...

...

Can I go where you go?
Can we always be this close?
Forever and ever,
and take me out, take me home
you're my, my, my, my...
lover.

...

...

...

(February)

Ichigo stretched lightly as he shuffled his papers together, shutting his laptop on his desk with a tired sigh. It had been a busy day, and from the lack of messages from Rukia, he knew she was likely swamped, just as he was. There was the sound of the key in the door, and went downstairs to find Kazui, looking tired but cheerful, his arms full of chocolate boxes and a very large stuffed bear sticking out of his school bag. "Oh, hey dad,"

Ichigo raised a brow. "Busy day?"

"I'll say," Kazui said with a laugh as he set it all down. "I've been chasing off girls all day. Mostly younger students. It pisses off Misato, though."

"Ah," Ichigo nodded, knowing Kazui was referring to his classmate Misato, who was also his girlfriend. "Guess you'll have to make it up on White Day,"

"Yeah!" Kazui said with a laugh as he climbed up the steps, "I'll have to bring a bat with me so I can protect her from all the pervs,"

"You better not!" Ichigo called up stairs, rolling his eyes as he heard Kazui's laughter in response.

He left for the library after lunch, and Ichigo sat at the table sipping tea and reading an article until it was 7:00, where he showered and changed his clothes, pulling on a light jacket when he heard the front door open.

"Hey," he heard Rukia call him from downstairs, and when he walked over to to the top of the staircase, she stood there at the bottom with a grin as she held out a bouquet of large, blood-red roses to him. "Happy Valentines day."

He couldn't help but blush at the gesture, as he climbed down the steps, taking them from her shyly. "What's this for?"

Rukia shook her head, still smiling, "For you, silly."

"Well," he said, still red-faced, and her giggling at him made him feel even more shy, "Thank you."

"Let's go," she said, and he noticed how pretty she looked. Her long hair was pulled up into a high ponytail and she wore a simple, strappy lavender dress that reached mid-thigh.

They wound up at a cafe of her choosing, and he couldn't help but feel a bit out of place, as it was busy and full of young people- or rather, younger people. He would've guessed they were mostly college students, hanging out together for Valentine's Day. They settled at a little side table and ordered what they wanted, Ichigo choosing a classic iced coffee, while Rukia went for a a hibiscus tea. They split a slice of cake together and chatted about whatever came to their minds, enjoying each other's quiet company before it was time to leave. Ichigo handed Rukia his card so she could pay at the register, as she didn't have any living world currency, and checked on his phone to see what was in theaters these days as the two had decided to go see a movie together. The napkin on Rukia's lap fluttered to the ground as she stood to go to the counter, and he watched too attentively as the little pearl pendant around her neck swung delicately for a moment before she straightened up again, placing the napkin on the table and walking away.

The walk to the theater was short, and before long they were seated in the theater, Ichigo snickering as he watched Rukia pull snacks from her purse that she'd smuggled inside. The movie was not a very long one, but it was rather good, at least to Rukia. Ichigo on the other hand felt rather distracted by his companion, and he found himself staring at the screen but not paying any attention, occasionally getting lost in thought as he twirled a lock of her hair in his fingers. It was weird how such a casual place as a movie theater suddenly felt almost romantic. He kept glancing at Rukia, wanting to look at her but not be too obvious. She noticed, though, and stuck her tongue out at him, whispering to, "Focus, Ichigo."

"I'm focusing," he whispered back, but propped his chin in his hand and stared at her jokingly, making her giggle.

Eventually the movie ended and they went home, Ichigo watching as she opened a senkaimon for herself with his hands in his pockets. Even though they'd been doing this for months and he was used to it, there was still something a little bit off about seeing her next to those giant open doors. It reminded him of all the times she'd been forced to leave him; always making him feel a little bit wary.

"Before I go," Rukia said as she paused in front of the gates and turned back to him. "I have something else for you." her tone was slightly teasing.

"Oh?"

"Here," she held out a box to him, and his eyes met hers as clear as the day before he looked at what she held. It was a box wrapped in a shimmery silver and pink paper, and had a little card attached to it- no doubt, Valentines chocolates.

"Wow, chocolates, for me?"

