A/N: Hey, guys, I am sorry if this takes so long! Anyway, this is chapter two and I basically just write everything that pops up in my mind and I hope it makes sense hehehe. Sorry for the long chapter, since I just can't stop when it concerns, you know, ahem, Isshin.

Warning: I am a HUGE fan of Rukia and I can get creative with giving compliments and praises for her in my story. SO, this story is dedicated to all fans of our beautiful queen. An appreciation AU fic for Rukia.

I hope you all enjoy this :D

The very first time Isshin hears about it, it is in his precious afternoon coffee time with his two best friends.

"A Kuchiki." Isshin can't hold his chuckle. All the while he contemplates the irony of it all, but an amused grin is painted on his face.

Yoruichi smirks at the way her friend's lips quirk up so quickly. "Not only a mere Kuchiki, she is literally The Kuchiki." Yoruichi pauses. "Kuchiki Ginrei's golden granddaughter. Byakuya-boo's dearest little sister. Your son seriously has some guts."

Isshin really can't hold his grin. It is probably the most interesting news he has ever heard from the last recent years of his dull life. "I can't believe my son has it in him." Isshin laughs and Yoruichi chuckles. "I have been teasing him for being single for years and he never has a say about it. Annoyed, yes, but he never ever lets it slip that he has been keeping a Kuchiki to himself for a year."

Isshin takes a sip of his black coffee, all the while looking closely at a photo of a dark haired young lady sitting in a cafe across from his orange haired son. Rukia was pictured listening closely to whatever his son talked about, her eye-catching, big, violet eyes focused solely on Ichigo's. Her slim legs were crossed elegantly under the table. Across from her, Ichigo appeared sitting in a relaxed manner, his back leaned lazily on the seat, his long legs straightened out. The two were sitting outside a cafe in San Fransisco. Isshin swipes left and sees the second picture. It is a candid photo from behind. The two were placing their orders on the cafe counter. Ichigo was wearing a white t-shirt, khaki pants, and blue adidas shoes and Rukia was wearing a simple blue sundress that reached her knees completed by blue flat shoes. Ichigo was standing too closely behind her, it almost looks like she was trapped between his arms and the counter. Rukia's face turned at him, supposedly discussing about their order, and his son bent his head to her levels. Even Isshin can tell their height difference makes them more adorable.

Kisuke Urahara joins Isshin looking at these photos and says, "My, my, my. Little Rukia-chan has grown up well. Kurosaki men sure do have the best standard in girls?"

Isshin laughs again, slightly reminisced of his late beautiful wife. He really enjoys this coffee time with his friends this time. "Of course, we do." He lights up a cigarette. "How is Rukia-chan now? I once met her when she was only 5 at the Shihouin Gala years ago. Cute little princess, kept following Kaien around like a little puppy." The senior pediatrician adds.

Yoruichi smiles. "A beautiful young noble lady with kind heart who helps a lot of people in need - not at all spoiled princesses like most noble ladies are." The Shihouin lady winks and pokes Isshin a little. "Ichi really wins a prize here."

"Rukia is Kuchiki Ginrei's favorite despite her adoptive status. The other Kuchikis don't like her very much since she is not a Kuchiki by blood, thus maybe that's why Ginrei and Byakuya sent her off to US, away from her own so-called family, at such a young age to protect her." Yoruichi sighs and takes out a cigarette. "Well, yeah, you know how the noble families are - always in dispute about money, corporate shares, and inheritances." The dark skinned noblewoman rolls her eyes, all too familiar with the misfortune sides of being in old noble families. "But Rukia has no interest in that apparently - doesn't care that she has the least percentage of share in the big corporate family business, her place in the company is managed by her friend." Yoruichi smirks a little bit. "She owns her own bakery, cafes, and food franchises, even some pet shops, but spends most of her time and money for charity."

Isshin raises an eyebrow and can't hold his grin. He is happy to hear that his son meets someone good and kind. "She is one of a kind, I assume?" The senior pediatrician pauses and eyes his friends, his posture serious. "Do the Kuchikis give my son any troubles at all?"

