The Only One

Author’s Note: this is an AU, so I will try to keep them in character as best as possible but due to it being an AU some aspects can no longer be taken into consideration. The pairings cannot be changed. I appreciate any reviews, comments or mature suggestions. Flames will be deleted. Warnings will be posted as needed in each chapters.


Chapter One

The morning sun was making fast work of baking her skin. Tatsuki blew out a pent-up breath as she rounded the corner. She took it so sharp; her shoulder collided with a passing stranger, “Sorry.” Without taking the time to fully examine who she’d rudely bumped into, she resumed her gait towards the high school. It wasn’t often that she missed a day, let alone show up late for class. This was all Inoue’s fault! Last night on the phone her best friend had kept her up going over worries about Ichigo.


Having to watch and hear all about Inoue’s relationship with the strawberry blonde gave Tatsuki a reason not to try dating. Several guys had asked her out just this year alone but she wouldn’t go down that road. Why bother getting involved with someone when all you’d get out of it was heartache and a headache? Surely, that was all her poor friend was going to end up with after a four year relationship with Ichigo. Why bother with dating when she had the rest of her life to worry about getting dumped on by some asshole? Did she have a terrible outlook on relationships? No, she liked to think of herself as being sensible. Really, at seventeen who really knew who they were and what they wanted? So how can someone their age know what they wanted in a potential partner? Why go out and find someone if you had no idea what you were looking for?


A driver blew the horn as she crossed the street without waiting for the pedestrian signal to turn green. There was going to be an exam today in history, she was going to be late for it. “Dammit!” Her temper flared as she was stopped mid-run by zooming traffic. In the distance she could make out the clock of the school, so close. It tolled the start of the first class, there was no time left! Her finger mashed the button, hoping the added pressure would change the light.


“Thank you!” She exclaimed as traffic stopped allowing her to rush across the intersection. Now she was almost there, another minute and she’d be on the campus. Without pausing to glance up at the large clock, she entered the small clearing. Another student was just opening one of the double doors. “Hold it, please.”


“Tatsuki,” Shado gulped as the girl rushed by him without pausing. It was nice to know that he wasn’t the only one running late this morning. Sometime during the night his alarm clock had fallen and broken. What was the small brunette’s reason for coming in at this time?


“Thanks,” she barely called out her appreciation before turning down her first right. Her feet made quick pounding sounds up the wooden steps. With any luck the exams hadn’t been handed out yet, she could only pray. If so then Inoue would pay dearly for keeping her up on the phone. Unlike her best friend who was always full of energy, Tatsuki required at least eight hours of sleep or she was a bear the next day.


The door swung open before she could turn the knob. Shock held her in place as Mr. Takanaka gave her a pensive look before clucking his tongue. His voice was low and raspy, “Ms. Arisawa, nice of you to join us. Please take an exam from my desk and then promptly find your seat.” He stepped aside allowing the small girl to go by without much fuss. The overweight, elderly man wouldn’t comment on the girl’s tardiness this morning. He sniffed the air catching the scent of fresh peaches. He turned back to his class, “As I said before Arisawa’s untimely arrival, I shall return shortly. No talking; or cheating in my absence or you will all be given a failing score.”


Tatsuki flushed under the comment and hoped no one saw her embarrassment. A thick bundle of papers was grabbed from the pile on his desk, before she took her seat. She hated his exams, they were always so long. There had to be twenty pages of questions, and she was short on time.


Inoue smiled seeing her friend take a seat across from her. When she’d arrived and hadn’t been able to find Tatsuki she’d despaired that the other girl wouldn’t make it in today. There were a few things she wanted to speak to her about. One was the decision she’d come to once they had gotten off of the phone. Tatsuki would probably yell at her but her mind was set. This was something she had to do and she was sure she wanted to. She loved Ichigo, had for years and it was only natural that their relationship should move forward after so long.


