Liar

Chapter 3

A Plea For Help


This is the next installment and I hope you all love it. Things are changing for Ichigo so let's see where it goes.


I didn't find an opening in the traffic fast enough and they spotted me before I could cross. I was pulled back from the street and up against a building in two quick movements. I just hunkered down like I always did out of habit, fear, and reflex.

"Get up," that was Renji. "I said: get up."

I didn't and so he grabbed me by the back of my uniform and forced me to stand. The bald friend awkward handed me my school bag and the other handed me my lunch. I was still expecting the worse to happen and I wanted to run. Renji, however, kept a firm grip on my uniform.

"Wh-what do you want?" I finally got the word from my mouth and they just stared at me.

"We're escorting you to and from school so you don't pull another stunt like yesterday," Renji snapped and he let go of me. "If you won't help yourself or let me tell anyone, the least I can do is make sure you make it to school and home alive each day."

"I don't w-want you anywhere near me!"

"It's not a matter of want but need, you idiot! I'd feel guilty if I just left you alone to try and kill yourself again," Renji bit back at me. "Until you can grow a set and stand up, we're going to make sure you stay alive! Have you got that?!"

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. I'd prefer if you'd have an escort. Less people at school will pick on you and it might boost your social standing."

I really hated my "voice of reason" but he was, once again, correct. Less people would bother me, I wouldn't be alone all the time, and having people around me would get me off the bottom of the food chain.

"Hey, c'mon. You dragged us out of bed this damn early then I expect to be at school early," the bald one grumbled at us. His name was Madarame Ikkiku.

"I have to agree. You barely gave me anytime to fix my hair…" that was Yumichika. He really was an all over pretty-boy. "If we're going, then let's go."

"Well, c'mon, let's head off," Renji said and walked off with his friends but I didn't budge.

He growled my name under his breath noticing I wasn't coming with them. He suddenly grabbed my uniform again and started to drag me to school. It was almost like he was the master and I was the dog. I let him pull me towards school. I knew I was going to have go there at some point.

The day wore on and lunch rolled around and to my awe, shock, and horror I found myself not eating alone. Renji, Ikkaku, and Yumichika pulled their desks over to mine in the corner. I went to leave when Yumichika harshly pulled me back to my seat. I wasn't going anywhere.

They pulled out their lunches and I was rather envious. Mine had been just a sandwich and nothing more. It wasn't even a descent size one. I was so ashamed that I didn't even pull it out. The three started to eat but it didn't take them long to realize I wasn't joining them.

"Hey, eat already," Ikkaku snapped at me. "Lunch isn't very long. You just going to sit there?"

"I, uh, no… It's just that I'm not very—" I was cut short as Renji just dump my lunch bag contents onto the desk.

I couldn't move and they just started at it and back at me. I grabbed the plastic wrapped lunch item and quickly stuffed it back in the bag.

"That's it?" Yumichika asked and snagged my lunch bag again and looked in. "There's nothing else in here. Not even a small juice box. No wonder you're a railing."

"Can you please not?" I pulled it away from him. "Leave it alone."

"Are you kidding me? Is this all you have?" Renji snatched my bag again. "What do you eat at home?"

"None of your business," I reclaimed by bag.

"I'm making it my business," Renji bit back. "If you'd just let me say something…"

"I said no!"

"Why are you even asking him for permission? Just do it anyway, Renji," Ikkaku said, leaning back in his seat. "If the school gets the news they won't let your fam anywhere near you."

"Just leave it alone," I growled. "I never asked for anyone to help!"

"Actions speak louder than words and what I saw yesterday… You're actions were screaming," Renji clicked his tongue. "Here's the deal, Kurosaki. You let us help you outside of school if nothing else. Your dad's not with you 24/7. Take that time and be you."

"What do you mean?"

"He means you don't need to worry about daddy while you're out with us. If you absolutely need something let us know and we'll see what we can do about it," Yumichika said while he patted my shoulder. "Food, for example. Clearly you need it. You're a twig."

"But if we help you out, in return you have to allow us to take you out of your comfort zone," Ikkaku added. "No hiding in corners, no avoiding group activities, and so on. No complaining or excuses when we tell you to do something."

"I…I really don't…"

"It's that or we open our mouths. You need to learn to take the bull by the horns and hopefully one day you can stand up to your old man," Renji said, poking me in the chest. "He dedicates what you do in his house, leave it at the house."

"You can't get a better chance than this! Take it! TAKE IT, DAMMIT! Get what you can out of this. They aren't giving you a choice, you either accept their help or they open their mouths. I'd personally go with the latter but you're so wishy-washy your best chance is to let them. Don't be stupid! Just once in your life say 'yes' and mean it!"

