A/N: A snippet of a fic written for the IchiRuki FC give away at Bleach Asylum. I hope you like it and it doesn't drag on too much...
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Who knew that the Seireitei had a shopping district? Ichigo looked with shock down the long street, easily half a mile long. The narrow street somehow didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the Seireitei, sure it was still built from the same stark white stone but here the harsh sterile appearance of the walls was broken by the colourful presence of neon store signs, paper chains, garlands, banners, and, Ichigo grimaced, even what appeared to be a large dancing Santa Claus. Ichigo was disturbed. Unable to look at the diabolical creature any longer, but somehow finding it difficult to tear his eyes away, he forced his eye line to the banner above the giant.
"Wishing you a Happy New Year 2010: Kuchiki Stores!"
Ichigo twisted his already scowling face into a look of pure bewilderment. He never had been one for holiday tackiness and he assumed (naively, apparently) that Gods of Death wouldn't think much of dancing Santa's, giant fluorescent angels or stuffed Christmas Puddings with needlessly happy faces either. Apparently Ichigo was wrong.
Feeling a gloved hand brush slightly against his the substitute shinigami stole a glance at his shopping buddy, hoping to see some of his distaste for the streets attire reflected in them. Words cannot express the look of pure childlike joy he found plastered on her silly features. Ichigo resisted the urge to slap himself in the head. He should have known she'd be the type to get sucked into all this holiday madness. Plus, he thought, those fluffy little Christmas puddings in the window display were sort of cute… and she is too when she looks so excited like that. What? Who said that? Must have been that pesky inner Hollow again…
Shaking the fuzz out of his carrot topped head Ichigo quickly convinced himself that any thoughts he had about Rukia that were slightly (or not so slightly) suggestive couldn't possibly be his own and therefore must have come from his Hollow self, cause that makes so much more sense.
Suddenly very aware of how close he and Rukia were stood, and unable to stand looking at the car crash of fairy lights any longer Ichigo stepped forward. If he was on the street at least he wouldn't have to look at it. Without looking back, he was aware of little footsteps catching up with his, he felt cotton sleeves and warm hands brushing together as the tiny brunette surged forward to match his pace. Stealing another glance down at her animated features he had to admit the way her huge violet eyes were glued to her surrounding was rather endearing. And when she tripped over her own feet cause she was focusing too much on the price of a damn Christmas Pudding Ichigo couldn't help but snap out of his mood. She was just so freaking ecstatic it was a little bit contagious. Ichigo felt a small yuletide smile creep onto his face, at least this shopping trip was free. Maybe he would treat her to one of those fluffy puddings things…