This is a re-post; beta-ed thanks to, still awesome, Kaitlyn (= RawrrrGrimm). xD

Also big 'Thank you with sugar on top' to my unofficial beta, Noxi, for being the first one correcting my grammar, and for all the time spend brainstorming.

Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach... but Santa promised me he'll bring me one for Christmas ;D

Warnings: Extreme violence, Yaoi

CHAPTER 2: Awakened Memories

The sun was shining directly into Renji's closed eyes. "Would you close the blinds?" he grunted sleepily.

When there was no response he opened one eye and glanced to the other side of the bed. It was empty. Oh, right. It was just a dream.

He rolled over in an attempt to restore the image of Shuhei's body wrapped around his own. Instead he was taken back to last night; Shuhei's kiss was still burning hot on his lips.

It wasn't a soft kiss; it felt more like a kiss you imagine a hundred times before in your head and when you're finally at that breaking point and can't wait any more, you rush in and ruin that perfect image you've created. It was all that and more. The touch lasted only couple of seconds but it was enough to leave Renji gasping.

Still only a breath away from his lips Shuhei whispered, "You can't run away now," and leaned in again putting his hand at the back of Renji's head, entangling his fingers in the crimson hair and pulled gently, making him tilt his head back.

Renji didn't hesitate to respond to a slight touch of Shuhei's tongue at the tip of his own. Pressing closer he pushed deeper and Shuhei replied with harder strokes. Renji's hands moved of their own accord to Shuhei's face, using his thumb to sweep across his cheekbone just below 69.

Just when a familiar feeling was starting to rise in his groin, Shuhei pulled back. With a cunning smile he walked to the door leaving Renji speechless. "That covers the dinner expenses."

Dum, dum, dum.

Go the fuck away! Renji pulled the sheet over his head trying to ignore the pounding on the door.

Dum, dum, dum, dum.

Irritated, he threw the sheet off and got up. Damn! The pain that was dulled from the adrenalin yesterday has thrived over night. Looking down he noticed that the bandage has come loose during the night but the bloodstain was hardly visible.

"I know you're home. Open the door." Crap, it's the bunny-obsessed bitch.

Slowly he approached the door. "What?" Opening the door he let all of his frustration and tension lend on Rukia. "You better have a good reason to wake me up. Some of us have a serious job, you know? I don't have a luxury to hop around harassing everybody just for the fun of it."

When she didn't answer right away but instead gawked at him, he become even more annoyed. "Really? You woke me up for that? Don't you have some bunnies to feed or something?" When she still didn't say anything and instead just stared at his tattoos on the chest he noticed he's not wearing a shirt. The hell with that. He was prepared to close the door. "You seriously need to get laid."

That finally awoke some reaction; Rukia turned bright red averting her eyes to the floor. "Ahm... It's... today... ahm... the rent."

Shit I forgot. And that bastard Urahara didn't pay me for the last week. Looking at his blushing landlady he got an idea. He leisurely leaned on the doorframe supporting his head with one hand.

"That was today? It completely slipped my mind; I had a crazy night yesterday."
She didn't seem to notice a sudden change in his attitude. In fact, he could see her eyes following his hand when, as by accident, he touched a loose bandage.

"I came in late and didn't even have a proper sleep."

She swallowed her saliva when his hand lingered on the edge of his tracksuit pants a little longer than necessary. This is just too easy.

She looked like she was trying to say something but words just didn't want to come out. He wasn't fond of leading her on like this, knowing she'll probably bugged him even more afterwards, but he had no other choice. Urahara should better spit out his pay today.

Renji leaned a little lower so that his long, loose hair fell forward, gave her a half smile and bit his bottom lip. He could hear her gasp. Woman, you need some rabbit humping, stat.

"My boss didn't give me the paycheck yet and I know you already extended the deadline, but tomorrow you'll definitely get it."

She managed to mumble something while looking at her feet, trying to hide her burning face.

"I see..." She coughed to disguise the shaking in her voice. "If you put it that way... What is one more day, right?" She smiled at him, unsuccessfully trying to hide her blush. Instead of looking him in the face she was looking straight ahead, right above Renji's waist. Little pervert.

