Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach.

A/N: it's my first fanfic and my first time on this site, so bear with me!

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The Only One, Part 1

Rukia Kuchiki lay in the darkness of Ichigo's closet, listening to his tiny snores through the slightly open doors. It relaxed her, just like every night. She needed it. She had been filled with thoughts lately: mainly a growing attraction to Ichigo. She wanted to express her feelings, but she couldn't. She had come close to saying something several times, but just couldn't do it while looking into his eyes. Why am I so worried? She wondered as she drifted off to sleep…

The next morning, Ichigo Kurosaki woke up and stretched just like every morning. As he went to find himself some clothes for the day, he peeked into the closet where Rukia lay sleeping peacefully. He loved the way her usual ferocity was lost while she was sleeping. Her presence in the closet was like a child's blanket to him. If she wasn't in there, he just couldn't sleep. He wasn't really sure why..

"Ichigo! Come eat breakfast!" Yuzu called from the kitchen. "Coming!" he called back. He looked at the closet, unsure of whether or not to wake Rukia. I'll just let her sleep.. I'll bring her something to eat, he thought, and headed downstairs.

Rukia awakened to a rap on the door. She pulled it back to reveal Ichigo standing there with a tray of Yuzu's cooking.

"You didn't have to .." Rukia began to say about his nice action.

"Just eat you're breakfast." He said, cutting her off with an attempt at his usual scowl. Rukia smiled inside. Ichigo was thoughtful on occasion, but he didn't want anyone to know.

That morning, as she walked to school, she was startled by a loud cry of "Rukia!" She turned to see Orihime running toward her.

"Hello, Orihime." Rukia said casually.

"Mind if I walk with you, Rukia?" Orihime asked.

"Not at all," said Rukia. "So how are you today, Orihime?"

"I'm great!" she said with a twirl. "Its my birthday!"

"Happy birthday!" Rukia said.

"Thanks. Tatsuki said she has a feeling something special will happen today.." Orihime trailed off into a fantasy. Rukia realized Orihime was now in world of her own and would be unreachable, so the rest of the walk would be silent.

It was an ordinary day at Karakura High. With little other than dinner on his mind, Ichigo was surprised when Tatsuki pulled him aside at the end of the day.

"What is it, Tatsuki?" he asked.

"Shh! Keep your voice down!" Tatsuki said. "Listen, today is Orihime's birthday."

"So…"said Ichigo.

"So… it would really make it special if she got what she wants most today.." Tatsuki said.

"What's that got to do with me?" Ichigo asked, stumped.

"What she wants most is you, fool!" Tatsuki said.

"Huh?" Ichigo stammered.

"Uggh! Listen, moron, I want you to ask Orihime out today." Tatsuki said punching him.

"WHAT? No way, I can't do that." Ichigo exclaimed.

"You can, and you will, or I'll slam you through that window." Tatsuki said. It wasn't a threat, it was a fact. "Now, listen to me. Orihime's had a rough time lately, and it would send her spirits soaring if you just asked her to go get something to eat. Now don't be a jerk and go ask her out." Tatsuki kicked him into the classroom.

Orihime was awakened by a loud crash. She lifted her head up to see Ichigo getting up, rubbing his head and mumbling.

"Ichigo?" she asked incredulously.

Ichigo jumped when he heard her voice. He hadn't expected her to be in here. There was no way he'd do what Tatsuki was asking, he thought. Then he looked into Orihime's questioning eyes. He could see the sadness and pain she had been through. Before he knew what he was saying, he said, "Orihime… would you like to go get something to eat with me?"

"Uh… uh… sure! Just let me get my stuff." She said.

"O.k." Ichigo said, feeling ok that he was doing this.

Rukia hummed to herself as she ran back down the hall to get her book. She could not believe she had left it. As she approached the class, she heard voices.

"Orihime…would you like to go get something to eat with me?" That was Ichigo's voice.

"Uh… uh…sure! Just let me get my stuff." This was Orihime. Shocked, Rukia peeked into the classroom. She was startled to see Ichigo and Orihime happy; Ichigo even had a little smile on his face.

Rukia could not contain her emotions. As tears welled up, she tossed her books as hard as she could at Ichigo's head and ran out of the school, bumping into to Tatsuki, who was on her way out.

