60. Fall For You

Prompt: "Aren't you going to kiss me goodnight?"

Setting: AU

Genre: Romance

515 Words

The date had been a good one. The best – if also the only – date Rukia had been on for quite a while, in fact.

Despite her partner's propensity to scowl and the otherwise gruff exterior he seemed to exude, he had turned out to be excellent company.

The conversation had flowed easily and the silences had been comfortable.

And it hadn't been a typical dinner and movie affair either.

In fact, he'd taken her ice skating at the rink. Whenever she as much as wobbled, he'd been there – grasping her elbow, holding her hand, splaying a big hand at the small of her back to keep her steady.

Rukia's breath had misted in the air and his cheeks had been pink though if that had also been due to the cold, Rukia wasn't sure.

After their time at the ice rink was over, they'd gone to get a cup of hot chocolate. The drink was sweet and it had warmed Rukia up almost as well as his solid presence by her side had.

And, because things had been going so well and neither of them had wanted to go home yet, they'd gone to eat and grab a drink together.

With the drinking had come the teasing, and with the teasing had come the blushes and laughter.

Although it had been Rukia who'd done most of the teasing and her date who'd done the majority of the blushing.

And now the evening was drawing to a close.

They were standing before the door and Rukia freely admitted she was falling in love with this man who had been so thoughtful and kind and fun to be around.

So she looked up at him, fisted her hands in the front of his coat and flashed him a teasing smile.

"Aren't you going to kiss me goodnight?"

His cheeks flushed, even as his arms wound around her, the scowl on his brow easing.

"Seriously?"

Rukia let out a throaty laugh and rose to her tiptoes.

He leaned in, brushing a soft kiss against her lips. The second kiss that immediately followed was longer, deeper, full of promises for more and later.

They pulled back as the kiss ended. Smiled at one another.

He brushed aside a lock of hair that had fallen to her face.

And then they went in.

Ichigo's sister Yuzu came to greet them as soon as she heard the door.

"Ichi-nii, Rukia, happy anniversary! How was the date?"

"Perfect," Ichigo replied, his hand on Rukia's hip.

"How were the kids?" Rukia asked.

"They were great. We had fun, watched a movie, did some drawings. I had no trouble putting them to bed either."

"Thanks again for babysitting, Yuzu."

"Anytime! Now, I'll leave you two to enjoy the rest of the evening together!"

With a smile and quick goodbyes, Yuzu left, leaving Rukia alone with her husband.

She turned to him, pressing close as his arms came around her.

"We've done well, haven't we," she said."

"Couldn't have done better," Ichigo replied, bending down to press a kiss on her forehead.