"I could tell something was wrong when I saw that man yesterday; he looked like a gangster." And I look like a fucking preschool teacher or what?

"He's just a friend. He brought me some stuff."

She wasn't completely satisfied with the answer. "Aha... He must be a good friend since you gave him your keys." What the fuck woman? None of your business! He was itching to snarl at her that she should rather worry about her lack of growth hormones, but since she had just extended his rent payment the least he could do was be nice.

"I wasn't sure when I'd finish my shift so I lent him the keys." Knowing she will not stop until her curiosity is satisfied he swayed a little and made it look like he's going to lose balance. "Ow."

He caught himself on Rukia's shoulders almost falling for real when she went weak in the knees. "Don't wanna be rude but I have a job tonight and I would very much like to get some sleep."

Her voice resembled more that of a hamster than of a grown-up woman. Not that she looks like one. "Of course. So, I guess I'll see you tomorrow." Can't wait...

Just when he was about to close the door a loud roar of an engine approached the building and died out. He caught a glimpse of Rukia leaning across the iron fence to see who could that be. What she lacks in height she compensates with nosiness.

Closing the door he returned to bed. It didn't pass even five minutes when a soft knocking interrupted his wandering thoughts. Tell me I'm imagining this! Knocking quickly turned into a banging. Now what? I'll have to demand a lower rent for all the psychological trauma she's causing me. For the second time he pulled the door open.

"Good morning sleeping beauty." Shuhei had a smirk on his face that made Renji uneasy. Rukia was standing behind Shuhei scanning him from head to toe. "I bring gifts." He held up a grocery bag. "May I come in?"

Slightly confused Renji stepped aside and let Shuhei in. "Not that I'm not grateful but..."

"I'm sorry to interrupt." Rukia put her foot between the door and a jamb. "Shouldn't you rest? Your friend could show a little more concern. An injured person should be lying down with as little distractions as possible."

Renji stared at her with one eyebrow raised. I don't have a fucking cold. He noticed her eyes strolling between Shuhei and himself. Could you be more obvious? Get a life.

Suddenly Shuhei put his hand around Renji's shoulders. "I promise not to pressure him too much." Without a hint of a smile he looked at her. "Or do you think I'm not capable of being gentle?"

Rukia shivered and took a step back.

What the hell man? I just convinced her to cut me loose because of the rent and now you'll screw everything up for what... a little game? He pushed Shuhei's hand off. "Don't take him seriously, he's just messing with you."...and me.

As if Renji's words would give her courage she straightened her back and looked Shuhei directly into his eyes; her voice still a little shaky.

"This is my building, my home and Abarai is a precious tenant here."
Since when? Unless 'precious' goes with being nagged all the time... "And I would very much appreciate if you respect that, otherwise I'll be forced to take certain actions."

Renji was holding back trying not to laugh. She never yelled or enforced her rules on him ...not that I didn't notice why... but he did see her turn into a harpy before. The last time was when an older man from the second floor didn't clean after his dog finished its business or when some punk from the ninth floor threw a cigarette on the floor in front of his own apartment. And it always started with an oh-I-am-so-important speech. Lets see how you'll get yourself out of this mess, pretty boy.

Shuhei kept his poker face. "I apologize; didn't realize you're the landlady. I'm not good at the law department but in my times minors couldn't own a building." Renji knew he should step in but it was too entertaining, and he was interested in seeing who'll take the shorter end.
"Besides, since when does owning a property automatically extend to the residents?"

Her hand twitched as if she was thinking of hitting Shuhei. Instead she composed herself.

"As a landlady it is my obligation to take care for the well-being of all the residents. And Abarai is also a friend..." Say what again? "...and as such I have every right to be concerned about your ill intentions." Like what, stealing your virginity?

"Ill intentions? You can be at ease then." Still with a serious expression he turned towards Renji, touched his chin and leaned closer looking him directly into his brown eyes.

What's he doing? Stop it! Knowing he should listen to his rational mind Renji still didn't move. He wanted to feel his softness again. He's got devilish eyes...