"Hey, yo! Are you there?" Yumichika started waving his hand in my face.

"You just completely zoned out like the lights were on but no one was home," Ikkaku's voice broke in.

I was so focused on my double's voice and had no idea I went into a complete stupor. That kind of worried me. How often did I do that then I was communicating with him? I didn't like that.

"Sorry," was all I could say.

"Don't be. That's problem number one right there," Renji snorted. "You apologize for every little thing. Don't do that. You don't need to say sorry so much."

I almost said I was sorry right then to him when he was correcting me. I always apologized for everything. It gave my family power over me and it made me feel inferior to them in every way. Everything was my fault. If Yuzu failed a test it was my fault for not helping her study. If Karin misplaced something I was the one that moved or stole it. If something was broken in the house it was my fault even if it was really no one's fault. Like the stove not working last year. I clearly had something to do with it and I was accused of playing with it. I hadn't touch that stove in nearly a week. They didn't care. Stupid things like that but it kept me under their thumb.

Right before lunch ended they finally talked me into agreeing with them. That afternoon they walked me home. They stopped just before reaching my house. I didn't want my family to see them with me. They understood that as we were going behind Dad's back. Also given the history between me and Renji it might have raised some flags that I didn't want waving in my face.

That night was a usual night. As sat in my room alone and did my homework. Yuzu came in having me do her homework before she started dinner. After dinner I had a very quick bath as "not to use up all the hot water." I crawled into bed around 9:20 and the light was off by 9:22. Dad walked in briefly to see if I was in bed.

That night I had to listen to my double talk up a storm as he sat on the foot of my bed. He was telling me over and over again to not squander this. I told them that I had agreed and I was going to follow through. He knew I was unsure. I couldn't really lie to him after all.

Morning rolled around. I got up, made my lunch, and hurried out the door. In the same place as yesterday, Renji, Ikkaku, and Yumichika were waiting for me. I felt nervous doing this. I was so used to getting the snot beat out of me that my first instinct was still to run. Renji noticed this and had to speak to me to keep me from running. It took a couple of minutes before I came out of wanting to run. The four of us walked to school and it was still an uneasy feeling for me. My double kept telling me to chill. I did not know what chill was. After years of abuse "chill" was not going to just happen. We arrived at school and started going over homework. Something so simple and I still didn't like being around them.

Lunch rolled around and I pulled out my simple sandwich. It was quickly snatched from me. Ikkaku set down a full bento box in front to me. He said he talked to a neighbor and explained part of my home life. He asked if she couldn't spare a couple good lunches for me a week. She agreed, as long as he did some chores for her in return. I told him he didn't need to go through that. I pushed the box back to him and he pushed it right back at me again.

He was trying to be polite when he asked me to take it but I was getting on his nerves for rejecting it. It took a little convincing right at the end of lunch for me to eat something other than what I fixed. I felt guilty even though it was handed to me. I wasn't used to handouts as I never expected to keep them. The day wore on and school let out. Once again, they escorted me back home. Stopping just beyond the view of my home.

It went on for the next couple of days until the weekend rolled around. They made plans with me but they weren't very open about what these plans were. I was to meet them at 12pm at the park. It took me a while to build up the courage to go. I arrived 15 minutes late because of it. They got one good look at me and the first words out of Yumichika's mouth was about my poor fitting clothes. Why was I wearing something that wasn't fitting me? I didn't answer him. Just to be safe I didn't want them to get me a new shirt or pair of pants. He even pointed out that my sneakers looked a little small too. Dad didn't normally buy me clothes until it was absolutely necessary. My only good fitting clothes had been my school uniforms.

They weren't my best fitting clothes but they were my better looking clothes. We spent most of the day just hanging out. They bought me some shaved ice, which I hadn't had in years. We even had a late lunch at a small noodle shop, which I didn't eat much at. Around 6:30 we started back to my house. I had a 7pm curfew after all and I dare not break it. I arrived home in a fairly good mood but I knew it wouldn't last long once I walked in the door.

I greeted my family and went up to my room as they watched some sort of game show. I was pretty much ignored. Dad had given me a poor excuse for a wave as I went by. I could smell that Yuzu had dinner going. I wasn't that hungry as I had eaten only 2 hours earlier and forced some snacks before then. I still had to come down though just to humor them. As it was I didn't get much to eat from the start and my body had grown use to it. I actually felt a bit sick because I wasn't use to so much in one day.

Dinner was called about 30 minutes later. I walked down and sat at the far end of the table with my little meager helping. I was still ignored. It was a far cry from when I hung out with my classmates. They would try to include me in conversations but not my family. Going from one extreme to the next really tore at me. I went from enjoying myself back to loathing myself. It took everything in me to remain seated until I cleaned my plate. I ate a little faster than normal to get away from them. I got up, washed my plate, and went back to my room.

