My first cute little oneshot! (It will stay an oneshot unless I get requests asking otherwise, considering I really don't really have a plot in mind for future chapters.)

This is an AU story where Nekos (for people that don't know, Nekos are often referred to anime characters that have cat ears and tails.) live together with humans as there lifelong friend/pet.

Ichigo is around seven in this while Rukia is about six, six and-a-halfish.

Paring: Ichigo x Rukia

Rated: T (M if continued)

Neko Love

"Nii-sama, look how cute he is!" The wide-eyed little girl exclaimed as she stared at the scowling creature before her.

Orange ears twitched curiously on the top of his equally orange mane, the animal returning the little girl's stare with a blank look on his face.

The tall man looked down at his little sister with a slight frown in place, "Its scrawny Rukia. Not a pet worthy of our class." The animal's scowl deepened at the man's insult but remained unmoved within his cage. With a bite of his tongue he stayed quiet as he watched the two human's interaction.

"But, he's such an adorable Neko, Byaku-nii!" the six-year-old said as she happily clung to the metal bars of the cage.

"Ahh, I see you've taken a liking to Ichigo," the owner of the small shop commented as he strolled up to the siblings. "He's a great Neko, very loyal."

"Can I have him Nii-sama?" Little Rukia asked hopefully with a pout, tiny hands attempting to poke Ichigo through the thick bars of the enclosed pen.

"Are you sure you don't want to keep looking, Rukia?" The raven-haired man questions in a slightly annoyed tone.

Ignoring the eldest Kuchiki's comment, the shopkeeper knelt down beside the little girl, his eyes playfully wide; "Would you like to play with him?"

Rukia's eyes widen at the idea in return. "Can I?" she asks hopefully.

"If it's ok with Byakuya," Urahara said, looking up at the noble man, a wide smirk in place.

Letting out a sigh as his little sister pouted up at him, the man realized it was clearly a losing battle.

He grunted he's agreement only to hear a happy squeal from Rukia in return and he forces back a small smile.

"Ok, Ichigo," Urahara started, cage now unlocked, "Be good and you might get to go home with these nice people."

Moving slowly to the opening of the cage with his ears slightly back in caution, Ichigo looks up at the girl that was currently staring at him with large, deep blue eyes.

"Hello…" He comments lowly; unsure of his actions. "I'm Ichigo."

"I'm Rukia," The little girl moved closer to the Neko with a bright smile on her face. Slowly sticking out her palm like her brother had told her to do when meeting new animals, the young Neko crouched slightly closer, sniffing at her tiny hand with clear curiosity.

"You smile like chocolate." He commented as he absentmindedly nuzzles her palm against his cheek. Giggling childishly, Rukia plopped down in front of his open cage. "Can I touch your ears?" she asked shyly.

He blinked at her request, taken slightly aback, before nodding as he moved to sit directly before her. Petite hands gently stroked at the two furry cat ears that stick out from on top of his spiky orange head. Soon, Ichigo found himself purring softly at the loving gesture.

"I pick him." Rukia stated as she looked up at her brother with wide smile.

Letting out a slight sigh, the Kuchiki nodded his agreement once again; "Very well."

"Shall we gather your things then Ichigo?" Urahara grins at the Neko who was practically sitting in the girl's lap as she continued to run her hands through he's orange mane, not hearing the owner's words.

"I'll pack your things then, why don't you go with your new master and pick out a collar?" being shaken slightly from his daze,Ichigo smiled happily up at the shopkeeper before taking Rukia's hand in his. A Neko's collar meat the world to Ichigo's kind. It represented their home and lifelong master. He sent a smile towards Rukia as he pulled her along to the front of the shop.

"Are you sure she's not too young?" Byakuya asked he's friend once they were alone. Urahara, who was currently gathering Ichigo's toys and bedding together, stopped momentarily to look up at the noble.

"I get countless costumers around her age. Besides I know she's mature a little girl. She'll make a wonderful master." It was his honest answer as he watched the two children interact from behind his open fan, eyes serious.

Byakuya was originally against the idea of letting his little sister adopt a Neko. He didn't see why Rukia would need an almost bodyguard creature but, of course, Urahara had mentioned it right in front of the young girl.