But just before his lips could meet, Shuhei turned back to Rukia. "I'll take good care of him." And with that he pulled Renji into the apartment slamming the door into Rukia's I-have-a-nosebleed-face. Fucking tease.

"Are you crazy? What was that for? If she nags me for rent today, you're paying."

"Oh, come on. Like you didn't enjoy it." Can't argue there. Shuhei was already in his fridge. "I get the beer part but never really take you for the milk lover."

He joined Shuhei in the kitchen. "A guy needs his dose of caffeine in the morning." While making coffee the rational part of Renji's brain started to wake up. This is just too fucking weird. One-night stands... I get it. This... I don't know what this is!

"Still in zombie-mode, Red?" Red? That's the best you could come up with? Lame.

"Listen, let's cut the crap. What do you want? I mean, don't get me wrong; thanks for saving my life and all, but seriously... you could have called the cops or an ambulance and be done with it. Nobody would even know you were there."

Shuhei tilted his head and gave him a crooked smile. "Maybe I just needed a new bitch."

Aggravated Renji slammed his hand just past Shuhei's ear. I've broken bones for less.

"You can go fuck someone else. Carrying a gun, avoiding authorities... And last night... I let my guard down and you didn't hesitate. You see an opportunity and go for it – that's not some spoiled rich kid's thinking; that's how those who've experienced the street think. Now, either you stop bullshitting me, or get out." Removing the hand he left him to decide and made himself comfortable on the couch.

It felt like at least an hour passed when Shuhei finally spoke.

"You're right." His expression was no longer taunting; he was dead serious. "I wasn't just passing by, I was... hunting." Figured you're not carrying that just for the fun of it. "Couple of years back... I have an unfinished business with a certain person."

Renji remembered him mentioning his family was killed. "Revenge?"

"Putting it like that sounds such a cliché but... yeah."

Shuhei moved from the kitchen to the couch placing his elbows on the knees and run fingers through his hair.

"I've been tracking them for years." Them?

"They're good at staying off the grid. The night I saved your sorry ass I got a tip that they're back in town and was scouting. And when I saw them pounding the shit out of you..." You can stop mentioning my pitiful state.

"Those cowards." My point exactly.

"I couldn't just leave you at the entrance of a hospital. I wanted to make sure you're okay."

A heavy feeling was starting to sink in Renji's guts. I'm no less of a coward than them...

Shuhei continued, "Plus I figured they didn't pound you almost to death just because they didn't like you." For the first time since he started talking he looked at Renji. "And considering how you look, you're not exactly an innocent school boy."

Slowly Renji put the pieces together. "You figured I must have some ties to the man you're looking for."

Shuhei just nodded.

"I see. A small piece of advice: next time just ask; you don't have to go through all that smut-shit."

"That was not my plan. It was... a spur of a moment." He smiled. "Must admit, when you ran out of the house... it was cute." 'Cute' my ass! That was one of the most embarrassing moments of my life. Never mind, focus on the important stuff.

"So, ask."

Shuhei looked at him in disbelieve. "You're one strange son-of-a-bitch."

"I pay my debts. And call me a bitch again you'll gonna wish I was one."

"Technically I said son-of-a..." He caught Renji's look. "Still low on caffeine?" Smile disappeared as fast as it appeared. "Fine. As much as I found out, their gang is called The Nameless." Renji flinched; that was his old gang name. "I'm looking for a guy with a moral as deep as the worm's ass."

"Basically, everyone in the gang. That's not a lot to go on."

"I know. I don't have many details. But I know he has a scar on his forehead, white hair and that they call him 'the boss'."

That could be only... "Ganryu. He's one sick bastard. Drugs, guns, extortion, even murders are a daily routine for him."

"Yeah, I heard about him." He clutched his fist. "A simple death is too good for him. I'll take everything that he holds dear and crush it right in front of him." Sounds to me like Ganryu was your target from the beginning – so you were testing me...

Loud ring tone broke the tension that had build. Shuhei took out the phone and checked the message. "I really enjoyed our bonding time but I have to go."