Kisuke and Yoruchi laugh. "Nothing that our godson can't handle. Even though, surely, dating his boss' little sister has its own consequences." The purple haired woman winks teasingly.

Isshin lets out a relief chuckle. "I guess Byakuya Kuchiki won't make it easy," the black haired man swipes the photo to the left and sees another capture of his son and his girlfriend. The two were still talking outside the cafe, this time Rukia seemed to be explaining something with her hands, her face serious but innocent at the same time. Ichigo was seen listening to his girlfriend with a kind of amused face and a smirk, his toned arms crossed. Isshin can't help but thinking his soon to be daughter in law with those round, captivating eyes is, indeed, one of the most beautiful women he knows in real life. She seems intelligent, classy, elegant, but really adorable at the same time.

"No. With Byakuya-boo, even the term difficult is an understatement." Yoruichi rolls her eyes. "I heard Ginrei is surprisingly supportive, that he calls Ichigo his grandson already."

Isshin lets out another puff of smoke, both his eyebrows raises to his hairline. "Really? I guess the Kuchikis don't know about Ichigo's relation to the Shibas, yet?" He asks, his tone turns serious.

Kisuke hums. "I think he knows and probably likes Ichigo-kun more because of it." At the confused look his old friend sends his way, the golden haired man continues. "The Shiba and The Kuchiki are surprisingly being civil in the last couple of years."

Yoruichi nods in agreement. "You really cut ties with your distant relatives and never heard about the big merger Kaien did with The Kuchiki?"

Isshin takes a deep breath and shakes his head. "Nah, family business has never been my thing." The black haired man turns away, clearly uncomfortable to talk about his former family ties. "What about Masaki's relation to the Ishida?"

The purple haired woman exhales a long, worried sigh. "That's the problem, I think. I doubt they know about it. You know how Ishida and Kuchiki have bad bloods with each other."

"Yeah." Isshin puts out his cigarette and looks away to the window and lets out an exasperated sigh. "Well, we'll just have to see."

Ever since the death of his mother, Ichigo has grown cold and distant to him. What happened to him and his late mother forces Ichigo to act mature and tough since he was such a young child. Ichigo never lets Isshin help him, and he never opens up about his problems to his father. Growing as a teenager, he got into a lot of fights, but rarely did he let his doctor dad patch him up. Ichigo likes to keep things to himself and that includes his personal affairs with girls. That doesn't stop Isshin to tease and demand grandchildren to his son, though.

The black haired pediatrician is really glad to find out about this Rukia-chan. Even though, deeply he hopes to find it out right from his son, not from his godmother and godfather. Isshin is not getting younger and he really wants to hold grandchildren already. But since his son's break up with that girl (what was her name again? Senna?) back in college, Ichigo never introduced any girl to the family again. And Isshin is worried but he just can't help but to tease his son every time he has the chance. He keeps demanding grandchildren to Ichigo. Not that he can't wait, but seeing his son all riled up has always been an amusement to the old man. Well, deep down, Isshin always wants his son to meet someone whom he is going to be crazily in love with, someone that is going to warm his already cold heart since the passing of his late mother, someone warm that can get along well with Isshin and Karin and Yuzu, someone good and kind, someone who is going to love his son unconditionally and can make him happy. But, above all, someone who can make his son a better man. And Isshin waits, and waits, and waits until that person comes.

Isshin remembers clearly there was Inoue-chan in high school. The sweet girl was (still is) their neighbor who loved to (still does) cook and bake some cakes for the Kurosakis. Inoue-chan and Ichigo dated really briefly in high school and then they broke up. Ichigo never told him why but Isshin knew it had something to do Inoue-chan and another guy from high school.

Isshin knew from the very start that Inoue-chan wasn't the right one for his son. The doctor knew it very well since even before the two started dating, it was not a healthy relationship to begin with. And Isshin could think that because he had to patch his son up because the orange haired highschooler got into nasty fights with this other guy in high school that wanted to take advantages of Inoue-chan at some high school party, because apparently (what he got from Tatsuki-chan) young, naive, Inoue-chan was convinced by the other girls that to gain Ichigo's attention on her was to come on and fool around with other guys (and did she fool around with the wrong guys). Tatsuki-chan ended up asking Ichigo to save Inoue-chan and knowing his son and his hero complex, Isshin wasn't at all surprised to see his son coming home at 2 in the morning, held by the nice Sado-kun, with his face full of bruises and fresh cuts and apparently a broken nose for Inoue-chan's sake. Isshin knew very well just how much Ichigo got into fights but this one was really, really nasty and as a parent, as chill and laid back as he may be, Isshin was kind of angry.

