Angelchan2012: Alright bunnies! *claps hands* I've got a new story and I hope ya'll enjoy it! Let's get the characters of this story! Oh, I also got the inspiration for this story from Red Jumpsuit Apparatus' 'Face Down' and Eminem Ft. Rihanna 'Love the Way You Lie'!

Shiro: So, you're finally gonna write another story with us? Hell ya! *fist pump*

Ichi: Thanks Angelchan! *hugs Angel*

Angelchan2012: Aww, you're welcome Ichigo! *hugs back* Now, say the phrase guys!

ShiroIchi: Please read and review! Angel doesn't own Bleach or its characters! And she doesn't own the songs listed above!

Love. Love is something that is sacred and shared between two people. They are bound together and enjoy each other's company and never hurt each other. At least, that's what Ichigo always thought. Everything went down the drain when Renji stepped into the picture. Renji was the berry's boyfriend and, in the beginning, everything was fine…until he realized the older red head was very dangerous, drunk or not. The man was very possessive and always took advantage of our favorite Strawberry, emotionally, and physically. The pineapple would beat and spit at Ichi, calling him things like slut, bitch, whore, and every other name under the moon. He would also force the berry to have sex with him.

Ichigo was helpless. He couldn't do anything to fight back because: how can you fight someone you love?

One day while out and away from the tattooed menace, Ichigo met up with Rukia and the duo went out for coffee. "So, Ichi," the raven said, "how are you and Renji doing?" The carrot top froze at the mention of his 'boyfriend's' name. It was two years after Ichigo and Renji got together, and it was starting to show on the younger. Ichi was sickly pale and bone thin, he would flinch at any sudden movements and was practically reduced to that of a beaten child. "Um…w-we're f-fine," the berry stuttered, avoiding eye contact with his friend. "Are you sure Ichigo? You don't look okay." Rukia said, taking hold of her friend's hand which was shaking furiously. "Ichi…" the raven said softly, "You have to leave him, he's hurting you and I don't want to just sit by and watch my best friend get hurt because of a relationship he's in." The berry gave a small, sad smile and nodded before saying, "Thanks Rukia, I'll try."

When the two separated, Ichigo walked through the streets, thinking about his relationship and how he could leave Renji without getting hurt. Once the red head stood by the front of the elder's apartment, he could see the lights on. Ren's home, Ichi thought, I hope nothing happens this time.

Ichigo opened and closed the door softly, only to flinch at the sound of his boyfriend's booming voice. "Where the hell have you been, bitch? Do you know how long I've been waiting for you to come home?" Renji demanded, his words slurred slightly. The berry froze at the sight of his boyfriend; fearful of saying something wrong-not like it mattered, to Renji, everything the red head said or did was wrong. "I-I'm sorry Ren…I-I shouldn't h-have gone out with my friend for s-so l-long, I'm s-sorry." Ichi said quietly, avoiding eye contact with the other male.

The elder red head walked to the younger and grabbed his chin, forcing the berry to look at him. "You worthless piece of shit!" he spat, smacking the berry's face and punching him, laughing as Ichigo fell to the floor, "I shoulda known better than to let you out with that stupid slut! You're not going anywhere for a long time!" "Renji, stop this! You're always doing something like this to me and I'm tired of it! I'm leaving you Renji, I'm sorry, but you're just too violent towards me now. You never show affection anymore…I'm sorry, but I can't stay with you anymore." Ichigo said, hanging his head so as not to let the older see him cry. "There's no way I'm letting you go." Renji growled, with that, he grabbed the carrot top and started beating him. "Renji, no!...Stop...p-please…" Ichigo begged, coughing up blood. "No, you went out when I told you not to and you're trying to leave me…you bad little bitch." The tattooed male spat, slapping the red head across the face again. Once Ichigo passed out from the pain, the elder red head went to his room and fell asleep-leaving the poor, beaten berry on the floor, bruises and cuts thrown all over his body.

When the berry came to, he sat up slowly and looked around, fearful that his boyfriend might be awake. When he found no signs of Renji being awake, the berry slowly stood up and went to the bathroom to check the damage. Damn, Ichigo thought, looking at his reflection, he definitely did a number on me… he always said that he'd protect me and make sure nothing happened to me…so, why is he the one hurting me?… that's it…I'm tired of being put down and beaten! I'm leaving him before I get hurt even more… With that thought in mind, Ichi quietly slipped into the bedroom and grabbed as many clothes as he could and put them into a bag. He then carried the bag downstairs and grabbed his wallet and cell phone, glancing at a notebook and pen he wondered if he should write a note or not. I don't care if it seems cowardly, at least he won't be able to hurt me!

The berry picked up the pen and wrote:

Renji,

I'm sorry, but as I told you yesterday I cannot be with a man who is violent towards someone he loves. I thought you loved me, but I guess I was wrong. What happened to the man I used to love? What happened to the affection and devotion you used to show towards me? I guess it's gone now…I'm leaving you and hope you have a good life with someone who can put up with you and your violent behavior.

Goodbye,

Ichigo

The berry left the note on the kitchen table and head for the front door, leaving silently. He walked down the dark streets of Karakura, hoping to find some place to stay for the night. He pulled out his phone and called Rukia.

"Hello?" came the soft and sleep deprived voice.

"Hey Rukia, sorry to disturb you when it's so late but…um, is it okay if I…stay at your place for the night?" Ichigo asked, hating that his voice cracked.

"Sure thing! Wait…Ichigo, did he…?"

"Yeah, I tried to leave him and…well; I'll tell you when ya get here." Ichi sighed, running a shaky hand through his hair.

"Sure thing, Ichi. Where are you?"

"The park."

"Good, stay there. I'll pick you up in five minutes."

When the call ended, Ichi sat on a park bench and let the tears fall freely from his eyes, not caring who saw. Why me? Why must everything good be taken from me? Ichi thought sadly, thinking back to how his mom would be there to comfort him and how Renji used to actually care. Now, everything was gone: his mom dead, Renji an ass, and his dad a homophobe, leaving Ichi all alone. When Rukia arrived, Ichigo climbed into her car and the two sat in silence during the drive, allowing the berry to wallow in self-hatred. Maybe life would be better if I was never here…

Angelchan2012: Aww~! So sad! *sniff*

Shiro: Wow, Berry's had a fucked up life, huh?

Ichi: *sarcastic tone* thanks a lot Shiro, that makes me feel sooo much better!

Angelchan2012: It's okay Ichi! Things will get better!

Ichi: How do you know?

Angelchan2012: I'm the author! I can make the magic happen!

Shiro: Cool! She's a witch!

Ichi: Uh…I don't think she meant it like that Shiro….

Shiro: Can ya make things fly through the air and stuff like tha?

Angelchan2012: *smirks evilly inside* I love fooling this guy! *outside* Sure can! I'm super powerful! Bow down to me, or else!

Shiro: *bows*

Ichi: *rolls eyes* idiot…

Angelchan2012: I know he is but, Shh…. Don't tell him! Now say the phrase guys!

ShiroIchi: Please review and look out for the next chapter!