"Yes, Ichika was making some for some of her division members, and I helped her."

Ichigo paused, "Ichika knows?"

"Sort of.. she just knows we've been sneaking around," Rukia said with a laugh, and then she held her hand up. "Oh, and she noticed this, too."

"Ahh..." Ichigo stared at the glittery token of his affection adorning her finger, "I probably should've thought of that."

"It's okay," Rukia waved a hand, "We talked about it, and she's understanding. It was nice to be able to do that with her, without her questioning who on earth I would be making chocolates for. She's so busy these days, I don't get to spend time with her as much."

"Ohhh," Ichigo's tone was teasing as he looked at her with narrowed eyes, "So you made it for Ichika's sake.."

She blushed suddenly, averting her gaze, "No! I mean, I assumed.. after all, we've talked about it and... y-you gave me a ring.."

"Mhmm," Ichigo folded his arms, regarding her with an unblinking stare as she continued.

"So I thought it would be right if I gave you something for Valentines.. stop looking at me like that, you i-idiot!" Rukia screeched suddenly, her cheeks red as she kicked Ichigo in the shin and ran through the gates.

"Rukia, wait!" Ichigo cackled, unable to stop her as she ran through the senkaimon quickly, the wooden doors closing behind her.

He sighed, shaking his head before heading back inside the house. Kazui would be home soon, so he climbed up the steps to his bedroom, closing the door behind him before he sat down at his desk, removing the card attached to the box and opening it.

Ichigo,

Happy Valentines day.

Love, Rukia

Love.

He set the card down and unwrapped the box, lifting the satiny white lid to reveal 12 perfectly shaped chocolate hearts, lined in rows of three. He picked one up carefully with his fingers, putting it in his mouth as he fought the blush rising to his cheeks, closing his eyes as he remembered her shy expression when she'd run off through the senkaimon.

Love.

(When Kazui returned home later that night, he idly noted the very lush bouquet of roses that had been carefully arranged in a vase now sitting on his father's desk when he went into his room to return his car keys- a most curious item for his father to have, as he was not one to care for flowers- especially on a day like Valentines day. He supposed it wasn't any of his business.)

(March)

Ichika Abarai climbed down the staircase of her mother's house, intent on making a smoothie for herself when she stopped suddenly, watching her mother from the step. "Woah- mom, what are you wearing?"

Rukia stood in the foyer of her home, putting her earrings on in front of the mirror. She was dressed in an exquisite, tight little black dress that accentuated her curves perfectly. It had short straps and a sweetheart neckline that plunged a bit, and she'd worn dark tights underneath and a pair of black heels.

Ichika had to admire how stunning her mother actually was. It was a little jarring, seeing her as an attractive woman when she'd always just seen her as... mom. The pretty soft-red lipstick was a beautiful touch, as were the diamond earrings and the smooth waves of her long, blown-out, 90s-esque dark hair. She looked like a vision, and it was certainly the most showy outfit she'd ever seen her mother in, especially with that neckline. She couldn't ever recall seeing her mother in something so daring when she was younger, back when she and her father had still been married to each other.

Rukia looked over at her as she quickly put on her other earring. "What? I have a date,"

Ichika glanced at the clock. "This late?"

"Well it is for dinner,"

"With who?" she couldn't even imagine who on earth her mother would happily dress like that for.

"Ichigo, of course, who else?" Rukia replied impatiently as she grabbed her little white heart-shaped clutch, putting her phone inside.

"Oh." Ichika sighed dramatically, feigning disappointment. "I was hoping you'd have found someone a little cooler or more manly by now. Or at least someone hot, mom."

Rukia merely rolled her eyes, "Ichigo is plenty cool and manly. You don't need to worry about that, young lady."

"Yes I do. You're my mom, I can't just let you run around with any old geezer."

"Ichika, please."

"Is it really formal? You might show him up if you're dressed like that while he's wearing casual clothes." Ichika questioned jovially, "Last time I saw him, he was literally in a t shirt and sweatpants."

"He will be fine- why, do you think it's too much?" Rukia looked back at herself in the mirror with a worried expression, "It's not something I would normally wear, so I'm not sure... but Yoruichi-san said it looked fine when I showed it to her on the phone.."