Renji suppressed his curiosity. First rule of the 'street-survival-kit': never trust anybody! "I'm not holding you back. Just one question; are you really that arrogant to think you can bring down the whole gang by yourself?"

Shuhei looked at him with a wide grin before he vanished through the door. "I never said I'm alone."

"Hey, Abarai. Stop daydreaming." Ikkaku Madarame, the head of the security, snapped his fingers in front of Renji's face.

"I get that this job is mostly boredom but there are precious moments that are worth it and you're missing it. You're one lucky bastard; I had to wait for two months before I saw some action."

Madarame was an ex-boxing champion who lived for fighting but ever since he accidentally killed his opponent, he was banned from the ring. But his obsession never truly disappeared.

"Lucky me." Sarcasm was emanating from Renji's answer, but Madarame was too focused on the job to notice. A week has passed since Renji started his new job and he was still treated as a newbie who needs a mentor.

Renji followed Ikkaku, still thinking about Shuhei. That punk is hiding something. Ganryu having an enemy – no surprise there, I'm not his biggest fan either. Hell, I would love to see his face smashed while he's licking his own ass! But there's more to it. Shuhei's eyes… behind that hate and rage there was sadness... loneliness...

Renji snapped back to reality, shaking his head so hard that his ponytail almost fell. What's wrong with me? Ever since I met him I'm starting to thing like a chick. Yeah he's damn fuckable but still. Fuck it, I'll call Nnoitra later.

They reached the private room area where, for extra payment, guests got more 'personal treatment'. Even closed door didn't cover the yelling.

"You fucking bitch! I paid for you!"

A loud scream followed. "Please don't!"

Iba was already there. "He barricaded the door. Yumichika went to get a sledgehammer."

Ikkaku and Renji didn't waste time. Shoulder to shoulder they slammed into the door. Once, twice, at the third try the door gave in. Ikkaku was the first to burst in, grabbed the guy who was lying on top of Orihime and banged his head against the wall holding him tight.

Renji torn down a decorative curtain and covered Inoue's exposed body. "Are you ok? Did he hurt you?" He noticed a newly formed bruise on her right cheek.

Orihime Inoue, with the artistic name the Bust Lady, pressed herself tight against Renji's arm, trembling. "No. He just tore my clothes off. But if you hadn't come..." She was on the verge of tears.

"It's okay. You're safe now." He handed her to Iba and turned to Madarame just when the guy banged his head backwards, hitting Ikkaku straight in the nose. Renji jumped to help, but Ikkaku put his famous hook into the guy's liver.

Even without seeing his face Renji immediately recognized a signature move of the Hammerhead. A shark-like face grinned at him: "The boss says 'hi'."

For a split second Renji lost control and smashed his fist in Di Roy's face knocking him out. Fucking lowlife!

Madarame wasn't worried about unconscious body. "So, I guess you know each other?"

"Yeah. Unfinished business."

"Good, then I forgive you." Renji stared at his boss. "But never again will you butt in my fight." He kicked the motionless body. "Gotta hand it to you, you have some heavy punch there."

Looking down at Di Roy Renji felt the rise of rage and slight fear. Son-of-a-devil he's really not leaving me alone! Fine, two can play this game. Today was your win, but the war has barely started. Not looking at Ikkaku he tried to find some half-assed excuse.
"Listen, I remembered... I have... that thing tonight. Could you tell Urahara...?"

Madarame obviously didn't buy it but didn't press on. "Sure kiddo. Go get some sleep. You did good tonight."

The moment Renji left Benihime behind he browsed through his phone book. His heart skipped a beat when he saw an unknown number saved under the name Hisagi. Pretentious bastard; when did he... It doesn't matter. Without further delay he dialed Nnoitra's number. I need some stress relief.

After five rings a lazy voice answered. Renji wasn't in the mood to beat round the bush. "I'm coming over. Now."

"Fine. It's your funeral," was the only answer he got before the line disconnected.

Renji wasn't completely sure whose boy toy is whose, but right now he didn't give a shit. Nnoitra was perfect for such moments when he was pissed to hell and back.

Fifteen minutes later he got out of a cab and entered apartment number 85 in the Rukon district of Karakura town, knowing the door would be unlocked.