Sunday rolled around. I was invited to hang out again but I had chores to do that day. I wanted to do anything else but stay at home. I got up early and got to work before my sisters got up. Dad was already up and watching the morning news. I said nothing as I started to get my cleaning supplies ready. The list was already on the fridge. I pulled it off and looked at it. I noticed the whole house was on it. The list for the girls wasn't made out. That of course meant they had plans to do something without me.

I said nothing and got to work. After an hour or so Yuzu walked down and 15 minutes later Karin followed her. I overheard that Ganju, Kaien's younger brother, had gotten a promotion and wanted to celebrate with the family. I'm sure they told them that I was in trouble again and grounded. I didn't even ask and I didn't want to know. Around 12 they were nicely dressed and ready to leave. I was almost done with the bulk of my chores by that point. I wanted to go but I had nothing nice and I knew the answer would be no right then and there.

About 12:30 when they left and I was alone in the house. I continued to work for several more minutes. There was no telling when they would come back. I started towards my room when I heard a knock on the front door. I turned the entrance and opened it, wearily. It was Renji and the others. I was taken by surprise as they stared at me and my hole ridden clothes. They knew better than to come to my house. I was the verge of complete panic.

"What are you doing here?" I asked as they pushed me aside and walked in. "Hey! I just cleaned up please don't make a mess."

"The only mess here is you," Yumichika said, sticking a finger in one of the large holes of my shirt. "Look at this. I know you're home and all but this is ridiculous."

"We saw your dad drive by and figured we'd see what your home life is really like," Renji stated up front. "And I don't like it."

"Please, get out. If Dad finds out people were in the house he'll have a fit," I insisted and they just started to explore my house. "Stop snooping!"

Renji bolted up the stairs with the others. I had no idea why they were there in the house. This was a large risk to be taking. I watched them as they went from room to room. They finally got to my room and stopped dead. I sheepishly stayed back in the hall. My room was super barren and I knew they saw my sisters' rooms and how much they had. Yumichiki went straight for my closet. Well, that was out of the bag. Renji checked my dresser and the same thing happened.

I think they wanted to see the extent of how things really were for me. It was clear they didn't like it. They saw that my sisters were spoiled rotten and I was a nobody. Clothes weren't even a luxury for me. They headed down stairs and I followed them at a distance.

"This is just sad and pitiful," Ikkaku snorted and looked around the living room. "You don't even have a pair of decent pants and your sisters clearly get whatever they want. They've been written you out of their lives."

Ikkaku walked over to some family pictures and noticed I wasn't in a one of them. The only one I was even remotely in I was more than half cut out as I stood beside mom while Dad held my sisters. Dad really did want me out of the picture, figuratively and literlly. I hated that picture the most. It was the only good picture we had with all of us but Dad clearly didn't want me to be included.

"You know what? Fuck your damn father," Renji turned and looked at me with an angry glare. "You're coming with us for the day."

"I don't know when he'll be back," I answered but I was only grabbed and pulled out the door. "Stop it! Let go!"

Yumichika locked the door and I was ushered down the street. The first place we stopped at was a small eatery. We had a quick lunch and then Yumichika dragged me to a clothing store. He handed me all manner of different pants and shirts to wear. I didn't want to put them on but if I didn't he'd blab. I quickly tried on a few outfits on to humor him. We left with 3 new shirts, one pair of pants, new underwear, socks, and one pair of cheap shoes that fit. I didn't want to take them home; my dad would start asking questions about the new clothes. Chances were he would have thought I was hiding money, stealing money, or just stole them outright. Renji offered to keep them for the weekends for me to change into after I left home. I did take the underwear and socks. I could hide them under the mattress.

We arrived home and thankfully my family wasn't home just yet. I walked inside as they said their goodbyes. I just hid the last pair of socks under my mattress when I heard my family walk in just before 6. They started talking about how great their afternoon was. How they ate at some large fancy place and after that they all went to see a movie. I knew they were doing that to show off and make me feel bad; it was working. I just stayed in my room as they loudly exaggerated their grand time.

My double kept telling me to ignore them as I had my own fun when they weren't around. Of course, they ate so much they weren't hungry and I could hear Yuzu say she didn't feel like cooking. Just as well I wasn't going hungry. Eventually, things calmed down and I just stared up at the ceiling. I wondered just how much trash Dad told them that day. My double told me not to worry about it as sooner or later karma would come back around to bite him.

