AN: My apologies for the delay in updating. I got slammed with some serious winter weather, lost power and internet for a while and have been trying to play catch up on work and other things since we've come back online.

So, this is it. The final chapter of A Hollow Life. Please enjoy.

Track 25 – Epilogue

Ichigo yawned so wide he felt his jaw crack and he rubbed his cheek before stretching both arms high above his head and arching backwards just enough to make his back pop. He stood at the windows in his bedroom staring out at the city beyond. It had been eight months since Renji had been released from the hospital Eight months since he'd moved in with Ichigo. Eight months since the night their lives had changed. Eight months since they'd been able to really do anything together. Ichigo had felt the desire practically dripping from Renji but the redhead had been in no condition to do anything about it. The bullet had ripped through his chest, destroying the muscle and bone in its path and it had taken the redhead months to regain his strength. Ichigo had watched him struggle as he'd tried to sit at his drums and play and it had practically broken Ichigo's heart. He could understand completely. If something had happened where he couldn't play his guitar or sing anymore he wasn't sure what he'd do.

It hadn't been easy. As soon as Renji had been awake and alert Ichigo had asked him to move in. Renji had been momentarily hesitant but he'd finally smiled and accepted. Ichigo understood that too. Renji had loved his house but he couldn't live there after what had happened. A cleaning crew had been sent in and there were no more traces of the attack. The blood had been wiped away and the smell of gunpowder was gone but the memories were still vivid within the walls. A young girl had died there and Renji could no longer call the place home. Ichigo had been ecstatic though. Within two days he'd had most of Renji's things packed up and moved to his own loft. The crowning touch had been seeing Renji's drum kit sitting next to Ichigo's guitars.

"What are you doing?"

The soft contented voice pulled Ichigo's attention back from the memories and his gaze from the bright spring day outside and he turned to face the bed with a smile on his face. "Enjoying the view," he answered with a grin.

"Me too," the half naked man on the bed said suggestively.

Ichigo smiled and teasingly ran his thumbs under the low riding waist of the black track pants he wore, gently snapping them against his hip bones.

Renji smiled back and adjusted his head against his pillow. "Such a tease."

"And you love every minute of it."

"True."

Ichigo stretched again before crawling back onto the bed and lying next to his lover. "How are you feeling?"

"Good. Real good, actually."

"Ready for tonight?"

Renji's eyes dropped to Ichigo's lips and he licked his own in anticipation. "Uh huh."

Ichigo smirked and leaned in. "I was talking about the show at the Metro, not what I'm going to do to you after."

"I'm ready for both."

Ichigo knew that Ren was back to a hundred percent, more or less, but he couldn't help but feel apprehensive. Every time he saw the mess of pink puckered skin right above Renji's heart he pulled away. Renji said it didn't hurt but Ichigo knew the redhead would sugarcoat it. They'd both taken Renji's recovery very seriously and they had tried to take things slow but undeniable chemistry, fiery passion and honest-to-god true love was impossible to dissuade. Since Renji had moved in their love life had progressed rather quickly. At first it had been Ichigo simply taking control and pleasing his lover. Within a month Renji had had enough of the guilt and wanted no more of the one-sided sex. Ichigo had been pleasantly surprised when the redhead had grabbed him around his waist and pulled the smaller man onto his lap. Ichigo hadn't needed to be told what to do from there. He'd ridden his boyfriend hard until they'd both been soaked with sweat and panting with pleasure. Afterwards, as they had warmed their cooling bodies by curling against each other Ichigo had pressed whisper soft kisses to the still healing scars on Renji's chest and breathed words of undying love. They'd continued to be careful after that but the sex had gotten continuously hotter between them.

"You're a perv," Ichigo said, smiling, before lifting himself up and swinging a leg over Renji's hip. He sat on the redhead's thighs and smirked down at him. "You know that?"

The man lazing against black sheets grinned evilly. "I know."

Ichigo was a hairsbreadth away from tasting Renji's delicious mouth when the phone rang. He scowled deeply and reached for the buzzing piece of plastic on the nightstand. "Yeah? He growled into it, upset that he'd been interrupted.