"Hey, watch it!" Tatsuki yelled after her. "Wonder what's got into to her?" she said, shrugged to herself, and started home.

"Who was that?" asked Ichigo, rubbing his head.

"I don't know. They're gone now." Said Orihime, looking out into the hall.

"Oh, well. Come on, let's go eat already. I'm starving." Ichigo said.'

"Sure!" said Orihime, and they started off.

Rukia ran through town, crying and struggling with her feelings. She never dreamed that Ichigo would ask Orihime out. She had always thought that she would have plenty of time to tell Ichigo how she felt… now it was too late. Blinded by her anger and tears, Rukia ran straight into Renji.

"Oooff!" Renji said, knocked back a little. "What's your prob" but shut up, when she looked up at him, with tears in her eyes.

"Rukia… what's wrong?" he asked softly.

"None of your business, fool!" she replied and kicked him hard.

"Fine, see if care about you again." Renji muttered. Rukia wasn't paying any attention. Ichigo and Orihime were walking by, laughing and talking on their way to get something to eat. Rukia shook with anger. She flung herself onto Renji and started crying with renewed vigor. Renji, startled at first, embraced her, even though he had no idea what was causing her pain. Rukia sighed. Renji's embrace was comforting…

That night, Rukia lay in the closet, unable to sleep. She was so ticked that Ichigo was doing this. But then again, she thought, I've never told him about this. How could he possibly know? I suppose if Orihime is what he wants, then I'll let him have it. After all, I want him to be happy… But I'm still mad. Thoughts a jumble, she drifted off to sleep to the sound of his snores, even though she was angry..

The next morning, Ichigo woke up feeling pretty good. The outing with Orihime had actually been pretty fun. He just might do it again some time. He got up and went to get his clothes, looking into Rukia's closet like normal. However, he was shocked to see her frowning and frumpy, even asleep. What the hell? He wondered. She must have had a really bad day yesterday… I wonder if there's something I can do… Deep in thought, he went down to breakfast.

Rukia sat up in the darkness of her closet. Although she was calmer now, she wasn't exactly in a good mood. Wondering what she should do, she was surprised when the door to her closet was ripped open. Ichigo stood there with her breakfast.

"Oh. Good morning." She said, taking her food.

"What's the matter with you this morning?" Ichigo asked.

"Nothing. Why would you think anything is the matter?" she snapped.

"Because you're snapping at me. Was it something I said?" Ichigo asked.

Her anger flared at this, but she replied calmly, "No, I'm just not feeling well, ok?"

That's not it, Ichigo thought to himself. What isn't she telling me?

"Why are you staring?" she asked him.

"Rukia…do you… wanna take a walk or something?" he asked.

"What? Where did that come from?" Rukia asked, genuinely surprised.

"Well, you said you weren't feeling well… thought I'd just try being nice." He muttered. "Forget it." He started out.

"Wait!" Rukia said. He turned.

"What is it?" he asked.

"Um… I'd love a walk right now." She said, looking down.

"Good. Get dressed." Said Ichigo.

Dressed in her favorite Chappy dress, with her sun hat, Rukia and Ichigo walked through Karakura town, silently.

Aw, man. Ichigo thought. This isn't going well…she's not even talking. What a stupid idea this was…

What should I say? Rukia was wondering. Do I tell him the truth? No, I'd look like a fool. Those are not necessary emotions for a soul reaper! Rukia reminded herself. But she didn't really believe it.

"So… uh.. want some ice cream?" Ichigo asked in attempt at conversation.

"Ice cream?" Rukia asked, puzzled. Ichigo laughed. She was so cute when she was amazed by ordinary things...whoa, where did that thought come from? he wondered. Refusing to think about, he bought himself and Rukia some ice cream from a nearby street vendor. They ate in silence, with him watching Rukia ooh and ahh over the ice cream.

As she ate the strange cold substance, she found herself thinking, Ichigo seems concerned about me… it's really sweet… maybe I should tell him now.

"Ichigo."

Ichigo snapped out of it, startled by Rukia's sudden words. "What is it?" He asked.

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Well, that's part one! Please review..