Monday rolled around and once again and I was greeted by Renji and the others. A couple weeks went by and I had just started to get comfortable being around them. Even though it was just those three it was better than nothing. One Tuesday Renji asked me if I wanted to join the kendo club with him and the others. I explained that it was a little late in the year but they told me to join after winter break. I guess that made more sense but Dad told me not to join clubs. I was hesitant to do so. Not only that, I wasn't at all athletic and had no muscle. Dad would know something was going on as sports like that took time to work on. I wouldn't come home until late due to practice and competitions. I quickly declined.

"Oh, don't be stupid," Renji bit at me. "You need to do something other than go home every night."

"Dad told me no clubs or sports," I bit back. "I just got my grades back to a good level and I don't need to do something like that to interfere with them."

"That's a bold face lie," his face was as red as his hair. "Doing something like that might build up your confidence. You need something to do other than hide in your room all the time."

"He has a point. You're a damn tooth pick," Ikkaku lightly popped my shoulder. "You still haven't put on that much weight since we started feeding you."

"I just don't eat much and if I do a sport that means I have to eat more and Dad won't—"

"Stop letting your dad get in your head! Just try it. You agreed to no excuses, remember?" Renji snapped at me.

I had had enough and turned to leave. I couldn't hide doing something like kendo. My body wasn't fit for sports. At the time I had no idea just true that was. I started to walk off when Yumichika grabbed the back of my uniform.

"At least come to one class and watch in person before making a mistake," he said and let go of me. "Even if you don't compete Urahara-sensei is always looking for a few extra hands after class."

I shook my head again. I didn't want to get into trouble for anything. I just wanted to leave at that point but I knew that wasn't going to happen. If I didn't go to practice with them they would tell. I balled up my fists and tried to get myself together. One trip out to watch a class wasn't going to hurt me. I reluctantly gave a weak head nod.

"Perfect," Yumichika exclaimed.

"Don't back out on this either," Renji said and he put a finger in my face. "Just come to one and see what you think."

"Okay, just one. Will you get off my back?" I sighed and nervously scratched the back of my head.

"Yes, but you have to come," Ikkaku added. "Are we clear on that?"

"Yes, yes, very clear. N-no need to repeat it," I said as I stepped back only to bumped into someone.

I quickly spun around to face the person I bumped into. I kept my head down like most times when I did or rather didn't do something wrong. I didn't look at their face and kept my eyes on the ground.

"I'm s-sorry… I didn't s-see you…" I choked out of my mouth. I could hear the guys moan. "Y-you're not hurt are y-you…?"

"Ichigo? You don't look much better than when I saw earlier this year. Actually, you look… Worse…"

I snapped my head up to see Kaien staring down at me looking a bit worried. I quickly backed up and bumped into Ikkaku and Renji. I wasn't expecting to see him and I didn't know what to do. Two weeks earlier the rest my family went out and had a good time with his little brother. I was left to clean house.

"Not that m-much has changed…" I mumbled.

"So, you going to introduce us or what?" Renji asked and stepped out from behind me. "He doesn't talk much about people."

"I'm Shiba Kaien. I'm Ichigo's cousin," he said with a light bow as the other boys did the same.

"I'm Madarame Ikkaku."

"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Ayasegawa Yumichika."

"And I'm Abarai Renji."

"I've heard your name before, I think. Have we met?" Kaien asked and Renji shook his head.

"No. I'm pretty sure you've heard about me through word of mouth," Renji answered and looked over Ichigo.

"But I do know your name," Kaien puzzled.

"Well, Ichigo and I have a very complicated history maybe you heard about me through his father," Renji gave an awkward grin.

"Maybe," Kaien shrugged. "You were talking about kendo, right? I half heard walking out of the store. I didn't know it was you."

"We're trying to talk him into joining the club with us," Yumichika spoke up. "He's just being stubborn about it."

"Oh? Why don't you?" Kaien said. I just kept my head down. "I was in kendo when I was in high school. It's a fun sport and competitive. You'll like it once you get into it."

"That's what we've been trying to tell him," Ikkaku huffed and crossed his arms. "He hasn't joined one club all year."

"Why not?" Kaien looked back at me.

"J-just not interested…" I mumbled and I got hot glares from the others.

"Give it a shot," Kaien said as he tried to encourage me. "One club activity will be good for you."

I didn't say anything as I just stared at the pavement. It wasn't that I wouldn't want to try it's just that Dad wouldn't let me. I know he wouldn't so I wouldn't even ask. He's told me before I wasn't allowed as it would take away from my studies.

"See? It'll give you something to do other than just sit at home all the time," Renji gave my shoulder a stiff pat. "Your cousin endorses it."

I shook my head. This conversation wasn't helping me and at that point. I didn't even want to attend that one class. The more they pushed the more I didn't want to join. I wanted to leave so bad. I didn't like being in the middle of this. I turned and went to leave when Renji caught me and pulled me to a stop.