While he can't blame Inoue-chan for that, she did play a silly part in that accident.

He stops being a fan of Inoue-chan ever since then.

When Ichigo finally went out with Inoue-chan, Isshin tried to show his support but all the while he knew (and hoped) that the two wouldn't end up as the end game. Inoue-chan was too soft on his son. Isshin knew since the death of his mother, Ichigo always acts cold and distant and he was pretty sure Ichigo was a shitty boyfriend but Inoue-chan never, ever challenged him, never contradicted his every word, she was just too permissive, and when Ichigo was being a little shit, Inoue-chan couldn't help to shape him into a better man, couldn't even bring him back to his feet when he was down.

Isshin always thought that Ichigo needed someone who wasn't afraid to knock some sense into him when he really needed it. Inoue-chan got along pretty well with the family. She baked cookies with Yuzu just like an older sister, but Isshin knew she couldn't really get close to Karin. Yuzu is generally nice to everyone, it isn't hard to win her heart over, but Karin is really skeptical and judgmental. And while the tomboy kept teasing her brother about he wouldn't bring any girls in the same level of beauty like Inoue-chan, Karin once told Isshin that she was actually glad that her brother ended things with Inoue-chan, saying that she didn't know how to get along with her (she is just too nice, Dad, she is too... clingy? And I don't know, I just don't have anything in common with her?) And the dark haired twin also told Isshin that she wished for stronger figure of a sister. And Isshin couldn't agree more.

Years after high school, Isshin knows Inoue-chan is still in love with her son. She still delivers cookies and cooks for the Kurosakis, probably in hope to cross path with Ichigo at the clinic. But Ichigo moves to Osaka since his pediatric residency, and Inoue-chan doesn't come with her cookies anymore.

In college, Isshin heard about the purple haired girl, but Ichigo only brought her to their family dinner once and it was a disaster. Karin hated her guts for reasons Isshin never really got to know and sweet Yuzu couldn't even get close to her. It was worse than the first one. Ichigo never opened up about the girl and not long after Isshin heard from Yuzu that the purple haired girl cheated on her brother. Isshin was glad that they broke up but also gutted that his son could get cheated on twice in his life and thought that story was beyond ridiculous.

So, Isshin waits. And waits. And waits for the best person for his son.

Fate works in a funny way, Isshin thinks. It must be a coincidence, or God just really likes to pull some strings.

It happens way back in June a year ago. It is a day before the annual Masaki's death anniversary. Isshin wants to meet his late wife a day before the whole family go together, because it has been so long since the last time he has a private moment just the two of them. Isshin occasionally goes on June 16 alone, tells his wife all stories and updates on their kids, and visits her again on June 17 together with Karin, Yuzu, and Ichigo.

This year, on June 16 Isshin meets someone unexpected.

From a far, Isshin sees a young lady dressed in a white summer dress and dark red flat shoes, her dark, shoulder length hair is topped by sand-brown summer hat, shadowing her pale face. The young lady is standing right in front of Masaki's grave. Isshin squints his eyes and walks closer, hopes to get a better view while maintaining his distance.

The older pediatrician can't mask his own surprise when he realizes it is Rukia-chan - the girl Kisuke and Yorucihi told him about just 3 to 4 months prior.

Isshin decides to stay behind and observe for a while. Rukia is holding white lilies (Masaki's favorite) in her hands, she carefully places the lilies on Masaki's grave stone and her hands clap to make a silent prayer. Isshin takes a step closer but Rukia is still obvious of his presence. Isshin does not know why but his heart flutters with some kind of pride and joy.

