Well... I don't know why I'm starting this one now. This won't go beyond five chapters (hopefully), but this little plot bunny has been hopin' around my brain for months! And now, I've finally decided to kill it! xD
Edited a little as of 22 September 2007.
Pairing: very, very, VERY micro IchiRen/RenIchi
(( It's more brotherly love... and no, not incest! ))
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Restriction
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The moving truck finally drove away from the house across from the Kurosaki clinic. A small orange haired boy watched from the glass door from said clinic. His eyes were wide in curiosity. He had seen a small boy watching and or following the movers, curiosity about the boy was most dominant in the orange haired boy.
"Ichigo-kun, please come back to the kitchen. It's almost time for dinner," a gentle female voice said from the nearby at-home diner.
Ichigo turned around, and smiled innocently. "Coming okaasan!" He seemed to bounce on his way to the kitchen, where his parents sat.
"There's my handsome, lady's man son!" A black haired man ranted from his spot next to Ichigo's mother.
"Calm down, Isshin. We can't have him turning out as hyper as you. I wouldn't get any sleep," the mother said.
"Masaki, how can you be so cruel!?" Isshin asked, in a hilariously dramatic fashion.
Ichigo laughed at his parents talking. He always loved their little 'arguments,' they were always funny – even if he didn't understand the topics half the time. His father's reactions were enough to make him laugh.
"Ne, okaasan. I seed new people in tha' home across the street. Who are they?"
"The new neighbors came today, didn't they? Well, I guess we'll have to say 'hi' tomorrow. What do you say, Ichigo?" Masaki asked kindly.
"Yeah. I wants to see them! I seed a lil boy over there! He has rwed hair!" Ichigo said, giggling.
"Then it's decided!" Isshin roared, standing with his foot on his chair. "We will visit our new neighbors tomorrow!"
"Dear, I think you'll scare them if you go."
Isshin scrambled a corner of the kitchen, assumed the fetal position, and acted dejected. His wife rolled her eyes, and went over to comfort him. Ichigo laughed at his father, and finished his dinner.
The orange haired boy walked back to the glass doors at the front of the clinic. He looked out, to the house with new occupants residing in it. His eyes lead him to the upper story window, a small silhouette seemed to look back at him. Ichigo waved to it, hoping for a good response.
- - - - -
A red haired boy was sitting on his bed, which was pushed up against the sole window of the room. He was looking at his new neighborhood. The only house he could see clearly that had its lights on was a clinic directly across from his own house. His eyes eventually lead him to looking at a small silhouette that seemed to be looking at him. To his surprise, it waved to him. He smiled, and waved back nervously.
'Weird...'
"Ren-chan, go to sleep," Renji's mom said from his door.
"Okay, okaasan."
Renji looked back at the silhouette, it was still watching him. He gave it one last wave before his lights were turned out by his mother.
- - - - -
Ichigo smiled, and waved before the light went off. He felt like he could be really good friends with the person he just 'met.'
"Ichigo-kun, time for bed," Masaki said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
He looked out the door one more time before he let his mom lead him to his room.
- - - - -
Ichigo woke up to Isshin's yelling, something about a beautiful day to make friends. The orange haired boy crawled out his bed, and ran to the bathroom before his father decided to throw a kick at him.
Once Ichigo came down stairs, he ran to his chair at the table. From there, he watched his mother finishing preparations for breakfast. He always liked watching her, she was so pretty and talented – he didn't know of anyone else who could handle his dad.
They had a reasonably quiet breakfast, a fast one too. Well, to Ichigo it was. He ate quickly, so he could see the new people across the street. His eyes were either set on his parents finishing their meal, or the door to the big blue room (aka: outside).
When they finished, Ichigo practically dragged his mother out the door and across the empty street. He let go of his mother's hand when they got to the sidewalk, and ran to the door step of the new family. There, he waited for his mother before knocking on the door, and returning to her side.
The door was opened by a blond haired woman, the red haired boy looking from behind a safe distance back. Ichigo waved to him, hoping he'd remember him... somehow.
"Hello, I'm Kurosaki Masaki; this is Ichigo. We live across the street in the clinic. Would you like to come over for dinner tonight? Kinda like a 'welcome to your new home' party?"
"Kurosaki-san, that is a very kind gesture. I am Abarai Shuun," she turned to Renji. "Ren-chan, how would you feel about that?"
Renji blushed a little, the spotlight shifted to him. He became nervous, and tongue-tied. His reply was a simple nod.
Taking that as a sign, Ichigo ran past Renji's mother and right up to him. "I'm Ichigo! Wha's your name?" His tone was excited and serene.