"Stop running away from everything," he growled at me.

"Let go…" I tried to pull his hand off my arm. "I don't want to join!"

"You agreed to one class," Renji snapped but I didn't want to listen. "Remember the agreement we made? You try something new or…"

He was using that against me and I hated it. I just wanted to leave and be left alone. I was panicking and feared the consequences of getting into the club. I tried to pull his hand away from me a little more urgently.

"Ichigo, what is your problem?" Kaien asked and grabbed my other arm. "You avoid a lot of things. I noticed that when I picked you up from the hospital."

"Let go," I screamed and tried to pull out from their grip. "Stop it! Let go of me!"

"Look, I asked you before is there something going on at home but you told me to not ask my uncle anything," Kaien snapped at me.

Suddenly Ikkaku turned to Kaien and said something I never thought I would hear come from his mouth.

"Can he stay with you for a little while?" Ikkaku asked as Kaien looked a bit shocked. "I think a change of scenery will do him some good."

All I could do was stare at him in dumb shock and fear. That was bold to ask someone such a large favor that he only just met. I also didn't know Kaien that much myself. I wouldn't feel comfortable being at someone else's for any length of time. I was always told I was a burden and a nuisance according to my father and I didn't want to be that to other people. Dad would never agree to me staying with Kaien. Kaien gave Ikkaku one last strange look before he turned to look at my panicked face. He knew something wasn't right.

"What's going on?" Kaien asked as I pulled harder.

"Let go," I shouted again.

"Just take him for a little while, I'm begging you," Ikkaku said.

Kaien gave out a huffy sigh and looked me up and down. There were red flags being raised everywhere. I knew there was. I didn't want to go with him as Dad wouldn't allow it.

"Please," Renji also instisted.

Take this chance to catch your breath and have some room to spread your wings. Don't screw this up.

I didn't want to listen to anyone. I just wanted to run and vanish from sight. I didn't care if my own double was agreeing with this. I feared what would come out of it. Kaien sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"The semester is about up… So, you can stay with me some during the break or part of next semester," Kaien said, letting go of me.

"I don't want to," I snapped, pulling against Renji again.

"I'm not giving you a choice. You're acting weird and I want to know why," Kaien snapped back. "You'll move in with me for a little while if it comes down to that. You shouldn't be acting like this."

"Dad won't let me," I blurted out in panic.

"Don't ask him, I'll do it," Kaien bit at me.

"Please d-don't," I begged as I reached my limit and started to cry.

"STOP IT! Right now," Kaien grabbed me again and me pulled up against the side of a building. "If your friends asked me such a bold question I know something's wrong at home."

"D-don't do it!" I screamed.

"You're staying with me tonight at the very least even if I have to drag you kicking and screaming," Kaien snapped as Renji finally let go of me.

"Don't be a daft fool! You have a week and half until the end of the semester! Get the hell out of that hellhole! Don't fight this!"

I almost collapsed to the ground. If it wasn't for Kaien holding me I would have. I was a crying mess at that point. Practically inconsolable. Kaien and the others stayed with me until I calmed down into a more rational state. Kaien helped me to stand up straight. He took my school bag from Yumichika.

"You're coming with me right now," Kaien tightened his grip on me before he addressed my classmates. "He'll stay the night with me."

They took a sigh of relief but I remained silent. I didn't know what was going to happen and I was scared what Dad would do and say to talk Kaien out of it. Kaien gave a stern pull and off down the sidewalk I went with him. We never even stopped by my house, we went directly to his apartment. His wife Miyako looked beyond shocked as I was dragged in the door. My face was bright red and I knew I looked like shit. Miyako was never actually introduced to me so you can imagine her surprise to see me walk through door with Kaien leading me. He led me to the couch and encouraged me to sit.

"Miyako, I don't think you've ever been introduced before. I would like you to meet my cousin Kurosaki Ichigo," he told her and she suddenly looked very weary of me. "He's going to be staying for the night."

"Uh… Well, I wish you told me this beforehand," she said, eying me up and down. "I would have prepared some things for him."

"It was a spur of the moment thing. He's not doing well and needs some time away from home," Kaien explained to her. "I want to keep him here for the night."

"Are you sure that's a wise choice?" she asked as I stood up and Kaien pushed me back to the couch.

"You stay seated and don't move," he pointed a stiff finger at me before looking back at his wife. "Miyako, we'll discuss that in just a bit. First I need to call Uncle Isshin and tell him Ichigo will be staying with us."

Miyako looked at me still not liking the idea. There is no telling what she heard about me. Neither of us was going to be comfortable that night. Kaien walked over to the house phone and dialed the phone number to my house. It didn't take long for someone to answer.