"Well hello to you too, Ichigo. Is that any way to answer the phone?"

Ichigo sighed and sat up. "Sorry Kisuke."

"Did I interrupt something?" the blonde teased.

"Yes, you did."

"Sorry, Ichigo. I just wanted to remind you both that you need to be at the Metro by ten o'clock. Show time is midnight. The car will be by to pick you up at nine thirty."

"Alright. We'll get there, don't worry."

Kisuke chuckled. "Then I'll leave you two to whatever you were up to. Tell Renji hello for me. Have fun and I'll see you later."

The call disconnected and Ichigo shook his head before sliding it back onto the table. "Kisuke said hello."

Renji smiled and slid his hands up Ichigo's thighs. "Oh yeah?"

Leaning back down and bracing himself with both hands on either side of Renji's head, Ichigo nodded. "We're supposed to be at the show at ten."

"Hmm. I spose we can probably make it there in time."

Ichigo mumbled a reply and met Renji's lips halfway, tasting the man beneath him. It was a taste he'd never get enough of. "Maybe."

Night had fallen on the city by the time the two men crawled out of bed. They'd languished between the sheets, entangled in each other's arms for as long as they could but the time eventually came when they needed to get cleaned up and ready to go. Ichigo watched with his mouth watering as Renji slid from the bed and sauntered into the bathroom. They'd spent hours in bed, giving each other as much pleasure as they could, and Ichigo still wanted more. He was certain that he'd never grow tired of having the redhead inside of him.

"Hey, Ren," he called out. "Do you know what you're wearing tonight?"

Renji peeked out from the bathroom and saw Ichigo standing inside the closet with a frown on his face. "The usual. Jeans and a t-shirt, why?"

Ichigo shrugged. "Just wondering."

"Not like anyone can see me from behind my kit anyway, right?"

"True."

"They're there to see you and Grimm anyway," the redhead said with a smirk.

"Yeah right."

"And you'd look hot in a sack, Ich."

Ichigo looked away from his clothes and smiled. "I'm not the only one, Ren."

Renji chuckled. "Hurry up and decide and come join me."

Not needing any other command than that, Ichigo pulled out his favorite black skinny jeans and a fitted gray t-shirt and threw them on the bed. The shower was on and steam was already filling the room when he entered the bathroom. He could see lightly tanned bare flesh and long blood red hair behind the misty glass and his mouth watered at the sight. He pulled the door open and silently stepped in. Renji rubbed his hands across his face before sliding them higher to run his fingers through his hair. The sight of him made Ichigo's breath catch in his throat and he quickly pressed himself against the larger man's back, kissing the spot between his shoulder blades. "You are so fucking sexy, Ren."

Renji smirked and turned around. "Don't tell me you're ready to go again."

Ichigo looked up into burgundy eyes and shrugged. "I'm always ready to go with you. Can't help it."

"Ich…"

"Yeah?"

Renji cupped the sides of Ichigo's face and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. "I love you."

"I love you too, Ren."

Ichigo let the hot water run over his body, followed by Renji's hands as the redhead gently soaped him up and washed away the dried sweat and other fluids and he sighed in sublime contentment. They'd been together for almost a year and Ichigo still found it a little difficult to believe that the redhead standing in front of him was actually his. He counted his lucky stars every day that he got to wake up with Renji next to him every morning, more times than not still wrapped in the other man's arms.

They washed each other, pausing every few minutes to get hot and heavy and only ended the shower when the hot water started to run out. Scrambling from under the cold water the two men grabbed towels and moved into the bedroom. Ichigo watched as Renji pulled clean jeans and a t-shirt from the closet and pulled them on his still damp body. He loved how the cotton shirt clung to the tattooed flesh in all the right places.

Renji turned around in time to see Ichigo licking his lips and he shook his head. "Now who's the perv, eh Ich?"

