Can I get a woot for quick updates? Woot! Haha, well now that I'm coming back to the library I've been getting a lot done writing wise, so expect some quicker updates from now on!

This chapter may seem a bit weird, but please bear with me. Renji is in emotional turmoil, and when you're in turmoil you do...certain things.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach or any of the characters associated with the Anime/Manga. They belong to Tite Kubo and Shonen Jump Magazine. Please support the official release.

-No Longer Weak-

He couldn't believe it.

This was all a dream...a horrible nightmare that he would soon wake up from, because Renji did not just find out Rukia, his Rukia was with Ichigo- Ichigo his brother! They would not do this to him, especially not his best friend in the world. Ichigo knew about Renji's feelings for Rukia, so why would he take her away from him like that?

The roar of the wind was almost as loud as the screaming Renji was doing in his head as he shot through the skies like a bullet, not at all caring if anyone saw him. His very soul was in turmoil, and he couldn't be bothered by the worry of being seen flying over the buildings of Karakura.

She was supposed to make it all go away... He thought as he clenched his fists and flew faster. Rukia was supposed to be his savior; the Angel from heaven to make all of his pain go away. His father, those assholes who teased him, the anger he held inside at the world, all of it was supposed to be void when she became his. That was why he loved her so much, because being around her made it all just background noise that didn't matter. With her Renji was strong...and now that he was without her he was weak.

"Renji!"

He turned his head at the sound of his name. There, coming in fast behind him, was Ichigo. The one who took his Rukia away from him. The friend who betrayed Renji on a level so heinous it was nearly an Earthly sin. Renji felt all of the anger of his life building inside of him, his eyes burning as he stopped and spun around to face Ichigo.

"Renji! Please, let me explain!" Ichigo said as he stopped to float in front of Renji. "It isn't like it seems-"

Renji said nothing as he let the anger take control of him, letting the heat spread through his veins to ignite a fire in his gut. He swung his arm in a wide arc, sending a wave of telekinetic energy at Ichigo, who didn't expect it and was sent flying back as it smacked into his chest.

"I don't want to hear it!" Renji screamed, clenching his fists again as he felt power racing through his body. It felt good. He felt strong.

"Renji! Please!" Ichigo pleaded as he stopped himself, slightly disorientated from the hit. "Would you just listen to me?"

Renji shot forward, using his telekinesis to amplify the punch that he landed on Ichigo's cheek. Ichigo spun in mid-air, losing his concentration and falling back down to the earth as he seethed from the pain of the punch. It was the strongest punch he had ever felt in his life, and he wouldn't be surprised if his cheekbone was cracked from the force of it.

It was the airplane incident all over again as Ichigo fumbled around trying to catch himself as he fell. He was much closer to the ground now though, so he was much more frantic as he had only moments before he hit. He clenched his teeth, using all of his might to slow his fall and steadily catch himself. His concentration was shaky, but he now had a hold of himself and he wasn't falling. He looked up, seeing that he was level with the top of a building of windows. He saw the people inside, all turning their heads to look at the strange orange haired boy floating in the sky. He cursed, shooting upwards before he could be recognized or committed to memory.

Where is he? Ichigo thought as he came back level with where he had been before. He looked around the cloudy sky, trying to find the red haired teen. "Renji?" He called out.

"Right here!"

Ichigo spun around just as Renji blasted through a cloud and tackled him, knocking the breath out of him as the two of them soared through the sky towards the ground, Renji wrapping his arms around his waist so he couldn't get away.

"What are you doing?" Ichigo yelled, struggling against him.

"I'm going to send you through a building!" Renji roared, increasing speed.

Ichigo craned his neck to look behind him, his eyes widening as he saw the same building full of people who had seen him coming increasingly closer. Renji wasn't serious, he couldn't be! They'd be endangering a lot of people by doing this, not only exposing themselves to the world with their powers!

"Stop!" Ichigo begged as he tried to pry Renji's arms off of him, the wind roaring in his ears as his hair whipped around over his eyes slightly. He fought to think of something quickly, forcing his hectic mind to come up with a plan to stop this madness. If only Renji would hear him out!

Ichigo let instinct take over and balled up his hand into a fist and punched Renji in the side of the head. Renji seethed, but held strong as he aimed for the building. Ichigo punched him again, and again, and again, yielding no results other than a few winces from Renji. Ichigo growled in frustration, bringing his arm back once more for another punch, but this time copying what Renji had done earlier and putting behind it a whop of telekinetic energy.

The punch rattled Renji's brains, pain shooting through his skull like a rolling ball of fire. He couldn't hold on any longer and let Ichigo go to hold his now bruised head, yelling out as he felt blood drip from a cut above his eye.