"No no, it's fine, you look perfect," Ichika replied quickly, which made her mother visibly relax, "It's just that he might get a heart attack."

"What do you mean?!"

"Mom," Ichika deadpanned, "Your boobs are kind of out."

"Ichika!" Rukia blushed profusely and glanced down at her own modest cleavage, her cheeks pink with embarrassment. "Maybe I should change..."

"No!- I'm just messing with you." Ichika waved her hand casually as she walked over, pulling Rukia's hair forward gently to sit on her shoulders. "You look really pretty. And it's fine since it's an evening date."

"Okay, if you say so.." Rukia said unsurely.

Ichika merely paused, looking her over. "...You're going to wear something over that, right?" she questioned, referring to the fact that Rukia's dress was incredibly short, and rather showy.

Rukia's expression grew amused. "Why, are you worrying about mama now?"

"It's February and it's night, mom, you'll get cold." Ichika insisted, rolling her eyes at how not-serious she was being. It was incredibly rare for Rukia to be the irresponsible one, but damn it if she was going to just let her mother leave the house like that-!

"Oh, don't worry sweetie," Rukia crooned, unaware as to how serious Ichika was being as she moved over to the coat closet, reaching in and pulling out a hanger, "I've got a jacket!"

Ichika could only roll her eyes- the 'jacket' was tiny, only reaching Rukia's bustline. "Well, at least it has sleeves." she decided, watching Rukia as she slung it on.

"I'll be back in a couple of hours," Rukia said casually, and she blew a kiss to her. "Don't wait up."

Ichika watched her leave through the senkaimon before shutting the door. 'All alone on a Saturday night, while my usually low-key mother has a date.' she thought to herself, though she was rather pleased to see her mom all dressed up and excited to go out. Rukia was usually no nonsense and a workaholic, though she was also fairly easygoing.

Mizuiro Kojima took a delicate bite of his salmon, savoring the delicate flavor. It wasn't often that he got to come to Karakura- in fact, it was quite rare, but he had to pick up some local candy that his daughter loved, and stopped by The Thousand Sakuras Restaurant. It was a full house tonight, but he didn't mind the rush as it was more than made up for in food quality and atmosphere- it was a more than decent four-star restaurant, and he didn't mind dining alone... being solo in company was something he'd found value in, especially after his second divorce from Nicole-san, 39, and his first divorce from his beloved Aya-chan, 44, whom he wished he could've stayed married to.

But marriage, Mizuiro acknowledged, was way harder than it looked. He wished he could have a happy life with the perfect woman for him, like Keigo did with his wife, Bara-san.. but it wasn't that simple. Though he'd never show it, he was envious of his old school friend... somehow, it had ended up that Keigo had the most fulfilling life out of all of them- his restaurant was fairly popular, he and his wife were actually in love with each other, his two young kids liked to hang out with him...

Now he was currently dating Akari-san, 42, and while she was lovely and very fun company, with her vivacious personality and stunning blond hair, it got tiring sometimes... and it was helpful to find solace in being alone. Or maybe I am just getting old. He had thought to invite her here with him- it was White Day, after all- but in the end, he changed his mind.

The waitress finally approached him, placing his cup of tea on his table as he thanked her kindly. He leaned back in the leather seat, waiting for her to return with his card, when he spotted something at the entrance.

Mizuiro pursed his lips, trying not to chuckle at the sight of Ichigo and Kuchiki-san- of course Ichigo and Kuchiki-san!- at the entrance, before they were shown to a table by a waiter. Fortunately they didn't notice him, being as he was all the way across the room, and the place was quite big and full of people.

The first thing he thought was, I knew it.

The second thing he thought was, Wow, is Kuchiki-san gorgeous. If he didn't know who she was, he might've thought to approach her himself. She looked incredible, and it looked like neither motherhood nor age had affected her in any way. Not when she could pull off such a tiny little black dress. He was sure he'd never seen her wear something as revealing before.

I do have an appreciation for older girls.

