Ichigo jumped from his chair because he was so surprised and looked at the bald man who stood at the kitchen entrance.
"Oh my god!" Hisagi jumped from his chair as well, his chair fallen to the floor loudly.
Rukia also jumped out from his seat, her eyes locked to the bald man.
The bald man looked so confused to the three's reaction. "What's wrong with you all?"
"Mou! Ikkaku-san you made us really surprised, slammed the kitchen open and yelled like that" said Hisagi when he walked to the bald man.
Saw the confusion in Ichigo' eyes, Rukia explained to him. "That's Madarame Ikkaku, Renji's senior at 11th squad before Renji got transferred to 6th squad. Also a shinigami."
Ichigo's breath run down his throat in a relief sigh. He put one of his hand to the nearest chair and leaned in. his knees went weak and his blood still pumped the adrenaline. His heartbeats still loud and Ichigo's mouth felt dry.
The fear slowly vanished. Left his body slowly, like it didn't want to go. And why it must be gone? Only because the man was not a threat, that not means erase the fact that someone still after Ichigo, someone still wanted his death.
"Renji didn't say anything about you will come here." Rukia said while he came to greet Ikkaku as well.
"That was because he didn't know." Said Ikkaku, his eyes ran around until it was stopped to Ichigo. He inspected the boy for a moment, then nodded his head slowly and gave Ichigo a smile that vanished as soon as he looked back to the two shinigami in front of them.
Ichigo felt the man's power filled the room. Was all the shinigami in 11th squad were so…intense? That man energy like filled all the empty rooms in the kitchen. His presence felt so strong and intimidated. But even thought Ichigo thought he was extremely handsome, that man didn't have a 'charm' like Ichigo always felt when Renji was around him.
"Then where the idiot red head? Why he didn't protect his own house?" Ikkaku walked into a room, slammed the door behind him. A sword sheathed beside his waist, and Ichigo thought to himself was all the shinigami always brought the weapon like that. For some reasons, Ichigo thought that Renji brought his sword just because he needed that for his work, after all he never saw Rukia and Hisagi used their sword, just once, when they fought the hollow at the house. But he knew for sure that Ikkaku surely also hundreds year old now.
Oh my God, his life already changed into a science-fiction movie.
"He is behind you, Ikkaku-san." Renji's voice growled in the room and everyone turned his body around towards the voice. Renji stood behind them and his eyes looked at Ichigo first, like want to make sure that the boy was alright. Then he looked at the man that looked at him with a frowning in his eyes.
"Why you use that strong kidou like that at the house? It's not like you." said Ikkaku.
"Something was happened here." said Renji while he pulled out the tie in his head, let his red hair fell down around his shoulder. He looked at Ichigo and as the response, his heart beat loudly.
Renji felt the man's anxiety slowly disappeared and his awe when he saw Renji and Ikkaku's friendship. A burst of jealousy shadowed Renji's mind, but then it was vanished as fast as his appearance. Ichigo didn't have any interest to the other shinigami, the only shinigami Renji felt jealous at the house just Hisagi, because of his closeness with the boy, with Ichigo, in just less than a week, but they just thought each other as best friends like he and Rukia. He could know it from the boy's mind. Even thought there was a fell of curiosity in Ichigo's heart.
Then there were also fears. Shadows of fears that hide at the depth of Ichigo's brain, and the frustration flooded Renji. Renji hated the reality that he couldn't help the boy. He was a man used to finish his job (well…an outdoor job, he always tried to put away his paperwork as long as he can.). He already survived for decades because his recklessness (it was not something he must felt proud of honestly…). The reality that he still didn't finished something that threatened Ichigo made him upset.
But there was something more than that, and Renji knew that. Carefully, he blocked his mind from Ichigo, silently admitted that the bond between them—between him and Ichigo—already became stronger than before. He felt it at each of his breath. At the night, his mind reached Ichigo's mind and their dreams became one. When he awake, Renji's mind back to reach the boy's mind like he couldn't start his day before he made sure that Ichigo was alright and was here with him.
Renji didn't want this.
He didn't want to be bonded with the boy who made him incomplete without the boy. He didn't want to repeat that again. Didn't want to be bonded with a man forever. But…he already couldn't imagine his long life without Ichigo beside him.
The legend of soulmates appeared in Renji's mind, and he gritted his teeth. Not long time ago, he silently laughed his captain's suffering when he found his soulmate. At that time, Renji honestly enjoyed the stoic man's frustration and desperation when he faced with the girl who made the cold captain knelt down on his knees.
