Disclaimer: Bleach does not belong to me. It belongs to Kubo Tite.

Author's Note: Long story short, after getting into a fight over whether Ichigo and Rukia should be together versus Ichigo and Orihime, I ended up writing a list of why I love Ichigo and Rukia together; why they are my OTP. So far I have 65 points, meaning there will be 65 chapters. (In retrospect, it's kind of scary that I could come up with 65 points easily). Each point inspires me to write something, whether it's alternate universe (AU), Ichigo and Rukia together romantically, etc. (Different scenarios basically.)

Enjoy reading! If there's a point you want to add, please do so in the review. And also review even if you don't have a point, because I really love them and it really does motivate me to write more. Thanks!

I love

1. I love how Rukia is careful with his heart.

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Ichigo: You're not going to ask anything…

Rukia: If I ask, will you answer? It's your problem. A deep, deep problem. I have no right to know. I don't have a method of stepping into the depths of your heart without it getting dirty. So I'll wait. When you want to talk, when you think it's okay to talk…talk to me. Until that time, I'll wait."

Chapter 20.

http: // www. onemanga. com/Bleach/20/10/

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"So this is…this is what it feels like…?" she murmured. Her words weren't exactly a question, but more like an observation she needed to share with him.

"What feels like?" he asked.

Rukia rubbed her eye with the back of her hand, blinking the sleep out and welcoming the sudden warmth gathering in her heart. Soft yellow bands of light filtered through his blinds, kissing the white curve of her shoulder and the strong bicep of his arm. Her chin slid over his chest as she inhaled the scent of musk and scotch and him.

Ichigo.

She smiled slowly, her breasts fully pressed against him when she held onto him tighter. "The feeling," she started, sucking a breath in, "the feeling of waking up in the arms of the man you love."

She felt him smile, even though she couldn't see him. And she knew he was staring down at her with that lustful intensity as they lay naked in his bed. The cotton linens were warm and wrinkled, tousled and messy. Clothes were scattered on the floor. She recalled that the previous night was remarkable but this – the morning after – brought another wave of pleasure that both of them failed to see coming.

"What does it feel like?"

Her shoulder shrugged a bit as she moved her ear pressed against his chest. She could hear his heart beat like a song - Da dum, da dum – its rhythm strong, beating…and singing. And then suddenly, his heart was speaking to her.

What do you really feel?

"I feel safe."

His hazel eyes were still fixed on her, she felt. It slightly unnerved her, only because she wanted to know what was running through his head.

Is that all you feel?

"I feel protected."

His arm that she was lying on, as they were front to front, curved around her more tightly.

His heart asked, "Don't you always feel safe with me?"

Rukia breathed out loudly. "I feel at peace. I feel loved."

Silence came, although his heart was still beating – da dum – and speaking.

Thank you.

It was nice to lay together without a care in the world. Just two people. Two hearts. Two souls. Peace wasn't so common in their lives.

"What are you thinking?" Rukia finally asked. Her voice was kind, trusting, and quiet, as if it was a secret made for just the two of them.

His fingers continued to stroke her back with the utter gentleness that reminded her of the way she touches silk. His legs, entangled with hers, shifted so he could twist her fully on top of his body. Blue and brown eyes found each other, and grinning faces could be seen in the reflection of their irises.

"I was thinking that I agree with you." His pink tongue glided over his dry bottom lip, before returning in his mouth. "It feels really…nice."

"Warm," she added.

"Mm."

"Warm everywhere. Especially here." She kissed the skin over his heart.

Da dum.

He blinked a few times before his expression changed to smugness. "I think that's called…" he paused, searching for the right word, "happiness."

Da dum.

Her mouth curved up in a smirk, one to match his. The clock on his nightstand read 7:38 am. They had the whole day together.

Da dum.

She closed her eyes, her limbs relaxed and perfectly melded with his. "Yeah… happiness."

Da dum.

Rukia didn't feel like getting out of bed, or out of his arms.