"Good afternoon, Kurosaki-san," the dark haired young woman speaks up politely after minutes of silence. It is the first time Isshin hears her voice after a really, really, long time and he is surprised to hear that the adorable Rukia has such a deep, feminine voice, but she speaks in such a low and soft voice, that Isshin is pretty sure he can't keep up if the wind blows hard enough. Rukia seems nervous and tucks her hair behind her ear. "My name is Rukia," she says again, clearly nervous about this whole thing and Isshin chuckles and thinks it is adorable. Rukia is basically talking to the thin air but she shows so much respect and manners.

"You probably don't know me and I hope me coming here isn't bothering you," she says and Isshin watches. "I brought you lilies. Actually, Ichigo said it was your favorite." Isshin can tell Rukia has relaxed a little. "We actually planned to visit you together today, but something came up at the hospital and Ichigo couldn't come, so I decided to go on my own." she lowers her voice, "I hope you don't mind."

"I don't know if Ichigo has ever told you about me, Kurosaki-san." Rukia says this softly and from the way she talks, Isshin gets the idea that she knows Ichigo still keeps his family in the dark of her presence in his life and Isshin suddenly comes up with an urge to smack his son for keeping their relationship a secret from the family. "But, Ichigo tells me a lot about you." she pauses. "You're all he keeps talking about, actually."

"Ichigo loves you. He loves you so much." Rukia tucks her hair behind her ear nervously again. "Ichigo tells me all the amazing stories about you... and I never really know a mother figure in my life, so his stories always make my heart warm. Anyway, I-" she opens her mouth to say something but closes it again.

"Ichigo always feels guilty about what happened back then 9 years ago. He said that, it didn't stop raining since the day you left." Isshin can hear the sadness and worry in her voice. "I care about him. A lot. And it pains me that someone like Ichigo had to go through that at the age of 9. It's like..." she takes a deep breath, "it's like I want to try everything in my power to make it stop. For him."

Rukia just stays still for a while and Isshin watches the wind blows and the golden afternoon sun ray also makes her appear more graceful and elegant. She stays like that for a while.

"I love him, Kurosaki-san."

Rukia confesses in such a low and soft voice and Isshin doesn't know why but her confession really warms his heart.

"I love him so much that it's beyond ridiculous." Rukia holds back a smile, "No offense, but, he really, really can be such a pain at times." Rukia lets out a soft laugh. "I mean, he is just so stubborn," she laughs again, "and really cocky," then, "and crazily over protective to the point he drives me crazy."

"And we keep having these dumb and pointless arguments, but I think that's what makes me love him even more."

Isshin wants to laugh, too. This is what he truly expects coming out from Ichigo's girlfriend.

Rukia stays silent again for a little while. "I don't even know where to begin..." she mumbles and fidgets on her feet.

"I wish I could meet you in person." she says, "and maybe you could share Ichigo's childhood stories and his embarrassing photos," Rukia laughs lightly. "I want to say that..." she pauses and takes a deep breath, "...there are a lot of things that I am grateful for but it will take me all day if I say them all,"

"But, above all, I want to thank you for raising a strong and kind man. He still has his moments, where it seems like things would drag him down, but he is always, always strong enough to get back on his feet. And I think it is is a good thing that he just won't take no for an answer, and that he doesn't know when to give up, and if he does, it is only to better himself, or it's the only choice he has left." Rukia speaks again, Isshin can hear the raising confidence in her voice. "And I know he looks scary from the outside, since he frowns a lot," Isshin smiles at that, "but he has such a pure heart. He always puts people before him. He loves his family and put his sisters and his father before anyone else. He is a perfect older brother that always takes care of his little sisters. I think you would be proud of him, Kurosaki-san."

Rukia stays still for a little while again and the summer afternoon breeze blows her hair. "I want to thank you for raising a respectful man." At that, Isshin feels pride in his heart. "For all the time we've been together, Ichigo is being nothing but respectful and loyal to me, Kurosaki-san. He can get mad and raise his voice a little, but he is always being respectful and considerate when we have our arguments. And he is also respectful towards my family - my brother, my sister, and my grandfather. Even though I haven't met your family properly, since Ichigo thinks he is not yet ready to introduce us, and I am trying to respect and understand his decision," then, "I have heard a lot about his dad and the twins, and I hope you don't mind to let me love them, just like he loves my family."