Now, it looked like the fate was laughing at him.
But he would be the last person laughed, he assured himself. He would save Ichigo. Beat the enemies that threatened the boy then set him free. Let the boy back to his life, and with each time passed, they would forget each other. That was the best way, Renji assured himself. He couldn't concentrate at his job if the boy was at his life. And Ichigo have a right to get a life with the mortal human, more than get a life with the man who would not became older, because the boy would be older then died some times later. Even thought the voice in his mind reminded Renji that he could brought Ichigo with him, he knew he couldn't do that.
He was a fighter.
That was he knew
The only thing he knew.
While he was rubbed his jaw, Renji turned his attention to his old senior and friend and tried to ignore Ichigo's heartbeats which beat loudly in his head.
"We go to other places" said Renji "We must talk"
Ikkaku's body became tensed, like he could felt the thick pressure which Renji faced. That man nodded his head and said, "Okay, I will help you before I come back to Soul Society." Then he turned to Rukia and Hisagi. "But you know I am not drink tea. Are you have…?"
Renji laughed and patted the bald man's shoulder. "Sake, right?"
Ikkaku looked surprised. "Yes, of course, there is no day without sake."
"Come on then, we will drink the sake and planned our plan together."
Half of an hour later, Ichigo paced back and forth outside the closed library where Renji was being there now. He followed those two men to the room several minutes after they leaved the kitchen. But now Ichigo waited, tried to listen of their conversation from the closed room. But he couldn't enter Renji's mind, and it made him afraid. He already used to communicate with the man without a sound, so when he found out that now the way was blocked; it made him felt more alone than everything.
What Renji ws thinking that made Renji didn't want to open it to Ichigo? Was he already knew something about the knife? Was it about the people that after Ichigo? And if that was true, why he didn't share it with Ichigo? Why he talked with the shinigami—which honestly didn't have any part in this problem—and didn't shared it with Ichigo? After all, was Ichigo's one that sacrificed here?
Ichigo pressed his ear to the door, but there was none he could hear other than a gentle whisper. There was none he could make as a held. There was none that could give him a comfort he really need now. His frustration knitted in his stomach and it the rage made it worse. He was not a child who needs to be ushered away from the problem. He was not a stupid boy who could be comforted just with a protection promise. He was not a boy who would let other—didn't matter how much the good intention that based that act—decided something for him.
With that thought planted strongly in his heart, Ichigo reached for the door knob and twisted and pulled out until the door opened. He stood at the door's entrance, looked at the two men and for a moment, he was so mesmerized to them. Stood in front of the fireplace, that two men looked like they were taken from the pages of the history book. The past soldier that looked like they were ready to fight thedragon or bad people. And Ichigo didn't have any doubt that they would win any fighting they did.
Both of them wore black clothes. Both of them looked so strong and had some muscles, and taller than him. Both of them shone a power and both of them turned around towards Ichigo with impatience written clearly in their face.
But Ichigo didn't afraid, he shrugged and said "If you talked about me, I must be a part from the talk."
Ikkaku frowned "Human didn't need to be involved in a fight"
"Well excuse me" Ichigo said "But I'm not a usual human either."
He turned around to Renji and talked straight to the man's mind, so he was the only one who could hear him. Don't hide the danger from me, what if I can't protect myself if I don't know what happened here?
Baby Renji answered, whispered into the boy's head. You don't need to save yourself. I'm here.
Oh, don't misunderstand it, I feel really grateful for your help. But. Ichigo shook his head. "This is important for me. I must become a part of this."
Renji nodded and held his hand to the boy. "Then. Come here."
"This is not true" Ikkaku gulped all his sake and filled his glass again, and shook his head "This boy only will add the problems"
Ichigo walked to Renji, while he stood near the man he looked at the other man "This is my life." He reminded him.
"And Renji's responsibility is to protect that live."
"With my help."
"Shut up!" Renji's loud voice got the attention he wanted from both of them. The only sound at the room was the fire lit at the fireplace. While he grabbed Ichigo's hand, Renji brought the boy to one of the chair and sat him down there. Ikkaku was not used other people stand at his way.
And you are the opposite? Ichigo asked.
No. Renji admitted it, but at least I'm more used to you.
"This is not true" Ikkaku said again and he gulped his sake,
"Then let me afraid for that" said Renji, automatically ended the argument.