The clock ticked away as Inoue let her mind wander, her test forgotten for the moment. The only one she had confided in lately was Tatsuki, because that was whom she was closest to. The other girl said Ichigo was probably going through a phase, maybe she was right. She’d heard a few girls in school talking the other day about how guys would eventually expect a sexual relationship. Was that why Ichigo was drawing away from her? Was it time for them to become intimate? Part of her wanted to take the next step; the other was unsure if he was the one she wanted to give her virginity to. She did love him, but did she see herself with him for the rest of her life? That was the big problem; her immediate answer wasn’t what she wanted to hear. Why couldn’t she see herself with him ten years from now?


If things didn’t work out with her and Ichigo, what was left? She didn’t want to try dating again. Tatsuki was the smart one by remaining single and not having to deal with the heartache of having a boyfriend. The other girl was more interested in training than snuggling up next to a hot guy. Ichigo was definitely hot, half the female population at school wanted to be in her place. Would having sex fix the recent problems occurring in their relationship? If things didn’t approve after, it would mean she’d done something she might regret later in life. Was she ready to go that far?


Tatsuki managed to chance a glance over at Inoue. Once again she wasn’t the only one unable to concentrate on school work. She was worrying about her friend instead of trying to finish the test before the hour was up. At this rate she might as well place a big fat zero under her name. Inoue was probably thinking about Ichigo, not her problem. Grumbling under her breath she re-read the next question for the tenth time in under a minute. What year did they join the war overseas? She hated this class! Who gave a rip about what happened decades ago? Would anyone noticed if she tried to peer over Uryuu’s shoulder?


Minutes ticked by as both girls tried to focus on the work in front of them. Their balding teacher came back in halfway through the test to sit down at his desk smelling of tobacco. Tatsuki cringed at the smell; she hated the scent of it. It was enough to make her stomach curl in protest, and grunt in disapproval. The man had left class to have a smoke break; shouldn’t teachers do that in between classes? At least he didn’t come back reeking of alcohol like their chemistry teacher. Disapproving eyes made her turn her attention back to the next question; it was time to act like she was trying to pass.




The humming sound of the air conditioner was the only thing making any noise near the two girls. Inoue was too busy wondering why Ichigo had run off like he had and Tatsuki was shoving a piece of pizza into her mouth. Usually at lunch a few of their friends would join them but not today. Uryuu had left early for a dentist appointment, Rukia said she had something to do and Shado had been talking to a rather busty blonde in the hallway.


“You should eat, he’ll be back.” Tatsuki licked the sauce from her finger before tearing off another section of the greasy pie. Another plate was waiting next to her; she always bought seconds the first time in line. As small as she was, she loved to eat. Most of the calories consumed were burnt off in the evenings during practice.


“I forgot to grab some ketchup. Can I have a packet of yours?” Inoue had passed on getting any fries and had grabbed a pizza. Tatsuki cringed but nodded in agreement. She smiled and squeezed the packet, adding more sauce to the cheese. For now she wouldn’t worry about where Ichigo went to. Hadn’t she wanted time alone to speak to Tatsuki? “You know I’ve been thinking and maybe it’s time I let things go further.”


“Meaning?” the question was forced around a mouthful of fried potatoes. Tatsuki was sure she understood where this conversation was going but had to ask to be sure. If it was then she was about to give the other girl a good cursing out. Going all the way with a guy was serious stuff and she didn’t think Ichigo deserved something as precious as Inoue’s virginity.


“I think I’m going to sleep with Ichigo. I told you that he’s been trying for the past few months and I’ve been too unsure if I wanted to. I think it’s time that we took things further.” Inoue could see this wasn’t what she should be saying. She’d been best friends with Tatsuki for over seven years, she should be honest.


“What you mean is you know it’s what he wants and you’re scared that if you don’t do it then it will mean the end of your relationship.” Tatsuki wasn’t one known to keeping her opinion to herself. She didn’t want her friend to make a grave mistake. Being with a guy was something the female should really want, not what she felt obligated to do. “If he can’t wait until you are ready then you’re better off without him.”


“But I want to make him happy. It isn’t that big of a deal, I’m sure it’ll be okay.” It had to be okay, she didn’t want to lose him. Inoue had crushed on him for so long and when he’d returned the interest she’d been so happy. What did it say for her if she couldn’t keep his interest? Would it mean she wasn’t the one for him?


