The hospital floors where cleaned to an impeccable shine by the time Renji was recovered enough to leave. Captain Unohana kept them hard at work.It was not everyday she could get someone to help her staff. Plus, the only problem of having students doing it is when Yumichika broke a nail. He howled for hours before he was threatened with bed pan duty. A broken nail, was better then pan duty anyway.
Rukia had never come back to the hospital. It was only during school she noticed Renji walking in with Ikkaku, and Izuru. Izuru being another new friend they gained durning their time at the school. Shame drew light from Rukia's face as she looked away. Silently she prayed that Renji wouldn't notice her, but he slumped down in the seat next to her. Still laughing at Izuru over something, she missed what.
"This seat taken Ruk'?" Renji smiled at her it was like nothing happened.
"Hm, no." Rukia's voice was low.
"Thank you."
"For what?" Rukia was confused, Renji had to reason to thank her. Only to be angry at her.
"Not visiting," Renji scratched the back of his head, looking up at the ceiling. "Captain Unohana might have had you bathe me, and not twiddle dee and twiddle dum up there. O! And I forgot the twelve hours Ikkaku, and Yumichika scrubbed floors."
Rukia couldn't help but giggle at the thought of Ikkaku and Yumichika bathing Renji.
"Glad you find it funny, Ikkaku almost drowned me!" Renji flared his arms dramatically.
"That's not the worst of it Rukia!" Yumichika took the seat behind Renji. "Renji fell asleep in my lap NAKIED and I got all pruned. O! I think my perfect skin is going to get wrinkles now!!"
Laughter burst from Rukia's giggles, but really she didn't feel like laughing. There was to much guilt facing Renji now, especially when he wasn't angry at all that she didn't visit. Then, just like it always did the class went on as usual. Practicing spells went as typical, Rukia hit her mark, and Renji blew himself up. After school they gathered in the hall practicing their sword techniques.
Right now everyone watched Ikkaku vs Izuru, Izuru appearing to have the upper hand. But that was because Ikkaku was bored. Everyone cheered from the sidelines, this was their favorite thing to do when they all hung out. In a quick movement Izuru knocked Ikkaku's feet from under him. Ikkaku landed on the floor with a loud thump, and a hiss as his breath went out.
"Come on is that bald head blinding you?!" Renji cried out.
"Fuck off!" Ikkaku growled his eyes digging daggers into Renji.
"Who you telling to fuck off!" Renji rose up off the floor. "BALDY! B-A-L-D..."
Before Renji could add the Y Ikkaku was untop of him. Renji just barely dodged with his own practice sword. Struggling to get up he fell over Rukia and Hinamori. Scrambling to his feet he launched at Ikkaku sending him into a group of guys. Both adolescent boys had smirks on their faces as they attacked each other with vigor. Poor Izuru never got to finish his fight before another match started. But by the heat of this fight it was better to leave.
Everyone shouted with mirth.
"Renji?"
"What?"
"I'm sorry I didn't visit you," Rukia caste her eyes down. "I meant to but..."
"Eh, it's okay Rukia," Renji bent down and wrapped his arms around her. "Don't fret, I know it was hard to see me hurt. This was the first time you saw it really bad, and there will be worse days then this. I will always be there to protect you. Just do what you have to get as far as you can. You move forward, and if you have to... Leave me behind."
Softly Rukia rested her head on Renji's shoulder. "I understand."
"Rukia I-"
Out of the blue Rukia slapped Renji. Her hand print smarting the side of his face leaving a bright red imprint. Her eyes were cold, and inpashinet. Shocked Renji sat on his rear staring up at her. Glowering she put her hands on her hips.
"Pervert!"
Renji opened his mouth trying to find words to say. Her little pink tongue stuck out between her lips as she walked away. Waving her hand she bid Renji good night. He was not that naive usually. Smiling Renji stood and slowly followed Rukia. It wasn't easy to be them, but for now it was alright. For tonight at least, they were still old buddies, who knows what tommarow might bring.
Then...
"Rukia! Check it out!" Excited Renji slammed open the door. "I passed the second exam!! If I pass the next one..."
Time froze as he realized who stood by Rukia. He always knew that important people were looking at her but this? It was beyond what he had hoped for her. However, he could have ruined her chances now that he'd disturbed them. At this time he noticed she still had her school books; Renji could be so stupid.
Kenseiken, he's a noble.
"O! It seems this is not the place to talk." His eyes were calm and resounding at Renji'as arrival. "We anxiously await your response... We will make our leave..."
As they walked past them none of them glanced at Renji. Their spiritual pressure was so great not even Renji could raise his eyes. They were stuck staring at the wooden floor. Yet, Rukia handled them like they were nothing. He felt so even more foolish that he couldn't get his body to stop shaking. The one with black hair, such a power presence too, who was he?
"...Renji."
"Oh! Rukia... The atmosphere was so tense in here what where you talking about?" Renji asked.
"They want to adopt me into the Kuchiki family."
No amount of preparation prepared him for this. There was no covering up Renji's surprised look. Sadness and joy filled Renji conflicting together to tear at his heart. Renji had to be happy for her, despite her 'we must part' deminer he knew with out his support she'd give it up for him.
"Rukia isn't that great!!" Renji grabbed her excitedly. "Ah!" Once you become a Kuchiki. You become a noble!!" Renji dramatically clutched his hand. "That's awesome! You'll be surrounded by endless riches!! You can eat what ever you want as a noble! Ah I envy you."
Rukia stared up at him in disbelief.
"And you get to graduate immediately!" Continuing his act Renji made a fist showing excitement. "Ah hahah... Now I'm dead jealous!! Hahaha!"
Renji's hand touched the left arm that was still holding her. "Really?"
There were no more words that needed to be said. She pushed his arm aside and ran away. The last words to him as a street rat were:
"Thank you."
With that Renji's adolescence was gone. He was now a man now that he left the last of his childhood behind him. His whole world shattered in one instant. The only solace Renji could find was Rukia was now adopted, she had a family. Stay out of it, stay out of her way, that's all he could do for her now. Renji clenched his eyes shut as he fought back tears. Tears that flowed once she was gone, and silently then on.
Look at how many lies we hid behind the laughter, maybe one day we'll look back and be happy.
End
Keep a look out, there will a be a continuation of this next week or maybe early, I'm horrible at promises. (I couldn't continue when this was a perfect ending) I just thought it best to leave it here. And there's no way I can do a cliche ending when I don't really read Bleach fanfiction. Oh and for those who noticed I borrowed the manga for the ending. And for you extra special idiots out there, I-DO-NOT-OWN-BLEACH!
Make suggestions, man knows I need them. Especially titles. PEACE!!
::dances to toy-box's best friend ( Sorry the last chapter is kinda rushed. ::cringes:: don't abandon me for it ::bows:: I've been sick so I haven't had time between here and bed. ::bows again:: sorry for the rushed chapter go min.