She almost clashed with Ichigo, who looked perfectly fine, in his opinion, in a decent suit, his hair clearly had gotten much longer and was neatly slicked back tonight, which he silently approved. That haircut he'd had the last time he had seen Ichigo had been a terrible mistake. But his old friend was human, and his age- they were nearing forty, after all- showed a bit more on his face.

Or maybe that's from past stress, Mizuiro pondered. He knew Ichigo's personal life had not been... ideal.

Were they here for White Day? It had to be, he thought to himself. No one comes to such an expensive restaurant for fun.. except maybe me. He wasn't the type to insert himself in other people's business, but after all, they were friends, he decided. He couldn't see them too well, but he just had to tease them a bit. He took his phone out, zooming in on the two. He managed to snap a photo right as Rukia leaned in, kissing him on the cheek while she was whispering something to him; Ichigo's expression all too pleased at whatever she was saying.

Oh, Mizuiro thought to himself with a knowing smirk as he finished his tea, the waitress returning to give him his card back, they're definitely here for White Day.

Ichigo knew he was a lucky man.

Despite all the hardships he'd suffered in the past, somehow, things were beginning to look up for him. In fact in this very moment, he couldn't believe his luck- couldn't even begin to process how lucky he was.

He couldn't believe he was getting this chance to take Rukia ... on a date.

He blushed at the idea. He almost felt silly, like a lovestruck teenager getting ready to go on his first date. Still, the idea of going somewhere like this with Rukia felt exciting. The Thousand Sakuras was a fairly upscale restaurant, and it was White Day, so he'd told Rukia to dress somewhat formally.

He sat on the couch, reading an article on his phone as he waited for her when the familiar sound of heavy wooden doors opening came out behind him. He turned in his seat, smiling as he watched Rukia step through them. They closed behind her, disappearing into the air as she said, "Hey. Ready to go?"

"Yeah-" Ichigo stood up as he pocketed his phone, immediately freezing when he saw her in full view.

Rukia was distracted as she was putting her phone in her purse, which allowed Ichigo a moment to simply stand there like a fool and stare at her.

Holy shit.

There she stood in all her elegant glamour, so stunning he wanted to just stay home and spend the rest of the night looking at her. He'd never seen Rukia in such a seductive outfit. The tiny black dress emphasized every perfect curve, her long legs were clad in sheer black tights, where she wore simple black stilettos. She had paired it with a cropped black jacket that stopped at her bust line- and oh, god. That heart shaped neckline plunged further down than he ever could've imagined her wearing. She wasn't falling out of the dress, she was filling it in.

Is it hot in here, or is it just me..?

Ichigo swallowed hard, forcing out a slightly raspy, "Hey. You look beautiful."

Beautiful? Really, idiot? He thought to himself, though Rukia merely smiled at the compliment. You couldn't have thought of anything better? No gorgeous, stunning, unbelievable, drop dead sexy?

"Let's go?" Rukia suggested in a questioning tone, and the look on her face said she was pondering why he was standing there gaping at her like an idiot. He snapped back quickly, nodding, "Yeah, let's go- my car is outside."

They arrived after a 20 minute drive, Rukia flipping through radio channels as Ichigo laughed along and told her to "just pick one!"

They walked in together, Ichigo leading her by the hand as they went inside to get their reservation. They were quickly ushered to a private table and handed menus as well as the wine selection, which they both refused, not desirous to get drunk tonight. Their waiter took their orders and hurried off, and it was then that Ichigo reached over, touching Rukia's hand gently.

Rukia glanced up, "Hm?"

He leaned forward, which made her automatically lean toward him to. Wow, she smells pretty, Ichigo thought to himself as he tried his hardest to stay looking in her eyes and not venture any lower, despite how tantalizing her her slender, pale neck was, leading elegantly to her modest yet equally desirous cleavage, "You really do look beautiful." he murmured, and she smiled in response again.

Then she grabbed his sleeve and tugged gently, causing him to lean over to her again, and she kissed his cheek softly. "So do you," she whispered in his ear, and Ichigo suddenly felt like his temperature went up a hundred degrees.

Oh.

Dinner went smoothly after that, the two picking off each other's plates and then sharing dessert together. Then Rukia handed their waiter her phone, asking if he would take a photo of them, which Ichigo blushed at but had to oblige her. Then the waiter asked if he wanted any pictures, and Ichigo couldn't refuse- he did want photos. He wanted to remember tonight, wanted some way of making the memory permanent.

