Remembering

It was a quiet day in Karakura town, Ichigo was doing homework in his room while Rukia was reading a novel, they haven´t solve the problem with the "bound" yet, but they still have take care of their own life, Rukia was concerned about Ichigo, he was having nightmares lately and he hasn't wanted to say a word about them. Ichigo finished his homework and he laid down on his bed.

RK: What is it, Ichigo? Having trouble sleeping lately?

IK: Naaa. Why do you say so? Isn't enough being a student and a shinigami who now has to fight these Bound too?

RK: You know, you have been trouble in focusing in the school and during battle, even here it´s like if you were too concerned about something? Do you think Ishida…?

IK: Stop, what are you saying all of a sudden? I'm OR and have nothing to hide, if it's that what you mean.

RK: (Well he has a point, nut Ichigo it´s the kind of person who hide things for the others to not to worry them) So Ichigo why don´t you come with Renji and me to relax a little? You know maybe we could go to see a movie.

IK: Uhhh, boring.

RK: Ichigo baka, How can you say something like that when someone is just trying to cheer you up.

IK: What? But if I've already told you that I'm OK. Why do you want me to be in bad mode?

After one of their typical fights that finish with Kon enclosed in his closet, they calm down. Ichigo was now on his bed, while Rukia was eating some ramen.

IK: By the way Rukia, How was it that you meet Renji?

RK: uhh? Why do you ask? (What was it all of a sudden?)

IK: Eh! Don´t misunderstand I'm just curious of how someone like you ended with someone like him.

RK: It was a long time ago, in the 78th district in the Rukongai, when we were just children; it's a miserable place for a child to grow; death, hungry and desolation were daily things. I just knew him by accident, you could say that I saved their lifes, Renji and his group just accept me in his group and we quickly become close, but that place was hell itself, we just bury three of our friends after that we promised that we will become Shinigamis, so we could leave that horrible place.

IK: Ru… Rukia.

RK: Maybe the only thing that keep us alive was our friendship…

IK: And your spiritual force.

RK: Ichigo baka. Don't interrupt in the climax of the history. / Rukia hits Ichigo's head.

IK: Mmm (with a thinking pose) So it's because of that his bad temperament.

RK: Look who's talking about. (Actually you have worse temper than Renji).

IK: What the…? What are you saying? Rukia! I've got not a bad temperament.

RK: Then Why are you yelling me? And why are you always with that face?

IK: It's the only one I have and I've got much better temper than Renji.

RK: Well… At least since He meet you He has changed.

IK: What… what is it? / Ichigo couldn't avoid blush but Rukia didn't noticed.

RK: You know since you two become friends back then in the Soul Society. He became more confident of himself, even stronger. He told me that at some time he hated you, because he took you as responsible for all of that, but in his words, since he fought you he could figure out that Who He was angry at, was he himself for being a coward and betray a friend, but that you showed him that right way. Now this is top secret / Rukia's face took a malicious expression / Do you know why of all Shinigamis in the Soul Society a sub captain has to be chosen or in other words why it has to be him?

IK: Uh… Chosen? Can't be… Could it be that…?

RK: Yay Renji had to work a lot and move a lot of his influences, or should I say that now he has a lot of debts. /Rukia's face became even more malicious / And only to come to protect Karakura people or should I say only to see Ichigo? / Ichigo blush again / By the way Renji never told me How came that you two become friends in that short time after being enemies, Could you tell me Ichigo? / Ichigo blush even more.

IK: What are you saying you frustrated artist? That's disgusting.

Rukia couldn't stop laughing so she couldn't see how ashamed Ichigo was.