Nnoitra walked out of the kitchen wearing an unzipped white hoody with nothing underneath and tight dark jeans.

"Thought you were dead. What was it... a month?"

He gave him his typical huge grin revealing all of his upper teeth. "I still haven't forgot. You really know how to take it up your ass."

"For your own good I hope you got rid of those cuffs. I'm not playing that shit again." Renji threw his sports bag to the floor, already taking off his jacket.

"You didn't seem to mind." Nnoitra licked his lower lip revealing piercing in his tongue. "It still turns me on when I remember your howl."

Renji didn't have the patience to play games. He put one hand on Nnoitra's bare chest, the other one slipping under Nnoitra's belt. "Just admit it, you're happy to see me. At least some part of you is."

Still wearing his wide smile Nnoitra leaned down to whisper in Renji's ears. "Little puppies should take their crap outside or they may get thrown off the bridge." He bit Renji's ear hard enough that a drop of blood showed up. "Can you swim, little puppy?"

The level of Renji's anger just skipped up. I'm so not in the mood for games. Nnoitra always enjoyed torturing him, it was his way of foreplay. But not today.

Though Nnoitra was taller and heavier, Renji was stronger. He pushed him back into the kitchen right into the chair. One hand sliding up Nnoitra's thigh, the other holding his face, Renji violated his mouth. Nnoitra didn't respond, instead he trailed his fingers over freshly healed scar on Renji's abdomen, pushing him away.

"First, the cigarette." He reached for a pack and went to the balcony. Are you fucking shitting me? Nnoitra saw Renji's face through the glass doors and offer him another malicious smile. "My house, my rules."

Oh no you don't. Renji took off his shirt and walked on the small balcony. He pressed Nnoitra's lean body tight against the wall, pushed one leg between his crotch and attacked Nnoitra's neck. The moan of pleasure told him the same story he also felt under Nnoitra's jeans. Violently, he grabbed his long, dark hair and pulled him down to play with the ring in his tongue. The taste of nicotine was mixed with the bitterness of beer.

With all the resistance gone, Nnoitra threw the cigarette away, grabbed Renji's ass and with a swift turn changed their positions. "Mmm, Fido has claws." Gliding across Renji's broad back, he dug his hands in the red locks, brushing with his teeth over Renji's exposed collarbone.

Yes... Deep groan left his lips. Let me forget... Pressing his hips against Nnoitra's slender body he dragged his nails down his left side leaving red marks on the white skin.

Nnoitra's slim fingers skillfully released Renji's pulsating cock from his jeans, stroking it slow but hard, while circulating his tongue across his nipples. Renji's breathing quickened at the touch of cold metal.

Even through their lustful moaning he could hear voices of drunken students passing by on the street. He let out a short cry after Nnoitra squeezed a little too hard. You did that on purpose...

Malicious smile and soft touch of a breath, "Not so loud, they might hear you." Pierced tongue tracing the shape of his ear, "I should shut you up."

Nnoitra licked the dripping of Renji's pre-cum from his hand and pushed his mouth on Renji's. The pressure of his lips was so intense that Renji wrapped his hands around Nnoitra's thin body pulling him even closer, wanting him to go deeper; Nnoitra didn't hesitate to fulfill his wish.

Renji's hands slid down Nnoitra's back pushing the jeans lower, making him groan when there was no more fabric between their erections. Unwilling to wait any longer Renji shoved him toward the fence while his fingers slippery with pre-cum were searching for the entrance. Nnoitra's hips jerked up accompanied with a cry of pleasure when he found the right spot.

"Fuck!" His eyes were filled with lust... Same grey eyes... "Fuck me, Red!" Same poor imagination...

Bending over the steel fence facing the street below Nnoitra's ass was screaming for invasion. That was enough for Renji; with one hand on his manhood and the other on Nnoitra's back he carefully sank in. A loud groan encouraged him to continue until he was fully inside. Moving out and back in he felt his heart beat throbbing in his ears.

Closing his eyes his hands were no longer holding Nnoitra's hips; the skin under his fingers became a shade darker, waist wider and the back more muscular...