Ichigo blushed and tugged on his own clothes. Pulling on tight jeans was hard enough when he was dry. Trying to slide the designer denim over damp legs was even more difficult.

The apartment phone rang a few minutes early and Ichigo answered with a quick Hello. The doorman downstairs announced that the car had arrived for them and the driver was waiting in the lobby. Ichigo thanked him and hung up, shouting to Renji that it was time to go. The redhead appeared moments later and Ichigo followed him out, grabbing his jacket on the way and pulling the door shut behind them. The walk to the elevator was quick and the trip down only slightly longer and Ichigo's eyes widened when he saw their driver standing near the glass doors. "Hisagi?!"

The raven haired man smiled. "Hey, Ichigo. Renji, how are you doing?"

Renji smiled back. "I'm okay."

"Hisagi, what are you doing here?"

"Kisuke invited us to the show and I offered to come pick you two up. Wanted to surprise you."

"Us? Are Ikkaku and Ganju with you?"

Hisagi nodded. "Yeah, Ikkaku would have come with me to get you but it's impossible to pull him away from Yumichika."

Ichigo's eyes widened again. "Yumi? What? Are they together now?"

The bodyguard rolled his eyes in mock annoyance. "Are they ever. I'll let them fill you in though, if you don't mind. I'm sure they'll tell you all about it."

Ichigo glanced at Renji and reached out for his hand, intertwining their fingers together. "Are you ready?"

Renji smiled and squeezed the singer's soft hand. "Let's go."

Hisagi led the way outside and stopped at the door to a shiny black SUV. Ichigo climbed into the backseat and slid over to the other side making room for Renji to follow. The drive was short and sweet since their loft was only about four miles away from the venue. If circumstances had been different Ichigo would have walked but he didn't want Renji walking eight miles and performing an entire set in one night. He knew he was being overprotective but Ichigo didn't care. Renji's health was his top priority and he'd do whatever he had to do to make sure Renji stayed at one hundred percent.

The doors to the venue weren't open to ticketholders yet but a few fans were milling around when Hisagi pulled up and parked. They practically swarmed the two men as soon as they saw Renji get out of the car but it was all good-natured. Ichigo and Renji signed autographs and took photos with them before excusing themselves and going inside with Hisagi.

Ichigo grinned like a fool as soon as they were inside. He loved the venue they were playing at. It was a smaller club and somewhere where they wouldn't have played during a normal tour but this was a special show. They hadn't played live since the night Renji had been hurt. Kisuke had wanted them to get out there and perform for months but Ichigo kept turning him down, even against Renji's wishes. He'd refused to let his love go out and hurt himself again. Finally, Renji had convinced him that he was ready and Ichigo had grudgingly agreed to let Kisuke set something up. Ichigo had been happy that Metro had been chosen as their first show back. It was the perfect place. The club owners were very well known for bringing in raw new talent that had tons of potential. A Hollow Life had performed there during their first year together and had actually been the place they'd been at when Kisuke had discovered them. The rest, as they say, was history.

"Oi, Itch! Renji! Over here!"

Ichigo turned his head and saw Grimm coming around the bar. "Hey Grimm, where's everyone else?"

"Backstage. Come on, they're all waiting to see you."

The three men went backstage and found practically everyone they knew waiting for them. Toshiro and Karin were standing together talking to Yuzu and Ichigo's dad. Ikkaku and Yumichika were sitting together on a small loveseat, holding hands and whispering to each other. Rikichi, Renji's drum tech was even there, sitting next to some of the band's other roadies. Hisagi had stopped near Kisuke and his wife Yoruichi and it appeared they were both congratulating him on getting the two men to the show in one piece. Grimm moved away from and stopped directly in front of a very well endowed young woman with long green hair. Ichigo watched as the usually uncouth guitarist gently lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. The young woman blushed and pressed herself against Grimm before kissing him softly. The singer raised an eyebrow at the scene and reminded himself to ask Grimm about that later. "Renji and Ichigo, it's lovely to see you two again."

Both men turned to see the very lovely Mrs. Urahara approaching them. "Hey, Yoruichi," Ichigo said with a smile. "It's nice to see you too. It's been a while."

