Ichiruki...a theory

[Unlikely Fan]

I've been pondering this theory for quite some time now. I know that there is a fairly large community dedicated to Ichigo and Rukia's relationship (hence Ichiruki), I might even consider myself to be one of the "faithful." But have we ever REALLY seen either one of them do something that would fairly directly allude to their feelings for each other? So why do we just suppose that Ichigo and Rukia are "destined" to be with each other? I have two possible conclusions (besides the fact that Ichigo went all the way to Soul Society to save her):

1.) Ichigo and Rukia are the first main male and female characters introduced.
2.) The First two openings (Asterik and D-Techno Life or something like that) often depict the two characters as being VERY close. For confirmation of this watch the second and read the translated text and look at the video animation that corresponds to it.

The best way that I can simplify it is to think of Evangelion (SORRY FOR BRINGING UP ANOTHER ANIME HERE). The main reason that many people think that Asuka and Shinji are a "couple" is because they are seen together on the beach at the end of EoE. Same thing with Bleach, take out the placement of these two in the opening videos and there wouldn't be nearly as large an assumption that Ichiruki actually exists.

[Mecha454]

True.... and I believe there have been several hints assuming that they might be interested in one another.

[orochi X]

Romance wise there's really nothing happening in Bleach, I think the only clear cut thing we know is that Orihime feels something for Ichigo though that is just one sided. Ichigo hasn't shown any real love interest in Orihime.

Ichigo X Rukia, well all I'm seeing as that they are close friends, there hasn't been anything really to suggest any sort of romance between the two. Maybe in the future, but not now.

Like you said all these pairings are just something that spawn out of the online communities. Nothing solid.