“It is a big deal, we are discussing sex. Sex can lead up a lot of things,” Tatsuki ripped the second personal processed pizza in half, wishing it were Ichigo’s manhood. She didn’t want to tell Inoue that having sex would be a big mistake, that was something the girl would have to learn on her own but she couldn’t just sit here. “Look, that’s a big step and I don’t think you should unless it’s something you absolutely want to do.”


“You’re right and I’ll think about it some more.” She let the subject drop for now, better than risking an argument. Her long hair fell forward in defeat as her head bent towards the straw. A few sips of the iced tea and she was ready to eat. Only twenty minutes remained of their lunch break. “You know what would go great on this; peanuts!”




The sound of flesh splitting would make most people cringe but Ulquiorra only watched as the man backed away from the impact. A red gash was forming on the smooth cheek of Grimmjow, his roommate and best friend. The hour showed only a little after five in the afternoon, still too early to call it quits. He knew the other man well enough that there would be no quitting until it was time to go. The teal head nodded that it was ready, bringing the round back into play. The lessons were paid for, they didn’t like to waste money.


While Ulquiorra had personal reasons for learning to fight, Grimmjow had the inspiration of being the best. While working a full-time job, they both trained at the gym. Ulquiorra had already taken a shower and cleaned up after his workout. Another thirty minutes and they could get ready to go out. Four days a week they worked at a small shipping plant that mainly dealt in vegetation. Stacking boxes of frozen vegetables wasn’t his dream job but it paid the bills. By the age of fifteen he’d learned to take care of himself, having left home. Now he was twenty, older in many ways.


A solid punch brought his attention back to the match. Things were getting heated up; Grimmjow took another punch to the face without flinching. They were a bit of an odd pair; him being quiet and Grimmjow being very loud and obnoxious. It didn’t matter if others didn’t understand why they hung out. They were friends for one main reason; they understood each other.


Ulquiorra didn’t bother to return the glances he always received from other males. He knew what they thought and frankly didn’t care. His slim form and pale features left room for speculation about his sexuality and personality. True, he wasn’t very friendly or outgoing; there was no reason to be. Keeping his eyes on the match, his arms folded in front of him, his appearance came off as sad. A small frown did remain on his lips as the light teal hair hit the mat with a horrid thud. That didn’t stop the male from jumping back to his feet.


The brunette’s stomach gave a loud grumble, reminding him that they hadn’t stopped for lunch. Friday was their first day off during the three day weekend. A hasty breakfast and they’d gone about doing some running around. Green eyes fluttered, showing off long lashes to anyone that was paying attention to him. His mind had suddenly shifted on how to convince his friend to catch a bite to eat before they went to go play a game of pool.


“Time’s up!” The instructor shouted ending the round before Ulquiorra decided on where he wanted to go eat dinner. His mind still remained on the subject as the two men scrambled out of the ring looking like they’d both been ran over by a truck. Naturally, Grimmjow was smiling from ear to ear after being beaten in the face.


“Let me hit the shower,” Grimm gave the short request knowing it wasn’t really needed. He could smell the aroma of sweat and blood clinging to him. He’d need a cold beer after that bout of fighting. His mouth was already watering for something cold to drink. First, they’d have to go grab a bite to eat; he was starving.


The cut to his face stung as the hot water came on full blast. No one was using the other two showers, leaving him alone to bathe. Ulquiorra would be waiting patiently for him outside, he knew his roommate too well. The grin never left his face as he scrubbed the results of his training from his hair. The strands ran through his calloused fingers, feeling too coarse for his liking. The bad thing about rushing with a shower after training, his thick hair demanded conditioning. He would let it grow out but that wouldn’t help his goal of becoming a champion fighter.


The chicks seemed to love his hair; all of them had a habit of running their fingers through it. He didn’t know how Ulquiorra did it; the sullen male never was with a woman. Only once two years ago had his roommate gotten involved with a female. If not for that he might have to question the guy’s sexuality. But knowing what he did about his friend, it was understandable. Unlike himself, Grimmjow loved the mindless sexual encounters with a few chosen females. None of them meant anything to him and they knew it. It was nothing but sex because he had more important things to concern himself with than keeping some female happy.