The beautiful dark skinned woman stopped in front of them and smiled before hugging them both. "You're right. It's been too long. How have you been? Renji, are you all better?"

"I'm better, thanks," Renji answered. "Released from physical therapy and everything."

"That's good. Kisuke and I were worried."

"No reason to be. I'm fine."

Ichigo snorted and was about to reply when Grimm walked up and pulled him away. Yoruichi watched it all with a smile. "Grimm has a new girlfriend," she said approvingly.

"Yeah, I saw her, "Renji answered.

"Her name is Nel. She's a lovely girl. I think she'll be good for him if she can hold on to him. He seems tamer around her so I think there's a good chance that she's a keeper."

Renji grinned. "She deserves to keep him if she can actually tame him."

"I agree. So, Renji, you're really alright? Kisuke and I were worried that this show tonight might be too soon. Ichigo tells him that you keep saying you're all better but that you might be sugarcoating things a bit."

The grin turned to a grimace and Renji ran a hand through his hair in slight aggravation. "No, I'm fine. Honestly. I know he's just worried about me but I keep telling Ichigo that I'm back. I'm not hurt anymore. He seems to believe it until he sees the scar and then its right back to him being overprotective."

"He loves you."

"I know."

"He worries because he loves you, Renji. I know it can get a little annoying at times but he's only looking out for your best interests."

Renji looked down into Yoruichi's golden eyes and smiled. "Yeah, that's what I keep telling myself."

"I know it's none of my business, Renji, but are you two okay? No trouble in paradise?"

The drummer shrugged. "We have our moments. I'm sure all couples do, you know, but we always talk it out and we never go to bed mad at each other. It seems to work."

"And you're happy?"

Renji smiled. "I've never been happier."

Yoruichi smiled back and linked her arm through his, turning and pulling him towards her husband. "That makes me very happy to hear, Renji. I was thrilled when Kisuke told me about you two, you know. But then again, I wasn't really surprised. I've always known you two belonged together."

"You did?"

"Of course. I can't think of anybody more perfect with Ichigo than you. As cheesy as it sounds you two really do complete each other. You're not whole without the other."

Renji laughed. "That is completely cheesy, Yoruichi."

She swatted him playfully and smiled at her husband as they stopped next to him. "I know."

"Renji," Kisuke said. "Good to see you."

The group stayed backstage, catching up with each other for another hour or so. Kisuke had snacks catered in for everyone and they lounged around telling stories and laughing until it was time to do a quick sound check. Ichigo and Renji walked onstage together and smiled at each other. "Ready for this?" Renji asked.

"Always."

By the time showtime hit the building had filled to overflowing with adoring fans and Ichigo could feel the pulse in the air. He was excited to get out there and perform again. He hadn't realized until that moment just how much he'd missed performing. He'd been more than happy to stay at home with Renji but he needed this too. He needed the crowd and the music and the feel of the air as it hummed with energy.

Kisuke went onstage first and announced them. Ichigo felt like crying as he heard the heartfelt speech their manager gave. Kisuke wasn't a man known for being overly wordy and as he stood there with the microphone in his hand, telling a story of how the band had come from practically nothing to being the huge hit they were today, Ichigo sighed contentedly.

The peace was short-lived though because as soon as Kisuke said the band's name in expectation that they come onstage, the crowd went wild. Grimm stepped up and clapped a hand onto Ichigo's shoulder and Toshiro stood by with a small smile on his face. Looking around, Ichigo saw Renji move in close and grasp the singer's hand. "It's time, Ich," he said softly. "You ready?"

"Always."

The band hit the stage to thunderous applause and they quickly found their places. Ichigo stared out at the crowd and felt the excitement was over him. "Hey everyone," he said into the mic. "Thanks for coming out tonight. We're gonna play a couple of songs for you now."

The music started and Ichigo felt himself relax into it. It surged through him and he breathed it in, loving how it felt.

