Title: Misplaced idolatry
Rating: G
Pairing / Characters: Abarai Renji, Kuchiki Byakuya, Kuchiki Rukia
Word Count: 507 words
Warnings: Possible mild spoilers for Renji's past at the academy?
Summary: Renji dreams that he is the one people turn to for help
A/N: Ok, this was written really late and I believe that Renji would think like this because I don't know anyone who hasn't imagined themselves to be the hero of the hour or somesuch, and Renji wants to surpass Byakuya, and possibly have Rukia admit that she loves him, and be strong enough to protect everyone he cares about… so this was born… hmf
In his dreams, it is he they turn to.
Renji doesn't know why this is. Perhaps it is his lack of power in comparison to Kuchiki-taichou's, perhaps because he feels that he has been looked down on since he entered the academy. He knows deep down, that despite his title, his own not unworthy power, there are those who still consider him a Rukongai brat.
So, Renji dreams.
Sometimes, he is Kuchiki-taichou's saviour, a last minute hero who steps in and saves the day. The scene will play out in his mind: he will be sitting in his office, doing the hated paperwork, when Rikichi will burst into the office, telling him that Kuchiki-taichou has been injured and can Renji come quickly. Renji will pick up Zabimaru and hasten to his captain's side, not only defending him, but also saving his life. While Kuchiki-taichou never openly acknowledges Renji's heroism, the nature of their relationship changes and Renji is no longer just a subordinate, Kuchiki-taichou not just his captain.
Sometimes, he is Rukia's saviour. The little idiot will get herself into a situation that neither she nor Kurosaki can handle, and they are forced to call upon Renji who does not do anything overly heroic, but manages to save Rukia nevertheless, healing her injuries and bringing her back to her brother, safe, whole, thus earning himself Byakuya's undying gratitude.
In a deeper, private dream, Rukia comes to him, offering herself to him. She loves him, has always loved him, and cannot live without him because he is the other half of her soul, and Renji is touched by her confession because he has loved her for an eternity, if not longer, and it is with a smile that Kuchiki Byakuya blesses their marriage and welcomes him as a son but more than that, a brother.
Sometimes, he saves no one, but is himself saved. He is in the academy, and Kuchiki Byakuya walks down the halls. Renji knows whom he is, and is puzzled when the nobleman chooses to speak to him. He is even more puzzled when Kuchiki Byakuya tells him that of all the graduates that year, Renji is special, worthy, and as such, the Kuchiki clan has offered to adopt him. Renji is shocked, but grateful, and accepts at once, and it is he who becomes acknowledged.
In his mind, there have been many such fancies.
He is chosen to succeed Yamamoto-soutaichou.
He, and he alone, saves several families in Rukongai from hollows.
His skill and reputation cause Menos Grandes to flee in his wake.
And so Renji dreams, fantasising in his mind about all the things he would like to be, and the people he wants to be acknowledged by.
But despite that, Renji knows his dreams, will remain just dreams.
Rukia doesn't love him, Kuchiki-taichou will never acknowledge him, and he will never be anything but the one who walks in the shadows of others, watching their backs but never seeking his own strength.
Renji considers himself unworthy of such misplaced idolatry anyway.