The Outfit

Saturday

    NEED TO KNOW STUFF: For this story, it is Ichigo's senior year in high school, Rukia is staying in the twins' bedroom, and she still goes to school with him. If that's enough to qualify for AU, then go ahead and call it that. 

And finally:

LAYOUT: I never paid attention to the layout of the house in the anime, so my brain made up a house for this story to take place in. Come in from outside, you are in the living room. Straight ahead is the kitchen, with an archway and no door. To your right is a staircase. To the left of that staircase and recessed a ways is Isshin's bedroom (and you can add another bathroom there too if you like). Up the stairs to your right are the girls' bedroom, a bathroom, and then Ichigo's room.

THERE WILL BE AT LEAST ONE LEMON AND ONE LIME IN THIS STORY. THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER WARNINGS!!

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SATURDAY

"Why did I agree to do this again, Rangiku-san?"

"Because we need to get you into something more festive for Ichigo's birthday party, Rukia! It's a special occasion, after all; all of his friends from here and Soul Society will be there! Isshin went to great lengths to set this up, ya know."

"But why does Ichigo's birthday require me to buy a new outfit? Shouldn't he be the one dressing up?"

"This party is supposed to be a surprise, is it not? Then you should surprise him by wearing something nice for a--Oooooh! Look at this one, Rukia! This would look terrific on you!"

Rukia glares at Rangiku for her almost-comment on her usual garb, but then looks over the outfit the older woman has found, dressing a store mannequin. The top is a strapless black half-shirt-vest with a heart-shaped 'neckline' around the breasts; two big silver buttons on the front ; the white sleeves begin midway down the upper arm rather than at the shoulder; frills adorn the cuffs; there is a 'slice' in a straight line through the whole of each of the sleeves, running from the gathered tops around the arms down to the tailored wrists; and a sheer white mesh overlay is sewn into the bottom of the bodice, for covering the belly button--without completely obscuring it--and adding a touch of modesty to a rather seductive blouse. The bottom piece is a mid-length black leather-like skirt that clings to the hips and posterior but flares into a feminine ruffle at the bottom. A flower pattern decorates the skirt, with one white rose depicted on each side of its front, their stems crossing at the bottom. A red accent belt is fastened around the top of the skirt, and red high heel boots complete the outfit the mannequin is displaying.

"Well," says Rukia, "I must admit, this is a lot cuter than anything else you've made me try on so far, but this isn't really my style. It's a little...revealing."

"Rukia, look! It's on sale!"

Rukia sighs, obviously not happy with this one either. Rangiku then leans in close to Rukia's ear and whispers, "And Ichigo won't be able to keep his eyes off you!"

Rukia's violet orbs widen. Then she gets a thoughtful look on her face before repeating, "Well...it is the cutest thing you've made me try on so far...and it is on sale...mmm...I guess I'll take it." Rangiku grins at Rukia's cool-and-casual face knowingly. "See? Didn't I tell you this place had something for everyone?"

"I guess," replies Rukia with seeming disinterest. However, in the back of her mind...she wonders if Ichigo really will...

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