Repeating the motion, thrusting deep and hard he was closing in on the end fast. Wrapped in the cloud of pure animal instinct to reach ecstasy, he noticed Nnoitra's elbow moving faster and faster as he was stroking his own hardness while keeping the balance trying not to fall over the fence. Renji didn't care; all he wanted was an escape, a moment of nothingness...

Biting his lips to keep the sound in, he thrust one last time... Shuhei... before he was lost in the flood of bliss, forgetting about the past and the present, the only thing remaining were silver-grey eyes piercing through his very soul.

"You self-satisfying bastard!" Nnoitra was still hard when Renji moved back. Now leaning his back on the fence his hand was pumping in steady rhythm.

Picking up the forgotten pack of cigarettes Renji throw them beside Nnoitra. "For after you're done." Leaving him to finish the job, he went to clean himself in the bathroom before vanishing through the door.

It was four in the morning and Renji didn't expect to meet anybody, the least of all Shuhei.

"Well, this is a surprise. Don't tell me you're stalking me?" The streetlight highlighted three thin scars.

Really? Does the universe hate me this much? Quickly, he checked where Nnoitra's balcony is; at least it was turned on the other side. Relief.

"I could say the same. Didn't think you hang out in this kind of a neighborhood."
Shuhei shrugged. "Visiting a friend."

Only now that Renji made sure there was no way he could see his 'session' with Nnoitra, he noticed Shuhei was not as composed as usual; his eyes were wandering across Renji's face as if looking for some kind of a sign. Is he nervous? Does he regret telling me about his plans? Does he see me as a threat?

"More charity work?" He noticed Shuhei's quick glance upwards. Guess I'm not the only one keeping secrets. Following Shuhei's glimpse he saw a dark figure, standing behind a window on the fifth floor. He tried to ignore a pinch of jealousy.

Renji's comment was ignored. "Need a ride? I have my beauty around the corner."

Around the corner? Fuck, that's the street below Nnoitra's balcony! "Kind offer but I have no intention to end up as bait for Ganryu."

"All the reason more. I heard you had a little visit today." How? Taking the keys out of the pocket he answered Renji's unspoken question. "I have my sources. So, about that ride..."

"Stick it up your ass."

Turning around he left Shuhei in front of the building; his mind in chaos. This is too much, too many coincidences. I haven't seen him for a week and the moment I go out of my daily routine, there he is. What's he planning? Who was he visiting? Was he...? Really Renji, you wanna go there? I don't care who he fucks! Remembering he just left Nnoitra like some cheap whore after he got what he wanted didn't bust his confidence. He'll be pissed. I should care...

Finally back at home Renji threw the clothes off and stepped under the shower. He left the hot water dripping over him, washing away the touch of Nnoitra's hands.

This is where I am – alone with a fuck-toy, waiting for execution. Nothing changed; I may as well be Ganryu's pet...

He slammed a fist into the tiled wall. What have I done so far?! Nothing! Fucking nothing! Leaving his locks falling forward to cover his face and putting both of his hands on the wall for support, Renji recalled the times before the incident. It was fun... brutal at times but fun. It was the only life we knew.

When he stole his first wallet. It was some four-eyes in a white suit; he chased him six blocks before giving up. Kenpachi gave him ten percent, his first earnings. Soon he became an errand boy, mostly delivering messages from one dealer to another. It wasn't long until his rank skyrocketed; his fists and accuracy with a gun made him a frightful opponent.

He smiled at the recollection of the robbery of the Museum of National treasures.

Some I-wipe-my-ass-with-money big shot hired them to get him a legendary blade from the 8th century named 'Little Crow'. It was the first and last time that Renji dyed his hair black for the purposes of a cover. His job was taking down the security guards.

Out of four security guards Renji only took out three— he didn't have the heart to interrupt the fourth one at his 'meeting' with a lady that was way too sexy to be his wife. Otherwise, the plan went smoothly.

From time to time a wise-ass punk showed up who thought he or she could outsmart the Boss. They were small fries, only in need of a hard beating. Shit became serious when another gang decided to take over their territory – it was an all-out war. Walking unarmed was like having a neon bull's eye on your back.