That was three weeks ago.

He finally caved.

Besides, Rukia was often lonely as she spent most of her days in the mansion single-handedly with only a small numbers of maids to keep her company; his job forced him to travel constantly. It seemed Ichigo would be most helpful in that department.

"Nii-sama!" Rukia races over to the adults a few minutes later with a large smile. "Look, look, look!" she squeals happily, pointing over her shoulder.

The two men follow her finger over to the smirking orange-headed Neko who was sporting a violet collar with a large sliver bell resting on its center.

"My, don't you look handsome," Urahara chirped, hiding his expression behind his fan. Ichigo's tail swooshed softly behind him, the Neko scratching his head in embarrassment.

"Yes, he does!" Rukia said with a giggle as she wraps her arms around his sweater clad torso. Byakuya couldn't help but glare some at the bright blush that overtook the boy's face at the action while Urahara let out a simple chuckle.

"They already seem inseparable…" The hat clad man whispered with a knowing look causing Byakuya the scuff in slight irritation.

Twenty minutes later, the Kuchiki siblings made their way out of the Neko Shelter; Byakuya carrying Ichigo's belongs while Rukia pulls the Neko along as they make their way home.

"You'll like my room, Ichigo. I have lots of fun toys we can play with!" Rukia said happily as the three waited at a busy crosswalk. "We can play with my Chappy plushies!" before the strawberry could comment, a load laugh filled their ears.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in!"

Turning sharply Ichigo's eyes widen before he lowers his ears and let out a menacing growl. "Grimmjow…"

"Hey, Ichi," The blue-headed Neko's smirk widens to an almost demented level when he lays his eyes on Rukia.

"Who's that Ichigo?" Rukia asks quietly, slightly frightened, as she clings to the boy's arm.

"Just an old…friend, let's go." He finished when he noticed Byakuya making his way across the crosswalk with the crowd.

"See ya around Strawberry!" Ichigo visible flinched in anger as he pulled the raven-headed girl along.

"How come he didn't have a collar?"

He looked down at the girl with a slight scowl before looking up at the sky. "That's 'cus he doesn't have a master." Rukia blinked at the information, "How come?" A master was the one thing Nekos lived for; the fact that the blue-headed animal didn't have one was strange news indeed.

"Not sure, all I know is he doesn't want one; never has. That's why we don't really get along." He smiled down at her before tightening his grip on her hand.

"Hurry up you two. Don't fall behind."

"Sorry Nii-sama!" The two quicken their pace until they were beside the much taller man. As the three continued their way along the sidewalk, Ichigo looked at his surroundings in amazement. Kurokura town wasn't by any means large; small shops covered the area, surrounded by tall buildings and green vegetation that seemed to make up the outline of the small area. He looked around curiously at the pedestrians that scattered the streets; humans and Neko alike.

Ichigo couldn't help but let his mind wonder to the stories he heard growing up. Horrible stories about his kind being mistreated and abused by humans in other areas. He wasn't sure if they were true or not but looking at this city, where humans and Nekos lived happily together, he couldn't help but smile at his luck.

"We're here." Ichigo was pulled from his thoughts by Byakuya's cold voice. He looked ahead, expecting to see a small apartment or home only to blink up in surprise when his eyes rested on a large elegant mansion.

"You live…here?" The strawberry asked in complete awe.

"Yup, and now, you do too!" Rukia says in a proud tone, leading the Neko through the garden and to the front door of the Kuchiki estate.

Once he stepped foot inside, Ichigo froze. The corridor was truly beautiful. Elegant paintings filled the walls, a centerpiece of red roses sat perfectly centered on table in the middle of the area, and a graceful staircase flowed to the second floor. There were hallways that led to probably countless other equally breathtaking room and Ichigo felt almost ashamed to be standing on such a beautiful piece of art.

Byakuya walked past them and announced he would be in his office until dinnertime. His footsteps rang throughout the house as he disappeared down one of the numerous hallways, but Ichigo remained unmoved, the Neko staring down at the freshly polished, tile floor.

"Hey, Ichigo?" Rukia asked softly, moving so she was standing in front of him, "Something wrong?"