Renji took a step back, nervously. "Ren... ji..."
"Mom, can I take Renji home to play?!"
The red haired boy cringed at the other's energy, but wanted to make a friend, and this orange haired high-on-something boy was the only one who seemed willing.
"As long as it's okay with Abarai-san."
His gaze shot to Renji's mother, hope filling his eyes. This caused her to laugh and nod her head.
"As long as Ren-chan doesn't mind, I'm fine with it."
Renji nodded, still a little shy.
"Yay!" Ichigo yelled, grabbing Renji, and running out to the sidewalk. A stunned Renji behind him.
"I'll see you at dinner then, Kurosaki-san," Shuun smiled.
"Yes. Thank you for taking our offer," she replied and gave a slight bow.
- - - - -
When they reached the front door, Ichigo turned to Renji. "Be careful of my 'toosan. He's really crwazy."
Renji quirked an eyebrow at this, but didn't say anything. Ichigo opened the door, and looked around quickly. He immediately jerked around, and jumped at Renji. They both hit the soft grass off to the side of the door, as a loud crash came from the area near the street. Both turned to see dust clearing, and Masaki shaking her head.
"I'm sorry about that boys. You can go inside."
"Thanks 'kaasan!" Ichigo said, helping Renji up and leading him to his room.
"Your room looks kinda like mine. I's funny."
"How old are you?"
"I'm 5. Why?"
Ichigo seemed to jump at that. "Me too! Maybe we go to school together, and be in the same class!"
Renji started to laugh at this. He had never met someone this energetic. "Calm down, yer makin' me tired."
The orange haired boy stopped at this, and sat down. He had so many questions to ask Renji about.
"Where's yer 'toosan, Renji?"
"Gone."
Ichigo looked at him confused, his head cocking to one side. "Gone where?"
"He's just gone!" Renji yelled, his fist hitting the floor. "He's mean, and he left. Now I have to protect 'kaasan."
"My 'toosan said I have to protect my 'kaasan!" Ichigo smiled, oblivious to the subject he touched on was dangerous waters.
Renji smirked, "You ca't protect yer 'kaasan as well as I can protect mine."
"Yes, I can," Ichigo defended, hurt that Renji would assume that.
"Nu-uh."
"Yes!"
"Nu-uh."
"YES!"
"Nu-uh."
Ichigo stood up fast, and pounced on Renji. They play fought for about two minutes before plopping down, breathing hard. Renji started to laugh, and it became contagious; Ichigo started laughing as well.
- - - - -
'Tch. Missed a chance. Oh well, there'll be plenty others...'
- - - - -
The rest of the afternoon resulted in asking each other questions, and a couple more skirmishes. Bright orange and pick glared through the window on the two new friends. Both were sitting on Ichigo's bed, looking out the window.
Masaki came into the room, her smile still on her face. "Boys, want to come help me with dinner?"
Ichigo turned, a big smile plastered on his face. "C'mon Renji!" He jumped off the bed, and looked back at his new friend.
Renji smiled, and followed Ichigo and his mother down the stairs.
'Maybe this isn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be.'
- - - - -
Four years passed, and Ichigo and Renji became best friends. They were also rivals at the dojo where they took karate classes together. Both were always competing with each other, trying to do better than the other.
After their class, their mothers would pick them up. This class was no different... kind of. Ichigo would be the first to run to his mother, Renji not far behind. They would always talk about their class with their mothers, getting into arguments over who did better. However, this time, Renji and Shuun had to split with Ichigo and Masaki, as they had to pick something up at the store.
It was a rainy day. Not just the usual drizzle as it usually did that time of year. There was a lot of wind, and a lot of water pouring down on the city. The wind made it hard to keep hold of the umbrella Masaki was holding.
As they walked down the sidewalk along the river bank, the wind gave a mighty gust, sending the umbrella into the street. Ichigo acted before he thought, and ran into the street to get it. He didn't want his mother to get wet and cold. That would lead to sickness, and Ichigo didn't want that.
Unfortunately, his thoughtless act was just that: thoughtless. He didn't look to see the truck coming right at him. Not to mention the rain made it almost impossible to see, even with windshield wippers - for the driver. Masaki's eyes widened in horror as she saw the truck coming right at her son.
"Ichigo!"
The orange haired boy looked up at his mother, who was running toward him. Why did she look so scared?
Before he knew what was going on, Masaki had picked him up, and threw him out of the way. He hit the sidewalk with a thud and slid farther, slipping down the hill faster than he could stop. However, the sickening crunch and squishing of organic life could be heard over the rain. His eyes widened in shock, his brain automatically finding the answer: his mother was dead.
