"Tch. Nasty old man's son," Renji cursed under his breath, fingering through his nearly empty pouch. He would've brought his tattered wallet which was bought from the human world with him, but he didn't think he needed that much money. That was why he brought the somewhat roughly sewn pouch that Rukia had given him. It was crimson, just like his hair, and had Zabimaru, or at least, what Renji thought was Zabimaru, (Rukia's sewing hadn't improved much, or as she liked to put- yet). Still, holding on to the six boxes of onigri he had bought, he headed towards the hill where his friends were buried.
Before going to the hill, Renji knew he had to visit there. The old broken down shack he had taken residence along with Rukia and his other friends during their childhood days. Even though he had hated District 78, Renji still missed those times, where when there was food and water, everything seemed perfect. His friends were there, Rukia was there, he hardly needed to worry about anything other than surviving. As Renji made his way to his old home, a memory flowed into his mind.
Flashback
It was a close shave. They had escaped the old man with the help of that stranger. Panting, Renji and his friends collapsed at the front of the shack. Once they had gained back their breath, Renji and his friends entered the shack cautiously, hoping to be able to stow the water somewhere safe, with nobody seeing. They had already drank their share but they were bound to need more water sooner or later. But when he entered, his face fell. The shack was full of people. The younger kids instantly crowded around him, cheering. The water was meant for him and his friends, but the younger newcomer kids still had not grasped this fact. Still, looking at their earnest faces filled with relieve at the thought of something to drink, Renji, despite his tough exterior, could not bear to tell them that the water was not for them. His resolve crumbling, Renji placed his water on the ground, and ordered his friends to do the same. They protested weakly, but did as they were told.
"Only drink enough to quench your thirst!" he yelled sharply at the eager children. Yet his expression softened slightly as they sighed in relief as the cool water entered their dry mouths. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the stranger look at the scene closely. The stranger was pretty. There was no doubt. She was petite, had black hair, light skin and beautiful, violet eyes.
"What's your name? I'm Renji Abarai." Renji introduced himself.
"I am Rukia. Rukia…" Rukia trailed off, looking somewhat at a loss of what to say.
"Don't know your family name? Doesn't matter. A lot of us don't either." Renji turned away to hide a smile.
Rukia. That was a name he would not forget.
End
With a start, he realized he was at the shack already. His former home had been battered by the ever-changing weather in District 78. Yet, it was still the same as ever. Renji looked at the sky. It was getting late. He would have to visit the shack another day. He turned and headed to the direction of the hill. But deep down in his heart, he knew he was lying. He did not want to enter the shack because it reminded him of everything. How Rukia had been next to him the whole time, how he had taken it for granted. How now, even after Aizen's rebellion, he still found it difficult to talk to her. He was a coward. In deep thought, Renji failed to notice the presence of five children behind him.
"Hey, who was he?" the brown haired boy asked
"I don't know. But he has the same aura as that girl earlier." The dark-haired member with dark purple eyes spoke thoughtfully. "Anyway, let's eat."
The five children returned into the shack for their meal.