Ichigo steadied himself and floated in place as Renji held his head a few feet in front of him, groaning as blood dripped from his forehead between his fingers.

"Bastard..." Renji hissed, glaring at him.

"Renji, you need to just calm down, and listen to me!" Ichigo yelled.

"Why would I listen to you?" Renji barked. "You've fucked me over royally!"

"I didn't mean to!" Ichigo retorted. "I can't help it man! I've loved her just as long as you have, and she told me she loves me! I didn't go behind your back! She came to me!"

Renji hesitated at this. Rukia was the one who confessed? Not Ichigo?

"Why didn't you tell me you liked her as well?" Renji said, feeling some of his anger subside, but there was still enough to keep his glare in place.

"Because I knew how you felt, and I didn't want to go behind your back like that. You're my best friend, Renji, I would never in a million years do that to you. I swear!" Ichigo said.

Renji frowned deeply, mulling over this as he held his forehead. He could feel the blood slowing, and took away his hand to look down at the blood on it, knowing his forehead must look like a finger painting a kindergartner did. He scowled as he looked up at Ichigo. Could he be telling the truth? Was it really Rukia who did this, and not Ichigo? Could he really blame Ichigo for loving Rukia as well...? Rukia was so amazing...

"Fine..." He said lowly.

"Fine what?" Ichigo raised a brow.

"I believe you," Renji said. "I don't blame you...Rukia is...you don't just say no if she wants you." He chuckled dryly.

Ichigo frowned, seeing the obvious pain in his friend's eyes. "I'm so sorry Renji...I didn't want you to find out like this. I wanted to sit you down and explain everything before you lost it."

Renji looked up at him, feeling drained from all of the; anger he just exuded. "Just...how long?" He asked.

"How long what?" Ichigo inquired.

"How long have you two been together without me knowing?" Renji said, clenching his fists.

"It just happened," Ichigo explained. "She texted me to come over on Saturday night and she told me. I swear we weren't going behind your back." He said.

Renji sighed, staring down at his hands as he unclenched them. "Alright...I believe you." He said, letting his tense shoulders droop.

"Thank you..." Ichigo sighed in relief.

"Don't mention it," Renji said dryly, dabbing at his forehead again.

"Sorry about that," Ichigo said. "Let's get back to school and clean up. Rukia is probably worried sick about us."

Renji nodded quietly, following after Ichigo numbly as they flew back towards the school.

[–]

When they arrived back on the rooftop they found their bags placed by the door. Rukia had gone off to class like Ichigo had said, and he was thankful for that. Renji remained quiet the whole time as they picked up their bags and made their way to the nurse to get their new bruises patched up. Renji had to have his cut taped up to help with the bleeding and swelling, and Ichigo just had to hold ice to his cheek where Renji had punched him for a while. When they arrived back to class everyone was staring at them oddly, the teacher complaining about late students and their delinquency.

Rukia had been vibrating with anxiety when they arrived, and nearly jumped out of her seat to run at them and interrogate them about what was going on, but held herself in her seat as Ichigo walked over and sat next to her, Renji's seat a little further back. She looked at him, asking with her eyes what had happened and why he was holding an ice pack against his cheek, but Ichigo just shook his head. He would tell her at lunch when they had more privacy.

As the lesson went on, Ichigo placed his ice pack down on his desk and gave a few not-so-discreet glances at Renji to see how he was doing, and really for the most part Renji looked fine. But he couldn't tell what was happening on the inside of his red haired friend. For all Ichigo knew Renji was plotting his demise.

Rukia also kept looking back at Renji, trying to see what his problem was, but Renji just looked away when she turned to him, and refused to meet her eyes. She scowled deeply at this, glancing at Ichigo who just again shook his head. They ought to leave Renji alone for a bit, otherwise Renji might snap again.

When the lunch bell rang Ichigo knew Rukia was about ready to explode with questions. She jumped up as soon as the bell rang and turned to him, her eyes narrowed as she gestured to Renji and then the roof, meaning she wanted to talk on the roof now. He nodded, turning to Renji who was still seated in his desk lookingstoic and unmovable. A few of the other students gave him weird glances and moved away at the odd air around him, but Ichigo pushed right through it and walked up to his desk.

"C'mon, let's go to the roof." Ichigo said quietly.

Renji shook his head. "Nah, man. I'm just going to hang back and chill-"

"No," Rukia came up behind Ichigo with her arms crossed. "I want to talk to you. You're coming up to the roof with us now."

Renji blinked at her in shock at her harsh tone, opening his mouth to protest but Rukia shot him a terrifying glare that shut him up. He frowned, nodding slowly as he stood and they made their way out of the classroom.

Once they reached the roof Ichigo could tell Renji was not looking forward to this confrontation. There was no hiding it now, he had to confess his feelings and bear his soul out there only to have it crushed as it was obvious Rukia didn't feel the same way. But Ichigo knew Rukia would let him down gently, she wouldn't just reach in and tear out his heart like some cold bitch. They were all best friends, been ever since they were kids. This drama would pass. Renji needed to understand Ichigo and Rukia were together, but they were all still the three best friends anyone could find. Nothing would change in their dynamic, just now there was a little more romance in there.

I hope Renji really understands... Ichigo thought as he closed the roof door behind him.

"Alright," Rukia crossed her arms and stared at Renji. "Start explaining, mister."

Renji didn't meet her stare, instead opting to look off across the grounds at the multitude of students moving around to their spots for lunch. "Explain what?" He said, feigning ignorance. His eyes gave away his bluff.

"Don't play stupid," Rukia snarled. "I want to know why you flew away like that, and why the two of you are beaten the hell up again."

Renji placed his hands in his pockets, still not looking at her. "I don't know..."

"Renji, just tell me." She said in exasperation. "Can't you just talk to me? I thought we were friends."

That stung. Renji nearly winced at her words. He finally looked up at her, into those violet eyes he had dreamed of since he was a young boy, feeling his aching heart ache even more.

With a sigh, he finally spoke, "I flew away because...I like you. I've liked you since we were kids, and when I saw you with Ichigo and you told me you two were together I...lost it..."

Rukia's expression softened. She had suspected this, but she needed to hear it from Renji's mouth to know for sure. "Renji..."

"I just feel like..." He continued, his eyes averted once again. "I feel like life just keeps throwing shit in my way...everything just sucks all the time for me. And now that I know you don't like me back...it sucks." He said, running a hand through his red hair.

"I'm sorry..." Rukia said, walking forward to wrap her arms around his waist. "I didn't mean to hurt you...I had no idea you liked me like that. If I did I wouldn't have just thrown Ichigo's and m new relationship in your face like that. I never meant to hurt you...and I know Ichigo didn't mean to either."

"I didn't," Ichigo added in. "I would never hurt you. We're brothers."

Renji looked up at Ichigo, his arms wrapping around Rukia's lithe form gently. He felt her body pressed against his and could feel his heart quicken. His feelings...they were so real and vivid. Why couldn't she love him back? He said he liked her, but he downright loved her. Why couldn't she love him back? Why did she have to fall for Ichigo?

"I understand..." He lied. It was what they wanted to hear, that he was alright with this. But he wasn't. It hurt too much to just clench his fist and get over it. But he would try...for his best friends, he would try. He would put on a face and pretend to be happy for his friends and their newly kindled romance, when on the inside he would suffer silently. Because that's what he did all through his life: suffer in silence.

"Thank you," Rukia pulled back, and Renji felt cold all over without her warmth. He forced a smile, even though it hurt his face to do so, and just shrugged.

"No need for thanks," Seriously, there wasn't.

"I'm so glad you understand," Ichigo sighed in relief, walking over to Rukia's side. She smiled up at him, a smile Renji had never received from her in his whole life. He felt his heart clench, and he had to stick his hands in his pockets so they wouldn't see the white knuckled grip he had them in.

"Yeah," was all he said as they turned and walked back inside the building to eat their lunch and continue studying.

[–]

After school was done Ichigo and Rukia decided they'd go back to Ichigo's place to play some video games, but Renji just said he was going to go home and relax. They knew he just wanted some time alone, and they permitted it to him without any fuss. Renji was happy for that, because if he had to sit there and watch them be all lovey he'd blow his own head up with his telekinesis.

Renji needed some time to cope. He needed to just go home and sleep through the aching in his chest. It was what he used to do as a kid whenever his father's browbeating got to him. He'd just lay in bed until he fell asleep and when he woke up most of the pain would have gone away. It was the best thing to do right now in his mind, and he was looking forward to having this pain go away, even if only for a little while.

He landed a street away from his apartment building by the basketball court once he was sure there was no one around. It was getting a little dark out, so he was a little surprised none of the neighborhood punks were around playing. It was probably because after his fight with the thugs by his building the police have been coming around the neighborhood a little more often. Renji was lucky the thugs weren't able to identify Renji or Ichigo very well, otherwise they might be in jail right now.

Renji made his way to his apartment building, carrying his school bag over his shoulder as he held in the pain in his chest for just a little longer. He didn't want to break down just yet until he was safely behind closed doors. Around this neighborhood if you started weeping you'd get ganged up on.

As he walked up around his building towards the staircase that led up to his apartment, he heard soft voices talking amongst themselves. He frowned, wondering who was hanging around the stairway now.

Renji circled the building and could see the stairway now, and froze when he saw who the men were who were lounging around the stairway.

It was the same four men from before.

"Look who it is!" One yelled, pointing to Renji when he spotted him.

All of them turned to him, wearing bandages around their heads. One had an arm in a cast, but that was the worst of the damage he had caused them before.

"We've been waiting for you, asshole."

All of the men stood from the stairway to face Renji, all looking nasty and angry as they sneered at him. Renji felt nervousness wash over him. Would he be able to take all of them on at once by himself?

"You jacked us up last time we saw each other," The largest of the men said, walking straight up to Renji with his yellow teeth and alcohol-smelling breath. Renji scrunched up his nose at the smell and took a step back. "We didn't tell the cops who you and yer friend were so we could have a go at you again. This time we're ready for you."

Renji frowned as the men reared up on him, cracking their fists- except for the one in the cast, of course- and growling angrily at him. He took another step back, feeling apprehension about his chances of winning this fight on his own.

"Look, guys, I don't want any-"

Renji was cut short as a fist connected with the bandage on his forehead. He stumbled back, crying out as pain shot through his still fresh wound. He held his forehead, doubling over in pain as the men laughed.

"Not so tough now without your buddy, huh?" They taunted.

Renji seethed, feeling the anger from earlier spread through him. He lunged, raising a fist and tossing it at the man who had hit him, only to have it miss. The man dodged it and used Renji's momentum to enforce the punch that landed in his gut. Renji coughed, falling down to his hands in knees as he wheezed and tried to get his breath back.

"You're a damn freak, you know that?" The man taunted, all of them laughing. "None of us know what you did to get to us before...but what I do know is that you're a freak son of a drunk. You hear that? You won't ever amount to anything!"

Renji felt his heart racing, each word stabbing deep into his heart as he panted. He could feel that familiar roaring in his ears from earlier, his whole body lighting up as if on fire. He gritted his teeth, feeling anger coursing through him, bringing with it power. Power beyond his imagination. He could feel it in his fingertips, tingling under his skin to numb the pain in his heart. He looked up at the laughing men, his eyes glowing with hatred and anger.

"Aww, look he's getting mad." The one in the cast laughed.

Renji could hear the laughs deep in his skull, his mind jumbling around in turmoil as he glared at each of their faces.

"Well, c'mon, little man, do something about it!"

The man with the cast came to kick him in the face, and in that moment Renji heard it. It was an echo in the back of his psyche, a whisper in his ear that tickled his spine and stroked the fur of the raging beast inside of him:

"We got together," It was Rukia's voice. "We got together Saturday and...we confessed that we love each other."

The kick that was aimed at Renji's face stopped inches from his nose, halted by an invisible force that wrapped around his ankle and squeezed.

"Holy shit! What's going on!" The man with the cast wailed, falling to the ground as the force started to bind, breaking the bone of his ankle and bending it backwards. He screamed, pain like no other racing up his leg straight to his head.

"W-What's happening?" The other three men backed away as Renji stood slowly, glaring at the writhing man on the ground as he continued to crush his leg with his mind. He spread his influence, crushing each bone in the man's legs up to his pelvis and torso. The man coughed blood, gurgling on it as he had a spasm on the ground, his eyes rolling to the back of his head in pain.

"It's him! He's killing him!"

"Get off of him!"

The largest of the men came flying at Renji with a fist raised, but Renji caught it with his mind and smiled in delight as the man stared back with terror.

"No one will ever hurt me again..." Renji whispered, crushing the man's hand to make him scream. "I'm not weak. I will never be weak again!"

Renji spread his influence, and the screams of the men echoed high into the sky.

Well! Seems Renji has gone to the dark side! Maybe they had cookies...-bad joke-

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I'm very proud of myself because I took the weekend off to just relax from writing and I wrote this whole chapter in a DAY. That's what happens when I come to the library. I write like a crazed baboon! The inspiration just flows right in. Thank God for the library...

Oh, and I'm sorry but I have to nerd out right now. As many of you may know I'm getting published- WOOO!- and today I got to see the first draft of the cover art for my book, Dehumanized. IT'S. FUCKING. GORGEOUS! I love it so much, but we're still fixing a few things with it, so it'll just get better! You guys are in for a treat when it comes out!

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