Ichigo chose to ignore the other shinigami. He could feel Ikkaku's upset from his aura. But that was the man's problem, right now Ichigo wanted to know what Renji already know about the knife.
"So what information do you get from the university?" asked Ichigo.
Renji pulled the antique knife from his belt and balanced it at his palm. "Less than what I hope." Renji admitted while he was frowning. He glanced at Ichigo and couldn't hide the gloom at his eyes from the boy. "There was an antique things professor at the university but he never saw something like this before."
"So there was not something new" Ichigo slumped in his seat, let the softness of the chair's fabric wrapped in the warmth.
Ikkaku bent down, held a metal stick and stabbed the wood in the fireplace, sent the fire sparks to the chimney in one blinded eyes light.
"Only one thing" Renji admitted. His gaze now locked to Ichigo, ignored Ikkaku like the man was not there. "That professor said that the crave and the design were from Celtic."
"Celtic?" Ichigo rubbed his forehead and tried to think, but his head was so messed up with so many visions, shadows, and fears. "Well" said Ichigo gently when a thought started to build in his mind "Ishida's families were from Ireland before they were moved from Japan, my step father too." He looked at Renji. "But what was the meaning of all this?"
"That means we must focused to Ireland." said Ikkaku, while stood up, looked at Ichigo once more. "If the human and hollow were after you, then it means that was something new to us."
"Oh" Ichigo whispered, finally he could understand the meaning of "The heart fallen down". He felt that his heart was really fell out from his body. "That is really a ve~ry great news."
"There is one way to find the answer…" Ikkaku muttered.
Renji looked at the shinigami with a sharp look that could kill the mortal.
"What?" Ichigo demanded, looked both of them one another, waited someone gave him an explanation.
"Nothing" Renji answered, his voice tensed and sharp, clear it was for his friend.
"Okay red headed idiot" said Ikkaku while he was putting his glass sake roughly. Ikkaku's eyes narrowed, and his jaw tensed. "This is your challenge. We will use your method."
Renji ignored Ikkaku, his hand gripped the knife,then bent down and leaned at Ichigo's shoulder, his gaze locked with Ichigo's gaze. "You don't need to think too much about Ikkaku-san. I know you're afraid, but you must know…and believe…that I will keep you safe. I will not let anything endanger your life."
"The time is up" Ichigo whispered, "There is just two weeks until my birthday. And if that people insist to get me before my birthday, then the attacks will keep come more often. You hear what Ishida said before he died that he said they will not give up. They will not stop until I die."
Renji put the knife on the table, lifted Ichigo's body easily and sat at the chair with Ichigo in his lap. Ichigo snuggled to Renji's warmth and power, and felt like leaned at a fireplace. That man's body was so wild and strong, and Ichigo knew every centimeter of that body like he knew of his own body.
While he put his head in Renji's chest, Ichigo closed his eyes and sighed, felt so safe in the man's embrace at that time. The world outside this room was so scary. The enemies who went after him were so many.
But in Renji's embrace, Ichigo found hope. He felt safe.
Ichigo almost didn't feel Ikkaku's presence, when he heard the man's steps leaved the room silently and closed the door. When he just together with Renji, Ichigo whispered, "Your friend doesn't like me too much."
"He doesn't like this situation." Renji corrected. "Me either."
Ichigo raised his head so he could see Renji's eyes again. "What we will do?"
"We will solve the problem. We will make your life back."
Ichigo frowned when he felt the man's mind appeared in his mind. Then you will leave me, we will went separate ways, back to our world, like it must be.
"What's wrong?" asked Renji while he caressed Ichigo's jaw with his fingers.
Instead of answer it, Ichigo listened Renji's mind that opened for him again. That barrier or whatever he used earlier now already forgotten— and several minutes later, Ichigo hoped that barrier was still there.
Renji's mind was so clear and stern. I don't want to miss you. I don't have any room for things like that in my life. My life is a life full of fighting, not a place where a human can survive. You must go. You must decide your own way and me as well.
Until that time is arrived, I will protect you and give you all I can give.
Half of Ichigo's breath felt like it was broken, pain with so much agony strangled him, made him shaken because of the force. He even didn't realize that his feeling for Renji already grown became this stronger. He didn't realize how much he loved this man. Not realize how much he needed to have a physical and mental relationship with the man.
Heard that man regretted the things that made him happy, made Ichigo felt agony he never felt before.