"Hello, Karin, is Isshin home?"

I could faintly hear the exchange.

"Hold… Dad… Phone…"

There was a brief pause as Dad answered

"Hello…?"

"Hey, Uncle Isshin, how are you?" Kaien greeted him happily.

"… how are…"

"I'm fine as is Miyako. I wanted to tell you I have Ichigo with me."

"What?! Is he in trouble…still grounded…always fighting…bring him home…"

"Huh… No, he's not any trouble with me or anyone that I know of. He doesn't look like he's been in a fight either. I've noticed he seems to stay grounded a lot. I hope you don't mind but he's just staying the night with me I wanted to—"

"Absolutely not! He comes home…he's grounded…homework…failing school again…slacks off enough…"

"I'll make sure he does his homework tonight and I'll make sure he makes it to school in the morning. Even if I have to drive him the school."

"He's dangerous…behavioral problems…Miyako's protection don't…hit her…it's not safe…return him home…can't be trusted outside the house…"

"I'll keep an eye on him. He won't do anything to any of us. It's just one night it can't hurt anyth—"

"Not happening. I'm coming…doesn't need to stay…in trouble as is…I don't know what lie he…don't believe…too violent…good at playing…keep him there until I get…he comes home…"

At this point I'm freaking out. If Dad came to pick me up and I'd be in more trouble. I knew this was a bad idea from the start. I just curled into a ball and wrapped my arms around my legs.

"You don't need to come over. He did nothing wrong. I just offered him to stay the night on a whim. I haven't seen him since I picked him up from the hospital. I don't really see him at all and I'd like to get to know my own cousin a little."

"Still…I'll be there…doesn't need to stay…without my permission."

"That's why I was calling you from the start to tell you that he was—"

"Coming to get him…ten minutes I'll…cause you trouble…"

"He's not doing anything wrong! He's behaving just fine. You don't need to trouble yourself coming here."

"You don't know what you're getting…he can't stay…"

"I'll keep a close eye on him. He's fine! Really, he's not acting up or anything. He's just sitting here quietly. It's just one night."

"…get into a fight…"

"Yes, I'm sure he didn't get into a fight or anything. He was just hanging out with some of his friends—"

"His friends…I don't know them…never talk about…I don't like…they're a bad influence…"

"They looked a little rough around the edges but when I talked to them they were quite polite. I didn't really see anything wrong with them."

"…not his friends…never had any before…gang members most…"

"I don't think they are in a gang. Look, Uncle Isshin, Ichigo is going to be fine one night away from the house. Give him a chance. I'm sure he knows to behave. It's just one night. That's all."

"One that's all…he needs to stay home…can't stay away…keep him in line…still worry about your wife…"

"Everything will be fine. Don't worry. If things get out of hand and I'll contact you. I promise. I've got some clothes he can wear for the night and we live like 5 minutes closer to the school than you do. I'll make sure he gets there on time."

"Be careful…is violent…call me in the morning…let me know…"

"I'll let you know how things go tonight. I just wanted to let you know where he is."

"I don't like the idea…remember just one…don't make a habit… care…"

"You take care, too."

There was a small click on his end as Kaien hit the button to hang up the phone before setting it back down into the charger. He turned to look at me and I just shook as to what was to come. He let out a long sigh.

"Well, it looks like you're staying the night," Kaien told me as he walked to the small kitchen and got a wet paper towel. "Here's something to wash your face."

"Kaien, can I please talk to you?" Miyako said as he handed me the wet towel.

She motioned him to follow him to another room and shut the door. The walls and doors weren't thick at all and I could hear what was being said and it was only making feel sick to my stomach.

"I don't want him staying here," Miyako said in a stern voice. "I think Isshin is right. Ichigo has a mean streak in him and I don't want him to go off and hit one of us."

"He won't. He's not what we thought he was. Talking to him that day when I picked him up from the hospital… He's far too skittish for someone supposedly so violent. He'd much rather run than fight," he countered her. "I feel sorry for the guy. He's not well."

"Well, yeah. He's got a lot of mental problems. He's a liar and violent. I don't know why he's not in prison," Miyako added. "He took down that one poor kid before we got married. He completely bashed in his face! What if he snaps and does that to me when you're not here? I'm 4 months pregnant and I don't need him here stressing me out. This is the only night, do you understand that?"

"Miyako, listen to me! He's anything but dangerous! He was a crying mess just before I brought him home," Kaien said in my defense. "He's thinner than when I last saw him and he's not even that damn strong. His friends where the ones that wanted me to take him for the night."