What he wanted more than anything was to be the best. From a young age he’d found the love of fighting, it thrilled him like nothing else. It might be from growing up in a household void of any parents but he wasn’t a shrink. His parents had died in a tragic accident when he was a child, leaving him to depend on distant family. Their idea of raising him was shipping him off to a school across country. That suited him just fine; he knew what he wanted out of life. Right now, his stomach was calling for grub and then a cold beer.


The water was turned off leaving him standing naked in the stall. A chilling breeze came in as two other males stepped inside. It was amusing how both ignored his presence and went on about their business. A smirk lingered as he dried off and put on the jeans and white t-shirt. An hour from now he’d be on his way to a quiet game of pool and with any luck he’d get lucky before the night was over with.




“I can’t believe you did that!” Tatsuki grumbled to herself from the backseat in utter dismay. Her nostrils were demanding that she clog them up with something. The foul smell of rotten eggs was enough to make her want to jump out of the speeding vehicle. She and Inoue were stuck in the back with windows that wouldn’t down of all things. “Please down the window before I vomit.”


“It wasn’t me,” Uryuu blushed, even though he wasn’t the guilty party. He knew better than to do something so rude in a crowded car. Now he felt bad that he hadn’t gotten the windows fixed. Not long after he’d purchased the vehicle the controls for the rear windows went out. Not usually one for transporting passengers it hadn’t been a major concern. Cool air rushed over his face, filling the space with a refreshing breeze.


“I didn’t do it!” Ichigo cringed seeing the murderous glare being sent his way by his childhood friend. Okay, he’d done it on accident but he wasn’t about to admit to it because that meant his death. He was nervous, he couldn’t help it. Guilt had his stomach tied up in knots and he wasn’t sure how he was going to get through this night without Inoue suspecting something.


Inoue just fanned her face as the stench began to fade. She wasn’t sure who had done the unthinkable but was glad that the breeze was cool. Tonight was supposed to be a fun night and it would go horribly wrong if Tatsuki decided to ram her boyfriend’s head into the dash before they made it to the gaming hall.


Tonight had to get better, if not Tatsuki was going to kick something. Was it just her or was Ichigo acting nervous? Screw it; she’d only come along to play a few games of pool with Uryuu. What’s the worst that could happen besides someone releasing toxic gas? The little Saturn pulled into the almost empty parking lot. Where was everyone? The place was usually packed during the weekends. Her watch showed after nine, it was rather early still. Unlike Inoue she didn’t bother bringing a purse because it was too much of a hassle. Her money was stashed into her pants pocket.


Uryuu turned the ignition off and undid his seat belt. “Let’s try to have a good time.” He didn’t want to end the night with a fight or the couple bickering at each other. He and Tatsuki weren’t a couple but the girl had come to keep him company. He had a small crush on her but didn’t have any hopes of anything flourishing from it.


“Wow,” Tatsuki barely managed her drool as she slammed the car door shut. Two spaces over were two crouch rockets, “Oh, I’d love to go on a ride on one of these.” She had a fascination with any type of motorcycle, these were among her favorite. If only she could convince her parents to help spring for one.


“Yeah, I’m sure the owner will be glad to offer you one.” Ichigo scoffed at her obvious envy. His mood was slowly shifting to bad as the girl squared her shoulders and sent him a glare. It was just a damn bike, a means of transportation. The guy that owned it probably couldn’t afford anything better.


“It’s pretty,” Inoue liked the color of the blue; it was a deep shade that was almost black. The other that Tatsuki was practically caressing was a shiny blood red. She was sure the owner wouldn’t care for the way her friend was touching the leather seat. Some people were picky about another person touching their belongings.


“Sweet, I wonder how fast it’ll go.” She’d give anything for a ride on it. Giving into despair, she moved her finger away from the smooth leather. Fat chance of her ever being able to ride one much less drive one. She’d have to settle for kicking Uryuu’s ass in a game of pool to get rid of the depression. “Alright, who’s ready for a game?”




Authors Note: A crouch rocket is a type of motorcycle, if you are interested in what it looks like they are easy to find online.