Plus, it would be a bonus to look back on the memory of Rukia in that absolutely insane dress.

Ichigo drove them down to the beach afterward, thought it was dark. He parked in the lot and got out of the car, leaving his jacket inside as he didn't want to mess it up. The wind outside was strong and bitingly cold, but he didn't care- he walked onto the sand with his hand in hers, uncaring for anything else in the world right then.

They walked together on the vast stretch of sand, the ocean in front of them hauntingly dark and vast. Rukia stopping halfway to remove her heels, scooping them up in one hand and then ran towards the water giggling like a teenager, Ichigo running after her. He kicked off his shoes and his socks, savoring how the sand felt before he grabbed them up and ran after her again. She had stopped a few feet from the water, and he found himself heatedly staring as she bent over, slowly peeling the sheer pantyhose from her slim, elegant legs. She bunched the tights up in one hand, leaving it inside of her shoes, which she placed carefully on the sand, before approaching the stretch of wet sand that met the water. She squeaked as the tide rose up, hitting to her ankles before receding again, "It's freezing-!"

Before Ichigo's mind could even register what his body was doing, he was moving forward. He left his shoes next to Rukia's and walked over to her, throwing his arms around her from behind and burying his nose in her hair. She smelled like something sensual and rich- probably her perfume- mixed with her bath products- the rose petals, clean water, and jasmine- which was the scent of hers that he recognized.

He felt her hands on his arms and she said gently, "Ichigo?"

The seawater rose up again and he shivered as it licked at their feet, icy and numbing, but he didn't care. He held fast to her, feeling a mix of emotions he couldn't completely sort out as she repeated softly again, "Ichigo.."

He didn't respond, and after a moment of peaceful silence, Rukia spoke again, her voice unsure, "Ichigo... we should probably go..."

He shook his head suddenly, and could feel her grow slightly tense. "Ichigo..?"

"I don't want to," his voice came out in a broken whisper, which surprised his own self. He felt her turning in his arms, and then she was facing him, and he struggled to keep his expression from crumbling as he blurted, "I'm tired of forcing myself."

She stared at him, wide blue eyes clear and shiny, her lips, cheeks, and nose pink from the cold as the wind blew her hair behind her, framing her face beautifully. "Ichigo," she began softly, "I love you more than any man I've ever known.. Are you sure this is what you want? Are you sure.. I'm what you want?"

"Yes.." his answer came immediately and in a sob, and he felt her hand on his face gently, causing him to open his teary eyes, he gazed into hers, feeling surprise that she was teary-eyed as well. Her hands slid up to grip the front of his shirt, and Ichigo pulled her close, his hands on her back as one bunched up her hair in his hand as their lips collided in a heated frenzy.

Rukia moved back for a moment, and Ichigo caught her hand in his, unable to look at anything but her as a tear rolled down her cheek. That was too much for him, and he pulled her close again, kissing her longingly, the pair of them all alone on the dark beach, with nothing but the moon above them.

"A-Achoo!"

Ichigo glanced over at the source of the sound, looking guiltily at Rukia. She was bundled up on the sofa in her living room, the fireplace lit and warm in front of her. He moved over to her, handing her the cup of tea he'd made for her before wrapping her in another blanket. "This is all my fault,"

"It is not, you fool. I'm the one who ran barefoot into the sea," Rukia said matter of factly, and from her tone Ichigo knew she was not all that regretful of it. "I'll be fine once I warm up a bit."

It was then that Ichigo's phone buzzed, and he glanced down at it, opening the message.

(1) New message
From: Mizuiro

happy white day, Ichigo!
(attachment)

Ichigo gaped at the attached photo, his cheeks turning pink as Rukia paused from sipping her tea, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?"

He turned the phone to her direction wordlessly, holding it out so she could see-

-An intimate photo of them at the Thousand Sakuras, with him leaning over to her side as she leaned forward as well, kissing his cheek.

The two exchanged a look with each other.

From his high-rise hotel room balcony, Mizuiro Kojima chuckled.