**********Disclaimer*********************************

I do not own Bleach or any of the related characters. The Bleach series was created by Tite Kubo and owned by Viz Media and Shueisha. This story is intended for entertainment purposes only. I am not making any profit from this story. All rights of the Bleach series belong to Viz Media and Shueisha.

Chapter 3 - The Green-Eyed Beast

"You know, it's nice to hang out with a normal person for once." Ichigo Kurosaki chuckled as he walked with Tatsuki towards her home.

"I'll take that as a compliment, I guess." Tatsuki laughed as Ichigo's face went up a shade. "You have a way with words Ichigo."

"All right, All right, I get it"! Ichigo rubbed the back of his neck. "Hey, have you met that Kuchiki chick"? Ichigo looked over at Tatsuki.

"Rukia Kuchiki, the new girl"? Tatsuki put her hands in her coat pockets.

"Not really. I mean, Orihime invited her to have lunch with us. I said hi, but we didn't engage in conversation. Why"? Tatsuki asked with a curious look on her face.

Ichigo recounted his encounter with the new girl in class, much to Tatsuki's amusement.

"So let me get this straight? You shoulder-checked the new girl"?! Tatsuki began laughing hysterically.

"Pipe down, will ya'! It was an accident!" Ichigo cringed inwardly, remembering the awkward situation.

" Seriously though. a dainty girl like her. Probably was really embarrassed". Tatsuki pondered.

"She was more angry than embarrassed. She pretty much chewed me out"! Ichigo felt an unfamiliar warmth as he thought about his new classmate.

"I don't believe you! She didn't seem to have one mean bone in her body" Tatsuki scoffed at the idea of the new girl being anything but a dainty girly girl.

"She even made fun of me. It kinda threw me off. I'm not used to that." Ichigo commented candidly.

"You're not used to what, girls laughing at you"? Tatsuki raised an eyebrow.

"No, girls actually confronting me. I thought Kuchiki would run the other way like the other girls at school." Ichigo's mind once again thought back to Rukia's angry expression.

"Uh, Earth to Ichigo, I'm a girl, and I don't fear you." Tatsuki coyly commented.

"Yeah, but you're different, Tatsuki. You're..." Ichigo stopped as he knew he was walking himself into a trap. Shit! What the hell am I saying?! She's gonna think I don't see her as a girl! Gotta get me outta this!

"I'm what, Ichigo? Come on, speak up." Tatsuki looked sternly at Tatsuki. Tatsuki's heart was racing; she was hanging on each of Ichigo's words.

"Tatsuki, you're my childhood friend. You know me better than most people. You don't think I'm a delinquent thug troublemaker" Ichigo looked deeply into Tatsuki's eyes.

Tatsuki felt her heart race faster than ever before. Her mind and heart fought over her next move; would she risk it all and steal a kiss or repress her feelings in the name of friendship. "Ichigo, I know things at school are tough for you. Don't let those people get in your head. I will always be in your corner no matter what"! Tatsuki stared at Ichigo's amber eyes.

"Thanks, Tatsuki, that means a lot to me. I'm sorry for being distant. I need to be a better friend" Ichigo smiled at the brunette.

"Yeah, you do! How about you buy me a boba smoothie this Friday"? Tatsuki chuckled.

"Fine, you've got yourself a deal! I need to get out of the house. According to Karin and Yuzu." Ichigo stated, hoping Tatsuki would take his side.

"They're right. You're not gonna find a date for the dance like that Kurosaki-Kun. You gotta get out there and give it your best!" Tatsuki jabbed as she imitated the voice of an anime girl.

"Ugh, not you too! I don't wanna go to that dance with all those jackals in attendance"! Ichigo dreaded the thought of Uryu making fun of him or Keigo asking him annoying questions.

"loosen up, Ichigo. You never know. You might just find the love of your life." Tatsuki joked, hoping that Ichigo would somehow translate her meaning.

"I don't know about that. Tatsuki, I think you're watching too many Mexican soap operas. Anyways, here we are." Ichigo said as they reached Tatsuki's front gate.

"What ever you say Kurosaki-kun! My mom once told me the greatest treasures are hidden in plain sight. So give it your best" Tatsuki laughed as she waved to her friend. Tatsuki was surprisingly talented at hiding her emotions. Despite her feelings of guilt and duty to Orihime, Tatsuki's desire for Ichigo overpowered her.

"Yeah, yeah. Have a good night." Ichigo said as he walked home. Great, now Tatsuki's on the love boat too. Maybe I should just go to that dance and get it over with. My family worked hard to find me an outfit. I shouldn't be ungrateful. Besides, my magazines can wait.

5 minutes into his walk home, Ichigo sensed that he was not alone. I'm being paranoid. The streets are empty at this time. Plus, all the thugs around here know not to mess with me. Ichigo pushed the thoughts out of his mind and hurried home.

"That was close! He almost saw me! Why did Ichigo walk Tatsuki home?! In a shadowy alley, Orihime Inoue stewed in her anxious jealousy. Her crush for Ichigo had grown to a full-blown obsession. No longer being satisfied by the quick glances in class, she began wondering where he was and who he was with.

"This has to be a misunderstanding. Tatsuki is my best friend, and she knows how I feel about Ichigo." The teen girl struggled to suppress her more negative thoughts about the night's events.

"Or maybe she wants him all to herself! I bet those two were screwing at his house"! Orihime paused, trying to calm her mind. She couldn't stop imagining the worst-case scenario; Tatsuki seducing her Ichigo, kissing him, and embracing him.

"I shouldn't be thinking like this! But I just love Ichigo so much! I can't stand it anymore! I will put it all on the line tomorrow. I will confess my feelings to him and ask him to the dance"! Orihime beamed as she pictured a romantic night with her soulmate.

"I have to find out what Tatsuki's intentions are. Even if she is my friend, I can't let her take Ichigo from me. He belongs with me and no one else"! Orihime planned her next move as she walked home.

Back in his bed, Ichigo sat on the firm mattress and reflected on the night's events. Everyone is throwing curveballs today! If things weren't bad enough, I keep thinking about that angry cute midget! I must have some sort of masochistic tendencies.

Ichigo sighed and made his way to the bathroom to prepare himself for bed. While brushing his teeth, Ichigo reflected on what Tatsuki had said. Tatsuki was acting differently today; she doesn't usually open up like that. I hope I can be a better friend from now on.

I have to talk to Inoue tomorrow even if every fiber of my being wants to run the other way. I just have to make sure I am firm but polite about it. The teen strategized as he got comfortable in his bed. Time to get some sleep, tomorrow is going to be a long day.