"Ichigo is a person who can make me laugh, and treat me well, and bring so much happiness into my life and I can't thank you enough for that..." Rukia says.

"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you, Kurosaki-san, for all that you've sacrificed and gone through to raise such a keeper." Isshin doesn't know why but he wants to sob of happiness at that.

"I can't express how much I appreciate you, because you're the woman who made loving him possible." the raven haired woman bows politely.

"I am really sorry if this gets too long," she says again, "And I hope this is not too bold of me and I am sure it isn't easy to trust someone with your son's heart, but, having your blessing would mean the world to me." Rukia bows again and Isshin can hear the true sincerity in her voice and the way she talks. Isshin knows Rukia is talking to his late wife, but he is Ichigo's parent, too, and her confessions and gratitude also mean the world to Isshin. He decides that he really, really likes her in their first meeting, albeit Rukia hasn't properly met him.

"I hope, someday, I can be half of the person, mother, and friend that you are," she bows again and then, "Thank you." Rukia says and Isshin sees the way she wipes a little tear on her eyes. "Thank you for everything."

Isshin sees the raven haired young lady bows for one last time and finally leaves his late's wife grave, she remains obvious of his presence.

Isshin really wants to say hello. He wants to get to know this girl his son has been seeing, especially after seeing the amount of respect she displays towards his late wife. No girl has ever showed that kind of attitude towards Ichigo's mom and Rukia has successfully won his heart in their first encounter and he hasn't even talked to her yet. But, Isshin thinks, Ichigo must have a reason for not yet introduced her to the family, and Isshin wants to respect that. So, he will for that moment, no matter how much he wants to get to know Rukia and very possibly welcome her with open arms.

The black haired pediatrician walks closer to Masaki's grave and lights up his cigarette. He greets her warmly and says, "I like her. That Rukia-chan. What do you think, eh, Masaki?"

Since the moment he sees his (Isshin is almost sure she's worthy to be called this) soon-to-be daughter in law, Isshin can't hold his smile anymore.

God really likes to play His cards well. Isshin thinks that will be just it, his encounter with Kuchiki Rukia. But, it seems like God has another plan. Little droplets of rain start pouring on to his skin and when he looks up, the golden afternoon sky has turned grey. Isshin lights out and steps on his cigarette. It usually rains on June 17, but rarely does it rain on June 16. He bids his goodbye to Masaki and promises her to come back tomorrow with the kids.

Isshin looks for a shelter. There is that one temple in the graveyard where people sit and take a rest when it rains. From a far, Isshin sees a few people are already there to take shelter from the rain. No one expects it to rain in this perfectly sunny afternoon. That's when Isshin notices the raven haired young lady he met earlier is also standing there, probably waiting for it to stop raining. She doesn't bring an umbrella. Isshin thought she had left already.

While other people are busy with their phones, Rukia is feeding a stray cat with some milk she takes out from her purse.

Isshin walks closer to the temple and looks up to the sky. The rain is getting heavier and it seems like it will not stop pouring any time soon. The senior Kurosaki contemplates whether he should or should not approach his son's girlfriend, but as he gets closer to the temple, Rukia accidentally looks up from the stray cat and their eyes meet.

Isshin catches those huge, captivating blue almost purple eyes and Isshin is certain that Rukia recognizes him at that moment.

Isshin is sure it is not a recognition of their encounter in Shihouin Gala when she was only 5. There was no way a child could remember a stranger she met only once when she was five. Isshin doesn't know if Ichigo has told her already about him, but there is a recognition in her eyes in the way those huge orbs widen slightly at the sight of him. Ichigo must have showed her a picture of his family or something. Rukia seems nervous and Isshin can totally understand if she thinks this is awkward. She probably doesn't know if she should greet him or not since they are not properly introduced, yet, and since Ichigo is not yet opened up to his family about the girl he has been seeing, Rukia probably thinks her existence in Ichigo's life is still unknown in his family. It will be so awkward to introduce oneself as someone's girlfriend when that someone's family don't even know that they're in a relationship. And this is Ichigo's father of all people. Rukia has every reasons to be nervous and awkward.