His amber eyes met her large violet ones and he let out a soft sigh. He could try lying but his ears were drooping along with his tail meaning, something was obviously bothering him.

His eyes met the floor again as he mumbled; "I'm just a street Neko, I shouldn't be in such a nice place…"

Amber orbs grew wide as he felt a small hand ruffling his hair. "This is your home now so no more pouting!" He looks up at her smiling face, returning it with a skeptical look of his own.

"Besides, I want you to be here 'cus you're my friend." She admitted with a blush as she falls from her tippy-toes due to their height difference and crosses her arms over her chest. He's quiet for a moment as he lets Rukia's words sink in before he grins at her.

"So when do I get to see your room?" She can't help but smile as she grabbed his hand before leading up the flight of stairs before them.

Her bedroom was large, filled with an amount of toys any little girl would die for. Her queen size bed was pushed against the far corner while her playthings covered most of the remaining area.

"Wow, you sure do like bunnies…" The Neko commented, his eyes falling on the five foot stuffed rabbit sitting by a table that was obviously used for tea parities.

"Yup!" she let out a laugh. "My grandpa knows I do so he brings me one every time he comes to visit." She pointed over to her toy chest that seemed to have countless bunny plushies gathered inside. Now that he took a closer look around, the only type of stuffed animals she seemed to have were numerous rabbits, a few teddy bears, and dolls clothed in elegant dresses.

When Ichigo got settled in, the two agreed to play house and ended up playing until they were called for dinner.

"You two having fun?" Byakuya asks once the duo join him at the dinner table.

"Yup, we played house, I was the mommy and Ichigo was the daddy and Mr. Chappy-san was our pet squirrel!" Rukia lets out a laugh as the servants placed their food in front of them.

He knew he would regret asking… "Isn't 'Mr. Chappy-san' a rabbit?"

The two nodded.

"Yea, but he wants to be a squirrel so he can eat sunflower seeds."

"Oh, yes, of course," He nodes at his sister's logic as he sips his tea. "After dinner you can play a little while longer but then you two need to take a bath and go to bed. It's getting late."

"Waar em I gunna swep?" Ichigo asked with a mouth full of rice. Rukia laughs at his face expression while Byakuya sighs, "With Rukia of course."

The Neko blushes lightly but nods none-the-less.

Once they finished dinner the two children raced back up to Rukia room where they began playing with her stuffed animals once again.

"Hey, what's this book?" Ichigo asked once he noticed a very warn out picture book sitting on Rukia's nightstand.

"Oh? That's Alice in Wonderland, it's my favorite." She answers simply as she sits next to him on the floor.

He flipped through the book before looking over at her. "Never heard of it," He can't help but flinch when Rukia practically tackled him, "How have you never heard of it! It's epic!" she laughed, the girl lying on top of him with a grin. He scowled up at her before flipping open the book to a random page.

"I-m late, I'm late, foor a vewy im-impor-importan-t date…" Rukia lets out a giggle at his scowling face before snatching the book out of his hands.

"Hey!" He pouted deeply causing the girl to lean over simply and peck him lightly on the lips.

"No pouting 'member?" She rolled off him and lies on her stomach; opening the book to the first page, completely missing Ichigo horrified expression.

"W-what the crap was that?" He asked in a high pitched voice, the boy covering his blush with his forearm.

She looked over at him, curiously clear, "Hm? What you mean?"

"You k-ki-kissed me!" he screeched as he pointed at her dramatically.

"Yea, 'cus I wanted to, I guess," she gave him a shrug, ignoring her own blush.

He scowls deeply at her.

"Besides, if I wanna kiss you I can 'cus you are my Neko!"

He laughed lightly before nodding, "Good point. Will you read this story to me then, Master?" He grinned at her, his ears perked happily.

Fifteen minutes later, Ichigo let out a yawn as he smiled up at Rukia from his resting spot on her lap.

"My favorite is the Cheshire Cat." Rukia laughed at his comment before nodding. "I like him too but the Mad Matter is funny."

"But Cheshire can randomly float and stuff!" Ichigo exclaimed with a twitch of his ears. "So, he's cooler!"