It was already night everyone was sleeping and all appear to be quiet, suddenly Ichigo woke up for the sound of something, there was someone opening his window and he paralyses when He saw who was. –Re… Renji What are you doing in the middle of the night? Is there trouble? – Shut up Ichigo, everything's right – But what are you…? – Renji get up on Ichigo's bed and took a seat in front of Ichigo and started to stare on Ichigo's eyes – Wha… what the… Renji? – Oi Ichigo What is it that you can even articulate a word for your friend? What are you so nervous about? Isn't this just what you desire the most? – Et… etto I dunno what are you talk… - He was silenced by a kiss, softly and passionate…

IN: ¡IIIII CHI GO! If you don't wake up yet we'll be late again. / Ishin jumped over his bed but Ichigo avoid his crazy father although not in the common way.

IK: ¡Whoa! / Ichigo fell down from his bed / damn you, You shouldn't wake up people like that.

IN: What are you saying? You should even thank me, there you were screaming like if you have a nightmare. And besides I thought you've already learned to avoid the morning hit, you did bad Ichigo.

IK: What? A nightmare? I don't really remember to have been dreaming. / He was honest.

IS: Anyway you are just too late for school.

When Ishin left Rukia went out for the closet all ready then hurried Ichigo said see him later and jumped through the window and went to school, Ichigo dropped himself in his bed and suddenly Renji come to his mind – What would be doing that baka? – Whoa It's really late –.

Ichigo was starving, he has missed breakfast, luckily Yuzu had given him it in lunch. And it was lunch time all that He was waiting for. It was not like the class was being boring but with that hunger who could concentrate? Ichigo was seeing outside, He remembered the first time Renji came to Karakura, He was quite embarrassing and that way still the other days while He was around in the school, because despite of his sense of mode, Renji made him feel nervous, like just waiting for the redhead to do something stupid. He has always feel this kinda way to Renji, maybe because there isn't trust yet o more maybe for something else. He remember what Rukia had asked him yesterday.

At that time Yoruichi-san had saved him from Byakuya and He was training to use his bankai.

Ichigo broke one sword more, while Zangetsu still attacking, (Damn I cannot give up now), Ichigo blocked another attack (Not now that the other are captive, and more people have been involved).

Suddenly a big explosion interrupts Ichigo's thoughts, Ichigo could feel Renji's reatsu before He starts talking.

RJ: So you were hiding to train and reach bankai, eh? Sounds fun. Then I join.

IK: Renji?! (What the hell is he doing here? I dunno how, but his reatsu doesn't feel aggressive, He's not here to fight, but… then…)

RJ: What the hell are you doing here? It's in all your face. Relax; I'm not here to fight. It's just that time is running out. Then I search for a place when I can focus and train.

IK: The time is running out? /Ichigo haven´t relax at all, but he definitively wasn't on guard, but demanding, then he ask/ What do you mean?

RJ: Well… I guess I hafta tell you. Rukia's execution time has been changed.

IK: What?

RJ: It'll be tomorrow midday. I hate to admit it but my currently strength isn't enough to save Rukia. (That's because I need you). That's because I've came. /Ichigo was really worry now, a grimace appears in his face/ Don´t worry, I won´t be a hindrance. I've already reached materialization, I can easily reach Bankai. /Renji lifts his zampakutô and Zabimaru appears in front of them. / Everybody to his own.

Everyone was in shock, but Yoruichi-san was the most worried.

IK: (So this is Zabimaru, Renji's zampakutô….. I can't… I can't surrender).

Y-san: To-tomorrow?! It can't be… to reach Bankai in such a little time is…

IK: /Ichigo crush the sword he was holding/ Don't even think to finish that Yoruichi-san. You're not the one who's taking the training, so you aren't the one who gotta surrender.

Y-san: But Ichigo, If you don't reach Bankai tomorrow you…

IK: I tell you. I don't want you to finish that phrase. If the limit time is tomorrow, /Ichigo completely smashed the sword and his reatsu starts to increase/ then that means I gotta finish this today.

They all feel Ichigo's reatsu increasing and his determination. Zanguetsu observed expectantly. Yoruichi-san was overwhelmed and a smile of trust shows in Renji.

RJ: (Damn this guy, I made not mistake to come here).