Hold on slow down again from the top now and tell me everything
I know I've been gone for what seems like forever
But I'm here now waiting
To convince you that I'm not a ghost or a stranger
But closer than you think
She said, "just go on to what you
Pretend is your life but
Please don't die on me"

Wings won't take me
Heights don't faze me
So take a step
But don't look down
Take a step

Now I'm standing on the rooftop ready to fall
I think I'm at the edge now but I could be wrong
I'm standing on the rooftop ready to fall

Perpetual motion the image won't focus
A blur is all that's seen
But here in this moment like the eye of the storm
It all came clear to me
I found a shoulder to lean on
An infallible reason to live all by itself
I took one last look from the heights that I once loved
And then I ran like hell

Wings won't take me
Heights don't faze me
So take a step
But don't look down
Take a step

Now I'm standing on the rooftop ready to fall
I think I'm at the edge now but I could be wrong
I'm standing on the rooftop ready to fall

I count the times that I've been sorry
I know, I know
Now my compassion slowly drowns
I know, I know
If there's a time these walls could guard you
I know, I know
Then let that time be right now

Now I'm standing on the rooftop
Now I'm standing on the rooftop ready to fall
I'm standing on the rooftop ready to fall
I think I'm at the edge now but I could be wrong
I'm standing on the rooftop ready to fall

Now I'm standing on the rooftop ready to fall

The band played several songs and as the show winded down to a close, Ichigo felt better than he had in months. Renji hadn't faltered in his playing once and as Ichigo glanced back at him he saw the drummer smiling widely at him. Grimm and Toshiro had been at the top of their game and they'd played with everything they had. A Hollow Life was back.

Later, after most of the crowd had left, the band had the bar to themselves and they spent the rest of the very early morning hours laughing and drinking and telling stories of where they'd started. Ichigo took a sip of his beer and looked around. He couldn't believe how lucky he was. Not that long ago he'd been a punk teenager with a silly dream of being in a band. Now, less than a decade later he was living that dream. His family was healthy and happy and he had a close knit group of friends that he wouldn't replace for anything. Instead of only having two sisters he now had brothers as well. Brothers that would always look out for him.

Glancing across the bar he saw Grimm standing next to his girlfriend. He was talking to Renji and Kisuke with a glass of Grey Goose in his hand. Ichigo smiled, thinking back through the years and realizing that Grimm was exactly the same as he'd always been. He was the same foulmouthed rude asshole that he'd been in high school and Ichigo loved him for it. Grimm was a prick and he'd always be that way but he looked out for those he cared about and Ichigo was honored to be on that very short list.

Looking away, Ichigo saw Toshiro sitting with Karin, Yuzu and his dad. They were all laughing about something and the scene made his smile grow wider. His family was going to grow larger officially within a couple of months. Karin and Yuzu had been busy planning the upcoming wedding and Ichigo was proud to know he would soon stand up with them and watch as his baby sister got married to her one and only.

He took a swig of his beer and suddenly felt strong arms surround him. He felt the heat from Renji's body and instinctively sank back into it. His head fit perfectly on the redhead's shoulder and they stood together for a few moments, enjoying the feel of each other. "I was thinking," Renji said softly. "We haven't really talked about it, but maybe you and me…"

Ichigo turned in his arms and looked up into his eyes. "Yeah?"

Renji stared down at him as if he were memorizing every aspect of Ichigo's face. "Maybe we could, you know, see about making it official."

"Official?"

Renji nodded. "Yeah. If you wanted to, you know."

Ichigo smiled. "You want to get married?"

An evil looking smirk spread across Renji's face. "Yeah. I think I'd like that, you know, having you as my wife."

Brown eyes widened and Ichigo smacked the redhead playfully. "You're an ass. Who says I'd be the wife?"

The smirk changed into an honest smile and Renji cupped Ichigo's cheek. "I love you, Ich, and I'd really like us to be for forever. Just think about it, okay?"

Ichigo didn't need to think about it at all. He knew that the relationship they shared, the closeness they had, was very real. What they had was definitely for forever.

The End