"Oh? I'm sure they are little delinquents, too. This might be a plan to steal from us," she snapped at him. "He gets in here and then in the dead of night he just—"

"Stop it! Just stop it! He protested coming here and tried to run from me and his friends. Something bad is going on and he doesn't want to talk about it. I don't know what's behind his strange behavior!"

"He's mentally challenged, Kaien. Isshin said he had developmental problems that caused the behavioral—"

"I don't care what he said. Behavioral I believe but he's not slow or stupid. Take the time to look at him and actually talk to him. He's scared of something but he doesn't want to talk about it. Give him a chance."

There was a long pause after that. I waited as to what she would do and what she would say.

"I still don't like this. Does he really have to stay here?" she asked.

"Miyako, please, just try."

"Okay, okay but just for tonight."

"Thank you."

I heard the door open as they walked out into the living room. I didn't move or even look at them as I sat on the couch. Kaien stood closest to me as Miyako still kept a little distance from me. She was so scared of me thanks to my father's lies. Kaien was trying at least.

"So, we were planning to go out with Ganju and Kukaku tonight," Kaien said, rubbing the back of his head. "It's our monthly get together."

I wasn't sure what to say. Ganju and Kukaku were very opinionated and I really didn't want to be around them. Kukaku would bite her tongue but Ganju didn't have that talent. I would only cause a problem if I went. I didn't want to hear Ganju's mouth. I remembered that much from when I was younger.

"I'd rather go home…" I mumbled, burying my face in my knees.

"After that fight I had with Isshin? Oh, no, you're coming with us," Kaien snorted. "We're to leave in thirty minutes anyway. It'll be fun. You haven't see those two in years. You never come to any family anything."

"That's because your bastard of a father doesn't want them to see you. He doesn't want you to ruin his perfect vision of a family. He doesn't want you to be kin to him. Have some fun tonight. Don't fuck this up!"

"I d-don't know…"

"Well, I'm not leaving you here by yourself. I would really appreciate if you did."

I lightly glanced at his wife. I could tell she still felt unsure of me. I hadn't done anything to her but through my father's horrible mouth I was the physical embodiment of the devil. I didn't want to ruin their evening and I really didn't feel like going out. I had heard my double practically growling at me for wanting to turn down Kaien's invite. It really didn't help that Miyako didn't want me to come either. It was an even divide. Kaien and my "voice of reason" wanted me to come while Miyako and I didn't want to.

"Agree to this, you idiot. You're not taking any opportunities. Renji and the others wanted you to have fun with a night away from your father. If word gets back to them that you turned tail and ran back home it could mean them blabbing about your abuse. Your dad's not here to dictate what you do. Go with them and order something that is not a cheap ass appetizer!"

"HEY!" Kaien bit out and his snapped in fingers in my face.

Once again I had spaced out when my double was giving me a long talk.

"S-sorry…" I mumbled and he huffed at me.

"You completely zoned out all of a sudden," Kaien said and crossed his arms.

"Sorry…" was my only response.

"Please come with us. Just try something new. And for the love of God don't just order an appetizer. I don't want to fight you to eat again," he snapped at me. "You're too skinny for a boy your age. I remember when I was your age between Ganju and I we ate everything in the house. My parents could barely keep up with us."

"Ha! See?! He remembers from last time! Don't be stupid. Take this chance."

Something had to give and I faintly nodded. Kaien's tension left while Miyako's started to rise. She really didn't want me there. I really didn't want to be there either. I remained seated while Kaien and Miyako finished getting dressed. When they were ready to leave I followed them out the door. I kept my head down as we walked to their car. I got in the backseat on Kaien's side. I had a feeling Miyako didn't want me directly behind her. I sat in silence for the whole ride to the restaurant. About 15 minutes later we arrived at a place I hadn't seen before. Then again, I never went out.

It was pretty full given the cars in the parking lot. I got out last and followed them in from a bit of a distance. I didn't want to be there. It was very much packed and loud. I hugged myself a little as Kaien talked to the hostess. It seemed Ganju and Kukaku were already waiting for them. Kaien motioned me to follow him and I hesitated a little. I didn't want to meet either one of them. Like I said both of them were very opinionated and Ganju didn't know how to keep his mouth shut. I was feeling bad enough being there and if he got a little mouthy I would either bolt or break down at the table. That would be awkward for everyone.

The hostess led us to where Ganju and Kukaku sat. They waved at Kaien and Miyako but when they saw me they stopped mid-wave. They had a look of disbelief on their faces. I know I was the last person they ever expected to see. I felt even more uncomfortable given Ganju's snooty face when we arrived at the table. Kukaku just continued to stare at me in mild shock before it turned into something akin to annoyance. I had no idea what my father told them but I know it wasn't good.