So, Isshin understands and smiles a little when Rukia blushes and looks down on the ground to avoid another awkward eye contact. All the while, the older man wants to smack his son even more, what excuses do he have to not introduce this lovely girl he has been seeing to the family? From the way Rukia takes her time to go all the way alone to Ichigo's mom grave shows Isshin that the raven haired girl is serious about his son and thinks his family is important. Isshin scratches his chin and thinks he really needs to teach his son some lessons.

Isshin decides to approach Rukia to make the situation easier for her. The senior pediatrician coolly shoves his hands in his pants pocket and stands next to the raven haired young lady. Isshin watches as Rukia's back stiffens and he really wants to grin. She is just too adorable. Hearing her confession to Masaki earlier, Isshin just really can't wait to get to know her and welcome her to the family with open arms.

"It usually never rains on June 16." Isshin says and Rukia turns to him after she bows really slightly. Isshin gives her a smile. "It always rains on June 17, though."

Rukia's mouth gapes slightly to say something but she closes it again. She probably is still indecisive of should or should she not introduce herself.

"I..." she tries to reply, "This is my first time coming here," she tells him.

Isshin can't stop smiling and looks at the grey sky. "I come here every year." He pinches the bridge of his nose. The rain pours heavier than a few minutes ago. "It's beautiful, though. The scenery after the rain."

Rukia's lips quirk up slightly and looks down on the stray cat running in circle around her legs. "I think it is beautiful now when it rains."

Isshin feels Rukia has relaxed a little and maybe she decides she won't reveal her identity to him just yet and he understands. "I come for my late wife." he flashes Rukia another grin and the corner of Rukia's lips quirk up again. Isshin is mischievous by nature and he wants to tease her a little. "Visiting someone, eh?"

Rukia's eyes widen slightly and she nods. The doctor can see a faint blush on her cheeks.

"Care to enlighten?" Isshin grins widely and Rukia turns to him in confusion, her wide eyes finally lock with Isshin's darker ones and her pale face goes crimson like a tomato, in the way the violet in those giant orbs go darker, Isshin knows that Rukia knows that he knows.

She tucks her hair behind her ear and softly answers, "It's someone that... means a lot to someone who means a lot to me,"

Isshin lets out a warm chuckle, "I wonder who that might be," he continues to snicker, "someone like, the mother of your boyfriend, I assume?" he teases and when he sees Rukia's face goes even redder like all the blood in her body rushes up to her head, Isshin thinks teasing his soon-to-be daughter in law may be as fun as teasing his own son.

Rukia looks at him again and the way those giant violet-purple-blue something eyes become bigger than they already are makes Isshin (as crazy as it sounds) hope that his future grandchildren would inherent those eye-catching orbs. The raven haired young lady gapes a little, like she wants to say something, but closes her mouth again, she opens it again but, still no words come out. They both know that they're both aware of each other identities, but Rukia is still too shy to let the truth out. Isshin is right. Teasing her is as fun as teasing his son.

Rukia shyly nods and turns away, clearly still unsure of what she has to say, a ghost of sincere smile is seen on her pretty face.

Rukia is saved by the stray cat that starts meow-ing and scratching her feet. She bends and finally picks up the stray cat and holds it in her arms. She starts mumbling things like, "here, here, kitty," to the cat. She is just so cute without trying and to think that Ichigo, his son, who acts tough like a freaking gangster actually has a girlfriend this tiny and this adorable like a doll made of porcelain, really makes Isshin want to laugh.

The senior Kurosaki nonchalantly scratches his chin and says, "ah, already someone's girlfriend, then." he sighs dramatically, "it's a shame. I was just thinking to introduce you to my son,"

Rukia looks at him and those giant orbs glint in amusement. Her smile encourages Isshin to continue teasing her, "If I say that my son is as handsome as I am, would you leave your boyfriend for him?"

That successfully brings out a giggle from Rukia and Isshin can't be happier. He really enjoys this time and wish the rain won't stop any time sooner. Rukia keeps playing with the stray cat in her arms and she smiles while she asks, "Does your son frown a lot like a grumpy old man?" Isshin laughs in reply and she continues to play along, "because my boyfriend, does, you know, frown a lot and it's kind of annoying." she adds a dramatic sigh in return, then, "may as well leave him for a friendlier, fine looking, young man."