Ichigo? Renji's voice heard like a sigh in his mind. I saw your anxiety in his eyes. Don't. Don't give up with the fears around you. I will be here with you. Always.
Until you set me free and let me go, thought Ichigo in deep agony. Carefully, Ichigo hide his mind from Renji, like the man taught him before. He didn't want Renji looked at him with sympathy when he realized that Ichigo already knew he didn't want Ichigo.
Ichigo held Renji's face with his hand, his eyes looked at the man's eyes. Ichigo's fingers caressed Renji's skin, like how the man felt under his touch. Need Renji more than anything. If Ichigo only could get the man in his life for a moment, then he will use the chance when he still could.
Ichigo moved closer and pressed his lips at Renji's lips, caressed the man's lips with his tongue. Renji's breathe hissed and reflexively, his arms tighten his embrace. Ichigo nibbled Renji's mouth, while his hand unbuttoned Renji's shirt. He unbuttoned the button quickly, then slipped his hand under the black fabric and fondled the man's tan chest which he already knew so much.
Maybe Ichigo only acted like an idiot, together with the man only made their separation which he couldn't prevent anymore became more difficult. But how he could not touch and be touched with him when there was a chance for him to do that?
Renji kissed Ichigo deeply, pushed his tongue in. felt and claim the boy. Renji's breath became one with Ichigo's breath, the boy's soul became one with his soul. Ichigo felt the bond between them became stronger to his bones. Was Renji wanted Ichigo to stay or not, well the only problem mattered now that he was knew that Renji would can not forget him. Never couldn't made the memories about them disappeared from his mind.
And at that time, Ichigo knew he wanted the man felt more difficult to let him go.
Ichigo pulled away from Renji. Then he tugged his shirt and unbuttoned his shirt slowly and seductively. When he felt Renji's red eyes darken with lust, at that time Ichigo knew that Renji wanted him like he wanted that man.
"Ichigo…"
"I need you Renji" Ichigo muttered while he was sighing.
"Me too"
Renji's hand moved trailed down Ichigo's body, his fingers fondled the boy's skin, sent the satisfaction waves which filled Ichigo blood cells like a hot volcano. That was Ichigo felt. Like a mountain ready to be exploded. Ichigo's lust boiled and running through inside of him, threatened to be exploded and wrapped around the man.
Ichigo Renji whispered. Beautiful, Renji sighed into his mind. You're so beautiful.
Ichigo smiled, he looked into the man's eyes and for the first time in his life he really felt so beautiful. (Well…he was not a girl of course he never like called beautiful…) He read the sincerity of the man's passion, and felt the same. Passion. Lust. Want. For Ichigo, there was more than that. There was love.
Ichigo felt his world was shaken and rolled from the core. This was what he didn't want to admit to himself before. He even ignored the care he felt to the man. Realized his life was so messed up. Expected that in the middle of danger, emotion and lust which he thought too much could be misunderstood as something more.
But Ichigo was sure now.
He loved Abarai Renji.
Loved that man who wanted his leave.
His heart was hurt.
His body was burnt.
Renji unbuttoned all the button in Ichigo's shirt and stripped him from his jeans. He touched him gently, Ichigo swayed, his knees buckled, his mind and heart also swayed.
Renji was everything for him. That man was everything missed from Ichigo's life, and soon that man will leave him. Because he never live with the man who didn't want him.
But now they were together, and Ichigo would take all the man gave to him.
When Renji caressed his body, Ichigo reached his hand, opened the zipper of the man's jeans then threw it out from the man's body.
Ichigo tugged his shirt until it felt from his hands, then he looked at Renji' eyes and read a wild passion in the man's eyes. Renji touched Ichigo's chest, Renji's thumb caressed Ichigo and the boy moaned his name.
Now, baby. Made love to me now.
While they kept their gaze so it would lock with each other, Renji entered himself inside Ichigo slowly, like they covered the wild lust controlled their body. Ichigo made them fragile. Changed the miracle between them become a pure and strong dance of passion.
They moved as one, their mouth locked, their body united, their mind tied in a wanting fog which made their heart shook. Renji's hand caressed Ichigo's body, when that boy wrapped his hands at Renji's shoulder. They looked at each other, drawn themselves into a lust storm. Their heartbeats beat in one rhythm.
When the waves became stronger inside Ichigo and both of them exploded become million pieces, he raised his head then he moaned Renji's name in a shout of awe and heard the man whispered into his mind.
I love you baby. I love you.