He crawled up the hill as fast as he could, slipping down a couple feet from time to time. The rain seemed to become harder. Tears were rolling down his cheeks, and he didn't know why.
When he finally made it to the top, a sight of red met his eyes. His mother was a splatter on the ground, the truck that ran over her was no where in sight. He ran to her. Tears pouring down his face. He shook her, over and over again.
"'Kaasan? 'Kaasan, wake up... wake up!"
Masaki didn't wake up. She didn't move. Her eyes were open, dull and lifeless. Blood rolling down her mouth, nose, body. A drop fell onto her forehead, from Ichigo's scrap on his head. His arm was bleeding too.
"'Kaasan... 'kaasan... 'KAASAN!"
- - - - -
"Heheheheh. Yes..."
- - - - -
Ichigo sat in his room, his eyes showed no emotion. He had been in a constant battle since that night. Renji showed up everyday, and they'd sit on the bed quietly. The day of Masaki's funeral was no different.
"Renji..."
Renji looked at Ichigo in shock. This is the first time he had spoken since his mother's death. Renji leaned Ichigo's head to his shoulder. His hope of comforting the orange haired boy wasn't working too well.
"I failed..."
Tears came down his eyes again, burying his head in Renji's arm. Ichigo was shaking, from head to toe, and Renji couldn't do any more than this.
"Renji... you were right," Ichigo's voice seemed to boarder hysteria. "You were right."
"Right about what, Ichigo?" The red haired friend asked quietly.
"When we met... you said you could protect your 'kaasan better than I could protect mine. You were right," Ichigo's voice seemed to change, as did his closed off irises. "I can't even remember that night."
Renji's eyes widened at the drastic voice change with the word 'her.' It sounded like Ichigo, but it wasn't. He pulled Ichigo onto his lap, and hugged him tightly. The new voice scared him, and he didn't know why. He wanted it to go away, and he hoped this was the way to do it.
After a few minutes, Ichigo's breathing had evened out, and he fell asleep. Renji put him back on the bed, and leaned against the wall.
'I'm sorry, Ichigo...'
- - - - -
Six and a half years passed, Ichigo's personality took a downward spiral. He would only talk to Renji about personal things, and even that was a rare occurrence. Ichigo became some-what rude, and distant. He didn't hang out with friends as much, instead, he'd do his homework, then sleep.
His first year of high school was definitely taking a toll. He'd tutor Renji for their English class, as he had taken a great liking to English tragedies, as well as the language itself, giving him an upper hand. Renji would help him with another subject... if he could, which was also rare.
They also had to deal with upper class men who had it in for them because of their hair. Ichigo was targeted a little more, as he was alone a little more than Renji. These usually ended with the orange haired teen bruised and sometimes bloody, occassionally with no memory of how he got away; Renji wasn't much different (except he could remember everything).
About halfway through their first year, Renji got jumped on his way home. He was alone, as Ichigo needed to stay for a little longer to lock up the classroom they had been cleaning. Renji was jumped by about half a dozen seniors, over 60 percent of them holding something that could be classified as a weapon if used the right way.
He was hit square in the back, and dragged into the alley nearby. There, they held him, and hit him like a piñata during La Día de Muerta celebration in Mexico.
Renji could feel that he must've broken a couple ribs at least. His vision was blurring, and he couldn't even think coherently. However, before he blacked out after one more hit, he saw a blob of orange.
'Ichi...'
- - - - -
Ichigo's eyes widened at the sight of his best friend getting beaten senseless, and ran into the alley to help him. He punched one into the wall, and proceeded to kick him deeper into it. His eyes held a fire of rage, which turned into blind furry when he saw Renji was now unconsious.
He lunged at another, his hands going for his throat. They hit the wall with force, the hit knocking the breath out of the thug. Ichigo turned to the others, and gave them each a brutal beating. He was sure he broke a few bones (not his) in total.
The orange haired teen knelt down, and checked Renji's pulse. It was still strong, Renji would be fine. However, Ichigo had completely dropped his guard. He didn't sense the thug he had knocked the wind out of to come up behind him.
A swift stab in his left shoulder, and then a kick to his ribs sent him flying away from Renji. The thug lifted the red haired teen off the ground by his shirt.
"So, Orange-Head. How would you feel if I killed him? Hurt him?"
"Let him go," Ichigo yelled, struggling to stand up, his hand over the stab wound.
"Oh? Does he mean that much to you?"
"I said: let him go."
The thug smirked, "Why would I want to do that?" He raised his pocket knife, and applied enough pressure to break Renji's skin. A trickle of blood slowly snaked its way down his arm. More snakes of blood joined the first when the thug pulled the blade down Renji's arm.