Y-san: (His reatsu… Ichigo…).

Ichigo made a pause in his toughs he still remembering images but in that moment He was thinking how easy they became friends, considering that they almost killed each other not long ago, at the next day after Renji came to train they took a little break together in the thermal waters in the area, Ichigo was who ask Renji for it, there was a little tension after all they don't talk too much, but it was Renji who started the conversation.

RJ: So… say. How do you meet Rukia?

IK: That's not important right now, isn't it Renji?

RJ: Ichigo teme. I'm trying to be cordial

IK: (Je je He's too easy).

RJ: Because we need to trust each other in the battle that we are going.

IK: And how is that supposed to help?

RJ: Baka if we know each other better, We can get along and trust each other.

IK: But we don´t have the time to seat down and talk, you teme, you yourself said it.

RJ: Baka/ Renji was getting REALLY upset/ It's not like that, nor like if I was interested in you or your life It was just little talk.

IK: Ah? I wouldn't say so Te-me.

RJ: TSK. Right then let's go training/ Renji came out from the spring, Ichigo turn his look from Renji to not see him until he walk away. They both were dressing when Ichigo starts.

IK: I was… saved by Rukia. Rukia changed my destiny. Because of Rukia I become a Shinigami and thanks to that I can protect people just as I do now. Thanks to her I could save my little sisters and protect my friends.

RJ: I… Ichigo what are you telling me this now?

IK: Baka it was you who start it all of this, I'm just trying to pay back your kindness.

RJ: Oh? /Renji smiled/ Let's go Ichigo We'll save Rukia.

IK: O!

Ochi Misato, Ichigo's teacher, couldn't help herself but to throw a chalk in his front while seeing how lost in class his student was.

OM: Kurosaki Ichigo, pay attention to the class.

IK: So-sorry.

But Ichigo's attention was taken away again, a hollow nearby, he turns to see Rukia to confirm and She corroborates with a yes expression.

IK: (Damn and now that there were only 10 minutes to break) So-sorry I have to go out, I don't feel right. /Ichigo stood up and went out of the classroom/ (Here it goes another week with homework extra, stupid hollows).

RK: /Rukia follow him and excuse herself with her silly tone of voice/ He really seems sick. I better go with him to take care.

Renji walks back to Urahara store after doing shopping for him, not like Kisuke would have had another option, besides it was a good chance for Renji to learn more about the real world and the shopping list was a really easy even for Renji. After walking a little in the park he found an alone bench and sits down.

RJ: Yosh I hafta take money from my savings to buy new glasses but this breakfast sure pays it and more when you live in Urahara's home. Ittadakimasu! /He was about to give it a bite when He suddenly felt a Hollow and two reatsus approaching/ that's Ichigo and Rukia, and there's a Hollow nearby. I guess I'll go and say Hello/ Renji saved his breakfast and get out running.

Ichigo and Rukia arrived to where the Hollow appear, a pity it was a little one, they were about to become Shinigamis when a scream stop them.

RJ: Howl Zabimaru! /Renji jump over nowhere splinting the hollow in two, and then turn to his friends to greet them/ Oi! Ichigo, Rukia.

IK: Don´t give me Oi, you teme, you could appear just before.

RK: Renji… that was… excessive.

RJ: What? Ichigo baka you should thank after all to come by and help you, I was very busy if you mind, I was doing shopping for Urahara and it's extremely hard.

IK: Not, it's not and I don't care.

RK: By the way Renji Isn´t that your gigai? /Rukia point out to where Renji's gigai looks inert and a group of people start to surround it getting scared and trying to resuscitate him.

RJ: Damn I forgot /Renji ran to return to his gigai.

IK: Ba-ka. Only a baka like you could do such a thing.

RJ: Shut up! /While running.

RK: Baka.

Renji return to his gigai and wake up suddenly shocking all the people around, then he took everything was carrying and run again to his friends.

RJ: Ichigo teme how can you be so inconsiderate?