Water was getting cold but Renji didn't move. He watched the colorless drops slide down his crimson hair, making them look like drops of blood.

He was ambushed in broad daylightby rival gang-members. They were fast but he was faster; he shot two of them straight in the knees before they managed to disarm him. But even without a gun he was dangerous; when the third one came at him with a knife, Renji grabbed his arm and broke it, picked the knife and sliced through the throat of the next attacker, the blood splatter covering Renji and making him look like the devil himself. The last one started running; following him with his eyes, Renji flipped the knife catching the tip of the blade, aimed and threw; the man collapsed with the knife lodged in his back. Leave no witnesses behind. He picked up his gun and aimed at the heads of men crawling on the floor and pulled the trigger— twice.

He put his forehead on the cold tiles, as cold as the memory of the day when his life started to fall apart...

"Kenpachi's dead! We need a new leader or they'll eat us alive!"

"And that will solve all the problems right. Wake up! They got the Boss! We're just insects waiting to be crushed!"

"Well I'm not waiting for the execution." With a snap Renji put the magazine back into his SIG-Sauer P220. "If you're to big of a pussy, go hide under your mommy's skirt."

"Renji's right." Ganryu stepped forward. "We're the Nameless! We're the monsters under the bed, we're the unknowns lurking in the darkness, and we're fear itself. Leaving Kenpachi's death without seeking vengence makes us look weak."

"But..."

"But what? There's no place for spineless dicks here; you're either with us or against us."

Mabashi flinched. "It's a suicide!"

Ganryu grabbed him by the collar. "Welcome to reality; you want a peaceful life, join a math camp!"

Shoving him to the floor he looked everyone straight in the eyes."If you sheep need a leader, I'll take the responsibility. I'll paint the walls with their boss's brains."

Eight pairs of eyes turned to Renji who they considered as Kenpachi's prodigy in spite of Ganryu being two years older. Renji didn't care about the leadership; all he was after was revenge. If that meant accepting Ganryu's challenge - whoever kills Kenpachi's murderer gets to be the new Boss, so be it...

A baby's cry from the apartment next door overcame the sound of dripping water.

"Stop! Don't! Please don't!" The woman's voice screeched in her panic.

"Nooo!"

"Are you crazy? Let her go!" Strong hands held him back. "Freakin' psycho, stop it!"

Renji struggled to escape Yammy's grip, but it was in vain. Yammy easily overpowered him using his inhuman strength.

"This is going too far! Are you insane?"

"Shut his dirty mouth. I don't want him to ruin my pleasure."

Di Roy was more than glad to oblige Ganryu's order, banging his hard skull into Renji's forehead, making him almost lose consciousness.

The sound of clothes tearing... "No! Please I'll give you anything, just let me go!" The blonde was sobbing while trying to scratch and bite her way out of Ganryu's hands.

"Oh honey I'll get exactly what I want."

Renji jumped as far as Yammy's crushing embrace let him. "Fucking psychopath!"

"The boss said to shut up!"

Renji got another punch this time directly under the ribs. Yammy loosened his grip, letting him fall on the asphalt. Before he could do anything Yammy kicked him in the chest, knocking all air out of him. In the background Renji could hear the muffled screams of the woman and Ganryu's heavy breathing. Another kick, this time in the back, prevented him from getting up. Di Roy and Yammy's laughter was mixed with woman's weeping. They hit him again and again. 'Let her go,' he wheezed, until he was taken in by the darkness.

Burdened by the recollection of the last scene he perched down on his heels.

Goddammit! I should have killed him.

With closed eyes, Renji tilted his head backwards, letting the cold water run over his face.

Was it stupid or naive of me to think that leaving everything behind will make it go away? No. It wasn't just stupid— it was downright moronic!

He could hear people chattering outside before they said their goodbyes when leaving to work. Blissful ignorance, the only thing they need to worry about is whether or not their tie is straight.

With a new resolve he got up and turned the shower off. You wanna play dirty, fine; but, Ganryu, this time... you're the prey.