DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN BLEACH!

This is right behind the fullbring arc and Ichigo's fight with Ginjo and it is before the 1000 year blood war arc.

Rukia is now talking alone with Ichigo about Inoue and his will to protect her. NON-CANON

Rukia: Ichigo, there's something I wanted to talk about with you.

Ichigo: Huh, yeah?

Rukia: I've never seen you so gloomy than after the fight with the Arrancars and the fact that you couldn't protect Inoue-san seemed to get you pretty down.

Ichigo: Yeah, it did. She depended on me and I told her that everything's going to be alright. I wanted to defeat them fast, but instead I got beaten up pretty bad. That was a horrible feeling.

Rukia: You know, what I think, Ichigo is that it was the fact that you couldn't protect your friends made you upset, but what was worse for you was seeing Inoue-san getting hurt. Just apologizing to her got you uplifted and motivated again. I don't think that apologizing to any one else would have the same effect. Ichigo could it be that you feel more for Inoue-san?

Ichigo: Eh? Ehm... You know, Rukia. Ehm... Inoue is pretty popular with the boys. Any boy would kill to get close to her. I can't imagine her to like someon like me. She's so kind, humble and loving. Her personality is just...

Rukia: So you do like her?

Ichigo: I don't know. I never thought about it, just because I never thought she could like me, so I never saw her in that way.

Rukia: Well, let's get home. I think you need to think about some things.

Ichigo now at home, thinking

Ichigo: If I like her? Man, I don't know. I was so busy with fighting Hollows, saving Rukia and protecting everyone around me. Does Inoue even feel something for me? I don't think she does. Why should I put my hopes up? I can imagine myself being with her. She has an awesome personality. Everyone likes her and admires her. That's why I always thought that she wouldn't even see me as someone she could date. It's true that I have this strong urge to protect her, but is that enough to be with her romantically? I need to talk to Rukia.

(walking to his closet and opening it) Rukia, I need to talk with you, NOW.

Rukia: Ichigo, you idiot. What is it? Why'd you wake me up at night?

Ichigo: I need talk with you about something.

Rukia: So you did think of what I said to you earlier, didn't you?

Ichigo: Yeah, I did.

Rukia: And?

Ichigo: Well, how can I be sure that if I felt something for Inoue, she'd feel the same? I think you keep forgetting that she's the prettiest girl in school. Everyone loves and admires her for personality as well. How is she supposed to feel attracted to me?

Rukia: (now laughing hard) Ichigo, I knew it you do like her. (Ichigo blushing and looking away) You know what I know she likes you. A blind dog could see it, but I guess you see even worse than a blinde dog.

Ichigo: How'd you know that?

Rukia: Well, she's one of my closest friends. We talk about everything and oh no, I can't tell you more. I promised her, I would keep it a secret.

Ichigo: What?! Inoue likes me?

Rukia: You know what? I think we should get to bed and you should ask her tomorrow at school.

Ichigo: Yeah, you're probably right.

Next day at school (Ichigo couldn't sleep and he's tired)

Orihime: Good morning, Kurosaki-kun! Good morning, Kuchiki-san!

Ichigo, Rukia: Good morning, Inoue.

Rukia goes to Orihime and they talk. Ichigo goes to his place observing them

Ichigo (thinking): Maybe I should ask her, but how can a girl like Inoue like me? No girl ever liked me. Everyone thought my hair was strange.

Orihime: Ne, Kurosaki-kun? Kuchiki-san said you wanted to talk about something with me?

Ichigo: Oh yes. Let's get out.

Orihime: Sure.