Rukia stood in the bathroom, nervously turning from side to side trying to get a good view of herself, cheeks tinted light pink. Tonight- today was Ichigo's birthday, and... well. She wanted to do something nice for him. Granted, today had been a good day- full of smiles and family and warmth (and presents didn't hurt, either). But there was a little goal that she had kept in the back of her mind since the twins were born, and she had been working hard to accomplish it.

Looking in the mirror, she stared at herself again, dressed in her nightgown- not just any nightgown. It was the nightgown, that Ichigo had bought for her and given to her the day before their wedding as a personal token. It had been years since she had actually worn it to bed. Rukia recalled now that after Reira was born, it wasn't that hard for her. She hadn't gained much weight after Reira's birth either, but after she had the twins... it had been a little harder, especially having to nurse two babies... she had gained a little weight. And, she remembered, when she got married she was 75 lbs. Now, after 3 kids she weighed about 79, which was good in her opinion. She had worked hard to reclaim her 'older figure' as best as she could, and seeing that the nightgown fit her as well as it had on her wedding night proved her hard work hadn't gone to waste.

She just wondered if Ichigo would remember it. He had chosen the nightgown for her himself, of course. He had ordered it from an online store (being too chicken to walk into a lingerie store himself). But the nightgown really was beautiful. It was a soft peachy pink silk, with thin straps and the neckline was lined with white lace; it fell to stop just above her knees, and the left side had a slit running up it, stopping at mid-thigh. It was very delicate looking (as Ichigo had said, could only suit her delicate figure) and had most probably cost a fortune. And, it was one of Rukia's most prized articles of clothing. She knew distinctly that Ichigo loved seeing her in things that were of his choosing, and the nightgown was one of the highest things on the list besides her engagement ring.

She sighed softly, her fingers lightly tracing the lace that went down the side of the gown where the slit was. She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard the bedroom door open and then shut; Ichigo had probably put Reira to sleep and returned. Well, there was no point in hanging in here then. She opened the bathroom door and slipped out, shutting it quietly. The lights were off in the room except the lamp on her nightstand table. Ichigo was in bed, covers pulled to his waist and his arm fallen over his eyes dramatically. As good as today was, it had also been long... Ichigo was probably tired. No matter.

Rukia slipped into bed quietly, curling close to him, she leaned over and gently pulled his arm from his face, "Oi, baka."

"Mmm?" His eyes were still closed. Rukia smiled, leaning close and kissed him softly, murmuring, "Stay awake for a minute, honey."

He chuckled at the little nickname as she moved closer and wrapped her arms around him as his own came around her, her nose pressed against his neck gently as she felt his hands smooth over her back and his lips found hers again. She rolled slowly off him and onto her side, he turned on his side as well so he was facing her, their faces inches apart, and ran a hand gently up her thigh until it slid under her dress. He paused then, fingering the lace edge of her gown softly, "Hey, this... this is the dress I bought you isn't it?"

"Yes." she curled her arms around him in response, "I didn't actually expect you to realize it so soon."

"Of course I would." his voice was growing deeper and softer with sleepiness, "I chose it...of course I'd recognize it...you still look the same as you did 6 years ago."

"Oh really?" her voice was light, and she stroked his back gently, he groaned as he stretched his back and then grinned, kissing her as he ran his hand up and down her leg again , "Yeah. Still as beautiful as always."

She rolled her eyes as she smiled, her fingers tangling in his hair, "Ichigo..." he scattered kisses against her neck. The feeling was warm and ticklish and she giggled softly, "Oi..."

Little kisses grew longer and heated, his fingers roamed up and down her body gently, moving under her dress. The remained that way for a few minutes until Ichigo snagged the side of her panties and dragged them downward; until they made slow, lazy sideways love.

"Mmm..." his voice was growing sleepier and sleepier by the minute as he curled against her. Rukia pushed his hair back gently, kissing his forehead, "Ichigo... are you awake?"

"Mhmm."

"I have to tell you something..."

"Go on..." he mumbled softly, pressing his forehead to her chest. She sighed softly, combing her fingers through his hair.

"I'm pregnant."

Silence. Ichigo remained as he was, curled against her, eyes closed. Rukia's fingers stopped moving in his hair, she looked down at him with worried eyes, "...Ichigo?"

He moved suddenly, pushing himself upwards and pressed his lips against hers firmly; his answer came in a mumble, "That's good..."

"...You're not angry, are you?"

At this, the sleep seemed to magically lift from his eyes, and he glared at her, suddenly awake, "Why would I be angry? Rukia-" He wrapped his arms tightly around her, his face close, "I love you, and I love our kids... the existent ones and nonexistent ones." he chuckled softly, kissing her again, "Now sleep... it's late." and he let go of her, rolling onto his stomach.

"Ok.." She pulled the blankets up around them again, and leaned close so that her front pressed softly against Ichigo's back, she kissed his ear gently before murmuring, "Happy birthday, Ichigo."

note: if anybody would like to see Rukia's nightgown, it is here: i1284. photobucket albums/ a570/ geotgatamyheart/ gown_ zpsbfdbe1cc . jpg without the spaces :) (if you cannot see the image still you can always mail me and I will send you the link. Thanks for reading~)