"Ren! Stop it you ass hole!"
"Make me," the thug mocked.
"Please... stop... Stop!"
Ichigo's voice changed again, just like it had six and a half years ago. This time, his eye color change did not go unnoticed. The once chocolate brown had become bright gold. His pupils almost slit like a cat's.
He jumped at the thug faster that he could react. His back rammed into the wall, again. Ichigo's hand wrapped around his throat, tightly.
"Saa... what to do with you..."
The captive's eyes widened. Ichigo was acting completely different than just a minute ago. No pleading, worry, fear was laced in his voice.
"What... are you...?"
"Me?" Ichigo pointed to himself with his spare hand and shrugged. "I don't know! And I couldn't care less!"
His grip tightened, his victim turning a nice, pale shade of blue. Gagging noises, and struggling started up again. A small trail of saliva running down his mouth.
Ichigo looked at his hand with disgust when the saliva ran onto his hand. A glare was shot at the thug, a demonic smile tugged across his face.
- - - - -
Renji awoke to the sound of choking, and quickly shot to his feet, thinking it was Ichigo. He remembered that Ichigo had run to help him before he blacked out. His eyes widened when he saw Ichigo holding one of the thugs by the throat, against the wall, choking him.
"Filthy piece of trash...!" Ichigo mumbled, loud enough for even Renji to hear. His hand tighten greatly, and pulled the thug off the wall before slamming his head back against the brick wall. Ichigo's spare hand drove straight into his exposed ribs. A loud cracking noise erupted, and immediate darkening of the victimized flesh went through the skin.
Coughing and choking mixed, and Renji just stared. This was his best friend? What had happened during the time he was knocked out? Pure shock glued him to the ground.
"You aren't worthy of my pity, shit face. Hell, you don't even deserve to walk on this earth!" His grip tightened even more, no more oxygen could reach the neglected lungs of the thug in Ichigo's grip. The thug's eyes rolled back, and he was unconsious.
Ichigo dropped him, placing his foot on his neck. The blacked out body partially leaning against the wall. He brought his foot back for a split second before slamming it back into the thug's neck.
A loud crack sounded throughout the alley. The dead body's head falling forward, nothing able to keep it up. Ichigo had shattered a vertebrate, as well as ripped the esophagus and windpipe (by way of the broken shards cutting into them). A small trickle of blood flowing out of the mouth.
Renji finally found his barings, and crept over to Ichigo. "I... Ichi? You okay?"
Ichigo's head turned towards the red head, yellow eyes glaring at him. The inhuman smile still plastered on his face. Those eyes showed blood lust, that smile showed pleasure in it.
"Ichigo? I ain't 'im."
Renji's eyes widened in shock as he backed away, against the wall. He took out his cell phone, and dialed 9-1-1. His finger ready to hit 'call' if Ichigo tried to do anything.
"Ne... you afraid?" Ichigo mocked, taking a step closer.
"Ichigo... don't move. Please."
"I thought I told you. I'm not Ichigo!" He charged at Renji, who immediately hit the call button.
"Help; my frie-!"
The phone was knocked out of his hand, and his throat found its way into Ichigo's hand. Like the person before him, he was off the ground, choking.
"No one is gonna help you... ya know tha' righ'?"
"Shut up! Where'd... Ichi... go?! Wha'... happened... to him?"
"Tch, who cares about that weak ass?"
"I do, dammit! Let me go! Give Ichi back!"
The hand around Renji's throat tightened. "Yare, yare; you make a lot of noise. Maybe I should kill you faster than that last guy."
Renji started to struggle again, bringing a foot up, and kicking him in the chest. He fell to the ground, gasping for air. To his utter shock and fear, Ichigo didn't seem phased. Actually, he laughed.
"You little bitch." He was back at Renji's throat. "You think a measly little kick is gonna save ya? Yer oh, so, very wro-."
Ichigo's eyes rolled up, and he fell unconscious. A man had hit him at a pressure point hard enough to cause fainting. It was a cop.
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TBC
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Well, that's chapter one. Yeah, that's a lot. Any-who, chapter one is officially done, and I'll start work on chapter two. This should be finished before I get out of summer break, as well as a few more chapters for "Tergiversate."
Don't expect all chapters to be this long.
Tell me what ya think about this plot bunny I decided to kill. For those of you who are slow, this is AU, no spirits, shinigami, nada. However, Shirosaki's personality is here... hopefully you could have figured that out on your own. Oh, and I don't think I'm gonna put Yuzu or Karin in here. Actually, a lot of Bleach chars aren't gonna be in here.
Reviews are loved...