Before Rukia could comment there was a knock at the bedroom door and a young lady stuck her head in with a timid smile, "Rukia-sama, I drew you a fresh bath."

"Thanks Momo, can me and Ichigo take one together?" Rukia asked innocently, ignoring the boy's cough of embarrassment.

"Byakuya-sama said that it's either separate baths or you both must wear bathing suits," Momo replied quickly.

"Ok, Ichigo can use Renji's right? Didn't he forget his the last time he came over?"

"I feel stupid!" Ichigo hissed, walking into the bathroom in bright red swim trunks that were covered in pineapples, his tail twitching behind him thanks to the hole made in the back of the material.

Rukia, who was already in the bathtub, giggled at him, "You don't look stupid, you look cute." The Neko grumbled to himself as he climbed in the tub. Sitting down within the water with a sigh, Ichigo glanced at the girl before him. She was wearing a blue one piece with damp hair that slightly stuck to her face.

"Watcha lookin' at?" She asks, flicking bubbles at him.

"A shrimp," Her eye twitched angrily and Ichigo almost felt proud of himself.

Key word being: almost.

"Ahh!" The strawberry cried out when he a handful of bubbles hit him square in the face.

"I'm gonna grow when I get older, you're just a giant," She spat angrily, "Meanie!"

He didn't know what this feeling was, but he didn't like it. "I'm sorry," he scooted closer to her, "are you mad at me?"

She looked up at him with a pout "Kinda…"

He was silent for a moment before taking a large amount of bubbles in his hands and makes a Santa Claus beard with a playful grin.

Rukia's giggles filled the bathroom at the sight.

"Ok," she managed through her laughter, "I'm not mad."

He grin widens and they continue to play; splashing bubbles and water at each other and racing rubber ducks around the large tub.

"Chappy is awesomer than Bob!" Rukia chirps; referring to their two duckies.

"His name is not Bob, its Samson and he is better than Chappy 'cus he's green!" The boy responded, holding the toy in the air like a prize.

"But Chappy's pink!"

"So?"

"Samson is the color of boogers!"

Ichigo blinks at her unbeatable logic, "Ew!" they both begin laughing as the bathroom door is opened.

"It's getting late." The brown-headed maid commented with a soft smile. "Why don't you two rinse off and head to bed?"

"Kay!" The two said together before they rinse the bubbles off their bodies and drain the now lukewarm water.

"Today was fun!" Rukia said as she shuffled out of her closet now dressed in purple pj's.

Ichigo, who was already clad in his own blue pajamas, smirks at the girl as she walks over to his sitting position on her soft, lavender bedspread.

"Yup!" The orange-headed Neko replied as they crawl to the head of the bed and scoot under the covers.

Once they were settled, Rukia looks up at him with a sad smile. "You're not gonna leave me, right?"

He blinks at her, "I'm not gonna leave you."

Her head, which was resting on the pillow besides him, moved to rest on his chest. "Because you're my friend and I don't want you to leave." She says in a depressed manner.

"I'm not gonna leave you," He repeats, wrapping his arms around her. Normally he would never be caught dead cuddling with anygirl, but because she's his master, Ichigo didn't see any harm in it.

"Promise?" she asks in a small voice, hiding her head in his neck.

"Yup, I promise! And when we get older I'll marry you and we'll be together forever!" He replies proudly.

She looks up at with large, happy, violet eyes, "Pinky promise?" She stuck her tiny pinky out to him.

"Pinky promise!" he agreed with a nod as he wraps his own finger securely around hers.

Even at such a young age, Ichigo was never one to go back on a promise.

When they pull away, Rukia cuddles closer to the boy, the Neko smiling happily into her dark hair, "Goodnight Master."

With a slight yawn, Rukia whispered, "Goodnight my strawberry Neko."

I hope you found it as cute as I did!

~!I know I haven't updated Shatteredor Dancing With Fire in a very long time. The reason for this is because I'm planning on rewriting them. I'm not currently happy with my writing style at the time or basically, any of my chapters/

So the point is, I'm truly sorry for my lack in updates, but expect more interesting, better flowing chapters to come. :)

Please review! It only takes a minute! (: