Ok here's the second chappie for this one! Felt it needed it. :3

Chapter 2

Shiro sat in the lobby of a large court building, patiently waiting for them to bring his little brother out. My...my brother... He thought. The very sound of the word felt foreign on his tongue, but he wasn't nearly as upset by it as he thought he would be. We've both been left behind... He scratched at his head, hair pulled back into a ponytail. He was wearing a fairly nice outfit, jeans with no holes, a deep red turtleneck and nice black cowboy boots. "Man this is all a mess..." He mumbled. A million problems flowed through his mind. He barely had enough money for rent, school and food, and now he had a brother to care for? This isn't my week at all...

"Mr. Shirosaki?" Shiro looked up to see the same men from before gesture for him to follow. He did, albeit a bit anxiously. "He wanted to see you...the boy we mean."

"Oh?"

"He's rather smart for a seven year old child...according to his records he could easily take 8th grade classes." The second, slightly shorter man said. "I wish my damned kid would study up." Shiro flinched at the tone the man took.

"Why can't you be more normal? ! Study and shit, you stupid retard!" Shiro gripped his forehead at the unpleasant memory.

Motherfuckers...parents are horrible... He thought angrily. They opened up an office door and Shiro looked inside. Sitting at the other end of a large table was a small boy in a yellow hoodie, blue boots on his feet and fresh blue jeans. He had a small backpack on, and he was clutching a ratty old stuffed lion. His hair was a bright, spiky orange and he gazed at Shiro with large, doe brown eyes. This...this is him? Ichigo... He wasn't sure how to feel at that moment. He walked in as the men shut the door. He sat down next to Ichigo and looked at him. "Umm...hey."

"You're...Shiwosaki?" Ichigo mumbled, his 'r's still coming out as quiet 'w's. "My bwothew?"

"Y-yeah I guess so kiddo..." He said. Man this ain't awkward...not at all... "Hey...are you doing ok?" Ichigo shrugged, face buried in the toy. Shiro looked at it and he frowned. "Quite an old looking toy."

"It's Kon."

The fuck kinda name is that?

"Mama said she wanted to give it to her firstborn...but whenever I'd ask she wouldn't tell me more. Then she gave it to me when I was born. I've hugged him ever since." He looked at Shiro with watery eyes. "So...then its yours wight?" He shoved it to him, but Shiro pushed it back.

"Hold onto him...he likes you more than me." He smiled and felt happy when Ichigo wiped his snotty nose on his sleeve and smiled back. A tiny gurgling sound came from Ichigo and his face turned beet red. "Hungry?"

"Y-yeah..."

"Then lemme go sign some papers, ad we'll go home and eat hamburgers. Sound nice?" Ichigo nodded and he hopped out of the chair, hand sliding into Shiro's. "Oh and...call me Shiro ok?"

"Ok...Shiwo." Shiro smiled and they walked out of the office.

As Shiro cooked dinner, he couldn't help but gaze at the poor little kid watching SpongeBob on TV. So...half a year... The deal had been Ichigo stay with him for half a year. Then, if Shiro wanted to, he could officially become his guardian, or Ichigo would be forced into the foster system. However if Shiro didn't earn enough for two, they'd take him away anyways by the end of six months. What do I do? He brought the burgers and gave one to Ichigo. "Umm...you want anything on it? Ketchup? Mustard? Chocolate?"

"Ewww chocolate? !" Ichigo gagged.

"Don't reject it until ya try it." Shiro laughed. He always did have a weird taste in food combinations.

"Nah...I'm ok..." Ichigo mumbled and began eating. They ate in silence, and Shiro made a note at how cleanly Ichigo ate.

Well at least I don't hafta worry about messes... He thought. What should I do? I can barely keep myself on my feet and fed...let alone two of us... He watched Ichigo yawn as he took the plates. Must've been up since the accident. Ichigo's family had been in a nasty car accident, and Ichigo had a small concussion, along with a deep cut along his arm that would scar and most likely remain for the rest of his life. Not like an accident like that wouldn't... he reminded himself. "You can sleep in my bed to-"

"I wanna be on the couch." Shiro gave him a puzzled stare. "I like couches...much better than beds." He said.

"Ok then...lemme get the shower running. Can you...uh...wash your own hair?" Ichigo nodded and Shiro started the warm water up. He gave Ichigo a large, baggy t-shirt and a pair of clean underwear and he watched Ichigo close the door, glancing at him briefly. I feel like an idiot...he's seven for Christ's sakes! He can do some of that shit on his own...

Ichigo let the warm water cascade around his body, wiping the events of two sleepless days away. He's so...weird and funny looking... He thought. Is he really my brother? Mommy... He felt like crying but he shook his head. No! I pwomised not to cry! I won't ever cry again! He finished up and put on the baggy shirt. It was a large grey shirt that said 'Life's a beach, go and drown you ass.' on it. It had the picture of a donkey struggling to swim. He's...what's the word? Papa said 'vulgar'... He nodded and walked out. "You're vulgar!"

"H-huh? !" Shiro seemed completely taken off guard, which amused Ichigo a bit.

"This shirt...has a bad word." He pointed and Shiro smirked.

"No it isn't Ichigo. 'Ass' is another word for a donkey." Shiro explained.

"You're making that up!"

"No I'm not, ask anyone." Shiro said and stood still for a moment. He then knelt down and hugged Ichigo. Ichigo felt confused, his arms hanging at his sides. "Ichigo...im sorry for what's happened to you...but I promise to do my best ok? Just be patient with me..."

"Umm...you gonna let me go?" He felt a bit uncomfortable. Shiro sighed and let go and for a moment Ichigo could see a small hint of sadness in his oddly colored eyes.

"Yeah...night Ichigo." He said and Ichigo made his way to the couch. Shiro had left a small light on for him, and had laid blankets and pillows. As he curled up under the blankets, he felt a familiar, calming scent flow into his nose.

He...smells like Mommy... He thought and whimpered softly. After a few moments, he heard Shiro step out of the shower. He heard him walk in the living room and he closed his eyes.

"Asleep?" He mumbled. Ichigo felt a hand brush his hair. "I wish I could share your pain Ichigo...but I can't. Don't worry: I'll do my best." He then left, Ichigo watching his bare back and he frowned when he saw scars tracing the pale skin.

What happened? Was he in an accident? Ichigo frowned and curled even further under the covers. The hours ticked by but he couldn't fall asleep. He got up and slowly made his way to Shiro's room. He opened it gently and made his way over to his bed. He climbed up and under the covers, curling up and falling asleep almost instantly, comforted by his scent and warmth.

Shiro opened his eyes and turned to see Ichigo huddled close to him. He turned around and pulled the boy close. He must be scared...poor kid... He then felt determination take his soul. I won't put you in the system...never. I'll find a way Ichigo...I swear on my soul I will!

Chapter 2 end

Hmm...some of Shiro's past and Ichi being a bit smart aleck hmm? so what will Shiro do? Reviews pwease!