. Popping one of them, a tuft of orange arose and she giggled before swimming in the other direction to avoid any issues.

"We'll that was fun, time to relax and enjoy myself." Floating on top of the water, Uryu didn't see the menancing xform over him until he was flung in the air.

"Let me help you with that!" Exaggeratedly jumping out the water, the orange haired teen kicked his comrade far into the ocean before chasing him like a hollow smelling food.

"Almost done Uryu."

"Ah, thank you Orihime. Without you I'd probably be a dead man right now."

"Not a problem, all done." Calling her reika back, the orange haired girl arose from her spot in the sand and brushed her knees off.

"I don't know why you healed him, it's only proving how much of a pansy he is."

"It's because of you Kurosaki that I nearly died!"

"Pheh." Opening up a soda, Ichigo let Uryu rant, paying no mind to the spewing death threats.

"Wow, those two sure hate each other." Thanking from what Momo knew as the tall guy, she ate her burger while watching the two of them go at it.

"It looks that way but in truth they are the best of friends." Putting more food on the grill, Chad watched the debacle with Momo as well. "They support each other in battle better than anyone else could."

"If you say so." Taking another bite, the soul reaper remembered how her and Rangiku's zanpaktou's were when they were released. "Hey, where's Orihime?"

"Over there on her towel." Pointing with the spatula, Chad waved the young captain off.

"Hey there! What's going on?" Sitting next to her, Momo became concerned when she saw tears at the corners of Orihime's eyes. "Is everything okay?"

"Oh!" Surprised that someone was next to her, she wiped her tears and put on a smile. "Yea, just remembering stuff."

"Oh... Okay." Not pushing the issue any further, Momo finished up her food before sitting in silence with the teen and just showing that she was there for her...

"I'm heading back in the water, wanna come?" Standing up, Momo offered a hand to Orihime.

"Umm, one second..." Turning around for something, the orange haired girl stopped in her tracks before spinning around and taking the outstretched hand. "Sure."

'That was quick.' Noticing the fake smile, before she could ask, Ichigo passed by and the slight stiffening of the other's body told her all. 'I wonder what's up...'

"Hey Rangiku, wanna take a walk with me?"

"Hmm?" Opening an eye, Rangiku stared up at Ichigo. "Where to?"

"The board walk."

"The what?"

"It's a place with fun rides and games, and hopefully most are open since its a nice day." Helping the blonde up, he gave her a smile before leading her off.

Later on...

"Wow that was fun! Can we go on the roller coaster again!?"

"I don't think my stomach can handle another ten or so loops." As if on cue, Ichigo's stomach decided to make itself present by uttering a growl at the sound of the ride going off again. "Besides, I don't want your stuffed bunny stolen. Took a lot to win that damn thing and I'll be dammed if someone thinks they can run off with it."

"Haha, you're right." Turning away from him, baby blue irises focused on the way the large Ferris wheel lighted up against the hues of the sunset sky. "So pretty..."

Watching her, Ichigo couldn't help but smile at the antics of the woman in front of her. While he knew that she explored the human world before, it was pretty apparent she hadn't been around much to bask in the beauty of neon and natural colors mixing. Turning to the sky, he frowned as sunset gave away to nighttime. 'Damn, it was just getting good too.'

"So what else is here?"

"Follow me." Pulling her down the board walk,the couple went on a few more rides and looked at a couple of attractions and booths.

"What's that?" Stopping in front of a blue and white booth, Rangiku called Ichigo over while she inspected it.

"What's what?" Turning to where Rangiku was staring, Ichigo sighed as the color drained from his face. "It's a photo booth."

"Photo booth?"

"Yea, instead of using a camera to take pictures it does it for you, albeit they come out smaller and in a series."

Hearing photo, the strawberry blonde pulled the teen in against his will.

"Rangiku come on!"

"Please?" Using the puppy dog look on him, she cheered when he caved in and pulled out some money. "So what do we do?"

"When the money goes in, just pose I guess." Rubbing the back of his head, no sooner than the machine had accepted the money was he pulled into Rangiku's chest. "What the hell!?"

"Smile!"

Looking at the photo booth oddly, other patrons either laughed, blushed or ran by with their kids from the screams of protest coming from inside.

"Dammit! How many shots does this thing take?!"

"Last one!" Kissing his cheek, when the photo was taken Rangiku pulled back and giggled at Ichigo's stunned expression. A whir caught her attention and she saw a medium size line of prints come out the machine. Pulling it free, her giggles turned into laughter as she looked at all the pictures. "Priceless! Wait till I show the girls!"

"Oh no you don't!"

Grabbing her stuffed animal, Rangiku took off running from the booth with Ichigo hot on her trail. Weaving in and out of the crowd, she decided to take the scenic route and with grace she leaped over the railing and landed on her feet in the sand.

"Ah ha! Got you!" Following Rangiku, Ichigo was greeted with sand as soon as he landed.

"Serves you right!" Doubling over, she felt something slap into her hair and reaching up, she felt the grainy texture of wet sand meet her fingers. "Ichigo!"

Wiping the rest of the sand off of him, he was laughing at her plight when sand smacked him in the face again. "So it's like that now... Well then!" Tackling the lieutenant, he play fought with her, rolling around in the sand with out a care in the world.

"Damn you!" Pinching his sides, Rangiku got him off long enough so that she could pin him underneath her. "Ha! I won!"

Deciding to let her gloat in victory, Ichigo decided to get revenge on her later when there wasn't sand crammed everywhere. A bright light from behind Rangiku drew his attention and he tapped her shoulder. "Ummm, what's going on?"

"Where?" Turning around, the color drained out of the tenth lieutenants face as the senkaimon came into view. "Oh crap."

"Hello to you too Rangiku."

A/N: FINALLY! Re-written and done!