IK: Well that's because you always…/A strong growl interrupts what Ichigo was saying. Ichigo's stomach starts to claim food, a light blush appear in Ichigo's face.

RJ: /Amazed look/ Ichigo baka, Did you take breakfast?

RK: No he didn't because of his night…

IK: Stop it Rukia, hunting Hollows that's all.

RJ: Oh! Ichigo baka the breakfast is the more important meal, didn't you know that?

RK: Don't worry Ichigo I took your breakfast along with mine, so we can have it here.

IK: /Ichigo's eyes get brighter/ Really Rukia!?

RK: Um! Look here it is! /Rukia shows him a little pink pack.

IK: Ah! / Astonished look/ that's…

RK: Eh? I believe in the hurry I took Inoue's lunch but don´t worry Ichigo she may have yours so it doesn´t matter, hurry up Ichigo we don´t have much time before come back.

RJ: Oh! You having lunch too? We can have it over there, under that tree; I just buy something yummy for me too.

They sit down comfortly under the tree's shadow Rukia have taken some of the same breakfast that Yuzu made, Renji had bought some bento1 and sushi and macha ice cream2 for dessert, while Ichigo finally took strength to see what does he have, Inoue's favorite food: red bean paste and some potatoes with butter, but there was more, apparently today Inoue has decided to taste new flavors and had covered all the food with honey and mustard, Ichigo almost cried.

RJ y RK: Ittadakimasu!

RK: Oi Ichigo we don't have all day, you haven't even tasted your food.

Apparently Rukia haven't seen what Ichigo has to eat.

IK: (Well I guess that with the hungry I shouldn't taste so bad) /Ichigo tried a little, immediately his face change of color, showing all kind of colors that a human could have, with shock and horror and asking him How the hell Inoue could eat this? He finally desisted/ I… I think I lost my appetite.

RJ: (TSK) Oh? Why? Weren't you hungry? And look at that breakfast, How couldn't you ever like it? /Lie was reflected in all Renji's face/ Let's try exchange Ichigo it sure looks yummier than mine.

IK: Renji? You sure?

RJ: Ye… yea I told you…/ Renji was abrupt interrupted by an Ichigo's move almost at shunpo speed, which took Renji breakfast and then Ichigo started to eat.

IK: Thank you very much Renji. Ittadakimasu!

RJ: Oi Ichigo teme! At least you should share some.

RK: Baka /Then she start to talk with her odious tone of voice/ Come on Renji, What don't you eat your tasty lunch? I thought you really like it, Or Could it be that there is other reason to exchange with Ichigo?

RJ: (Damn Rukia) Shut up! Of course I like it. See how I finish it/ Renji begin to eat Inoue's lunch but at the first taste he was paralyzed.

RK: What happens? /Still with that tone/ Too much delicious to handle.

A glance appears in Renji, who start to eat all the breakfast without breathing and trying to chewing the least that possible.

IK: Uh? Renji… You really actually like it?

RJ: Baka… / Renji was about to complain but he begins to feel sick.

After they finish, satisfied Ichigo and Rukia prepared to came back to school while a sad and sick-like Renji saw them both get away.

IK: Thank you Renji I owe you one.

RJ: No problem (I wish you used another verb, like I invite next Renji).

RK: Renji don't forget later we're searching for Ishida after school.

RJ: Don't worry I'll be there.

IK: Later.

RJ: later

IK: Oi Rukia, after all maybe you were right, Renji doesn't have that bad temper.

OMAKE

RK: Inoue I'm sorry I think I took your lunch accidentally.

Orihime: No problem, After all like you sit down beside me it's natural you could confuse it. Besides you took Kurusaki kun's lunch too for him, so no one loose breakfast right? / Smiling.

RK: Right / Smiling back / (Actually poor Renji was the only one loosing).

IK: /Passing over there and listened all / Rukia you trick me!

1 Mixed dish served in a booth of Wood.

2 Green Tea ice cream.