I sat between Kaien and Miyako at the round table. Miyako scooted her chair a bit closer to Kukaku. I was really that hated it seemed. My nerves at this point started to mess with my stomach. I felt sick and was trying my hardest to not to visibly shake. I still kept my head down as the menu was set in front of me. I just stared at it. I didn't want to be here. I felt like ¾ of my table-mates didn't want me either. Kaien lightly bumped me with his elbow to get me to pick up the menu.

"Well, look at what the cat dragged in," Kukaku said as she studied me a bit. "I'm surprised you aren't grounded for a change."

"Actually, he is but Isshin letting us keep him for the night," Miyako said and I shrunk in my seat more.

That was spiteful. She really didn't want me and that made it more than perfectly clear. At that pointed I was shaking too hard to hide it. I was also starting to feel clammy and all over jittery.

"Huh. I remember when I was grounded I never got a free pass for anything," Ganju said with a snorted. "Sounds like Uncle Isshin is being nice to ya."

"I had to fight to keep him with us. I caught him on the way from school and I just thought it might be fun to hang out with him," Kaien half grinned and looked at me. "We never see him after all and I thought one night couldn't hurt."

Yes, it could. I knew when I got home tomorrow evening I was going to catch hell. I started to feel sicker the longer I sat at the table. My clamminess had started to turn into chills. I was also getting jittery and I really couldn't sit still.

"Well, it's nice to see you after all this time," Kukaku tried not to sound displeased. "You know you and Kaien could pass as twin brothers, almost."

I notice it too but I never mentioned it and Kaien never brought it up either. He grinned at his sister and rubbed the back of his head.

"Yeah, I thought so too," Kaien answered her. "Genetics is a weird thing."

"So, why is Uncle Isshin letting you hang with us tonight when you couldn't come when I got my promotion party?" Ganji asked, leaning into the table a little.

"Ganju…" Kaien's voice was at a tone to that was telling his little brother to stop.

"What? Seriously how come tonight is okay but not my party?" Ganju snorted and crossed his arms.

He was playing the guilt trip on me. He hadn't talked to me in years much less seen me but he was going straight for the throat on this. The extent of my dad's influence over them was very clear; with the exception of Kaien, the rest of my family had no use for me. My nerves were constricting my stomach more and more. I was fighting back a gag. I just wanted to leave then and there. I was fighting my own body not to run. I could feel the remainder of my lunch wanting to come out.

"Ganju, be nice. Kaien just said he had to work Isshin down otherwise he wouldn't be here," Kukaku pointed out. "Stop being rude to him."

The waitress came by with a smile on her face. I care barely even looked at her.

"Good evening, I'm Miki, your server," she said, holding up her pen and paper. "What can I get you to drink?"

Everyone quickly selected their drinks when it came for me to say something my tongue felt numb. I needed to say something or I might get chewed out. I practically had to force the words from my mouth.

"Wa… Wa-water…" I finally got out.

"And one water. I'll be back shortly," she said happily as left.

I noticed that those around me were looking at their menus and I didn't even want to touch mine. I felt too sick to eat. I knew that was going to be hard to explain to Kaien. That I was sick and that I wanted to leave. He wanted me to have fun and meet my other cousins. I just couldn't do it. It took everything in me just to keep myself seated. I would have liked nothing more than to run out that front door.

"Hey, look at the menu…" Kaien said in a muffled voice to me. "Remember what I said? I don't want to fight you over dinner."

"N-n-not hung-gry…" I choked out.

"You might think differently if you get something."

"C-can't…"

"Please?"

I shook my head and put a hand over my mouth. I really felt that I was going throw up on the table. I needed to leave before I did. I scooted back and quickly got up. I saw the restroom when we walked in. I wasn't trying not to run but I was moving at a fast pace. I almost made to a toilet. Almost. Some of it got on my uniform coat. I brought up the remainder of my lunch in the toilet thank goodness. I heard the bathroom door open between dry heaves. It got to the point where I was just bringing up bile as there was nothing else in my gut. When it felt like my stomach finally calm down I sat back against the cool stall wall, spitting into some toilet paper. I wiped my tear-filled eyes with the back of my hand as I tried to catch my breath. I was sick. I was very sick.

I slowly looked up as a saw the stall door open. All I could do was just look up at Kaien and Ganju as he peeked over his shoulder. I shuttered again. I felt embarrassed for running like I did. I felt like I had done something wrong and they were going to judge me. Kaien instead squatted down to my level and pushed a bit of hair from my sweating face. He was worried and for some reason it made me uncomfortable.

"Oh, shit… What happened…?"


Well, that's the end of this chapter. I hope you liked it. It's progressing little by little. Let me know what you think in the comments. Thank you.

The Mermaid Reaper