At that, Isshin decides he does not only like Rukia Kuchiki. He loves her and possibly becomes a huge fan of her and the number one shipper of her with his son. If Ichigo ever, ever lets this girl go, Isshin will make sure to disown his son out of disappointment and heart break.

Isshin snickers again. He whines dramatically, "Oh, God, no way! It is another shame." His black eyebrows turn into a deep V and the corner of his mouths form a deep frown, "my son looks like this all the time."

That elicits another giggle from Rukia.

"My son looks scary from the outside, but he is an embarrassingly huge dork inside." Isshin says again and winks. "You'll love him."

"Is he a romantic? Because mine is helpless." Rukia jokes back.

Isshin nods and grins, "He can quote Shakespeare."

At that Rukia laughs. "Alright, sir, I am sold." she bows like a performer to her audiences.

Then Rukia's phone in her red purse rings, she lets go of the stray kitten in her arms and busily rummages her purse. She reads the caller id and her eyes flick back to Isshin for a couple of seconds. Isshin has a pretty good guess of who is calling.

Rukia mouths something like 'I'm sorry, I have to take this' and Isshin nods at her. "Hey," Rukia says in a whisper, "I told you I am stuck in the rain," she sighs and, "yes I did," then, "yes, I did," she repeats, "no, read the text before the cat video."

Isshin chuckles.

"You don't have to pick me up," she rolls her eyes, "Hanatarou is already on the way here, don't worry," then, "I'll call you later," then she whispers, "okay, take care."

Isshin raises his eyebrow and smirks, "The boyfriend?"

Rukia blushes and Isshin snickers. "What kind of shitty boyfriend leaves his girlfriend all alone in the rain?"

She laughs in return and pretends to think it over. "Yes, well," she hums, "Should I just leave him for your son?"

Isshin truly laughs hard at that.

The rain starts pouring less and the sky is not so dark anymore. Isshin is quite sad that his fine afternoon with his so claimed third daughter is coming to an end. Rukia looks up to the sky, too, and realizes maybe this is her time to go.

Rukia looks at him again and their eyes meet. Isshin can see the amount of respect in sincerity in those orbs and he feels proud that Ichigo has found himself a good partner and lover. Isshin gives her his most genuine smile, in hope that she gets the idea of how much he wants to welcome her to his family. And just like what she said to Masaki earlier, Isshin wants her to know that she is allowed to love Ichigo's family as her own.

"I think it's time for me to go," Rukia says softly.

Isshin nods at her. "Don't dump your boyfriend, okay." Please, take care of my son.

Rukia smiles and nods. "I..." she opens her mouth to say something but closes it again before she bows at him, "Thank you." she says, "thank you for everything." Thank you for letting me love your son.

Rukia says it with so much gratitude and sincerity and Isshin is really touched. Isshin waves his hand at her, genuinely sad that this is their goodbye for the moment.

Isshin keeps waving at her, "Take care," he says as she takes some steps back from the temple, "You're a good kid."

Rukia nods, smiles, gives him another bow, and waves back, she smiles at him before she turns on her heels. Isshin keeps staring at he retreating form and after a few little steps Rukia turns around and says, "Can you please deliver a hello from me to your son?"

Isshin laughs again. God, he really likes her and her banter. "Should I deliver it with some kisses and cherries on top?" he teases.

Rukia snickers and nods in approval, "Please. And a teddy bear hug, too."

"Then, tell your boyfriend I say hello." Isshin replies, "And my hello includes some punches and smacks on the head."

They both laugh and Rukia nods at him to say her final goodbye.

This is it.

They're going to meet again. Isshin is pretty damn sure.

And he really can't wait for it.

A/N: I love the idea that Isshin loves Rukia as his daughter XD

And I really hope it is not too weird and you all like it! Anyway this is part 1 since I have another part of Isshin in which Ichigo confesses to his dad that he is seeing Rukia haha. I will probably write that in part 2. Should I continue with other characters? And who do you think should I write next? :D Tell me in the reviews :D