Hey! This is my first PUBLISHED story xD i have written more and sooner or later I'll post them. At first the story was about Ichigo and me . but i changed it cuz...it's a lil weird lol. And i made it like three years ago, before the arrancar arc barely even began. And it doesn't really follow the story line all that well so just use your imagination will ya?

Disclamer: I do not own Bleach or Ichigo and Rukia's love :) This is purely fan made.

Now, Let's get started :D

Strong Heart

The sun was setting, making a beautiful array of colors form on the sky.

As Ichigo and Rukia sat side-by-side with other friends waiting for the Fireworks Festival to start, magic happened.

"Rukia?" Ichigo said as he looked over at her.

"Yeah?" Rukia met his stare. She loved his brown eyes, she thought. Ever since she moved here two yesars ago, she knew she would unfortunately fall in love with someone like a middle schooler would a pop music star.

"I...well...nevermind." He was so embarrassed right now. He looked away feeling like an idiot.

Ichigo never had a problem with telling people what was on his mind. But now, with all his friends surrounding him after they got back from saving Orihime, he couldn't say a damn thing he really wanted to.

The first firework was a shocker - literally. No one was prepared for it. Most of the people there jumped out of their skin.

"Whoa! That was surprising." Rukia said.

"Yeah, it was." Ichigo looked at the different colors and shapes in the now dark shy. He wondered if this life was just a dream. Him being a Soul Reaper and risking his life practically everyday to keep his friends safe.

"We are like fireworks."

"Huh?" Ichigo said as he looked at Rukia.

"Rising, shining, and finally: scattering and fading." She looked at Ichigo. "So until that moment comes, when we vanish like fireworks, let us sparkle brightly...always."

She looked back at the show in the sky. "Toshiro once told me that."

"Did he? Wow. I didn't think he had it in him." Ichigo just thought that he was a wanna-be captain who only knew how to be serious.

She giggled. "Well, he has a soft side, believe it or not."

"Heh."

Rukia stretched. "I think I'm gonna hit the hay-" She stood up, but Ichigo pulled her down again.

It's now or never, Ichigo thought. He stared into Rukia's eyes and the words were on the tip of his tongue, but they wouldn't come out.

I love you. Would you be my girlfriend?

"Ichigo?" Rukia asked. Say it Ichigo...say it.

"Ummm..." Damn, this was harder than he thought. Eight freaking words to say. Only eight. Come on...

"Ichigo, I gotta get heading home-" He kissed her. Flat. Out. Kissed her. It was the only way to tell her without using words.

He was so afraid she would move away, but instead, she moved closer. Her lips were soft against his, tender.

When they pulled away, both of them were blushing.

"Rukia, this may sound really sappy, but i really love you."

"Ditto." She smiled.

"So, would you..." He couldn't finish the sentence. But he didn't need to. Rukia knew what was answered and gave the best answer:

Yes.