To Protect

Fact: Many of the made up names are warped versions of my friends' names. Except we got lazy and just decided to name the worthless thugs A-whatever. ::giggles:: P.
Fact: I hate this chapter, if you hate it too, please don't give up on me.

THANKS TO TRUELY WISHED FOR BETAing FOR ME AGAIN. I'm purdy certian this has been a painful journy for you.

A.N.: The end of this chapter is so fluffy it tastes like cotton candy.

**-_-**

"Don't you ever let me catch you stealin' from me again or I’ll kill yer ass." The fat merchant slurred clubbing a defenseless red-headed boy. "Ya hear me, boy?"

"Fuck you old man," The boy replied, his spirit unbroken.

Stars exploded in the young boy’s head before he slumped to the ground, unconscious. There as blood on the club, the majority of which was not from the freshly inflicted head wound, but the severe beating he gave the child. Staring down at the broken body, the fat merchant spat on the boy. The sight of the street kids made him disgusted, reminding him of a time that he was
like that. The fat merchant tried to forget how many throats he had to slit to be where he was today.

Slowly he made his way back to his booth with the stolen goods.

Life went on as normal; people stepped over, or around the unconscious boy curled up on the ground. He, like many others, was just another victim of circumstance. It was better for him to die now then suffer on the streets, starving to death very slowly. Even if someone would take him in, no one wanted anouther mouth to feed. Kill, or be killed. Steal, or starve to death. Those were the rules.

"Renji are you still alive?" A small boy finally approached him once the merchant left. "Y... You didn't have to protect me."

A grin crossed the bloody face of the red-headed boy. "I know I just felt like it."

"C...Can you get up?"

"... No, my legs are broken."

Broken legs, a death sentence in the Soul Society; worse if one felt hunger. If not set properly, they could heal wrong disabling the person. Though none lived long enough for that to happen. If no one pitied him, it was over. Even set he would probably starve to death. Gently the boy that Renji saved patted his back.

"I'll try to find someone to help you." With that the boy was gone.

Settling himself into the dusty road Renji prepared himself for his final death.

**-_-**

Slowly Renji woke from his dream. With disgust, he recalled how he was nothing but a skeleton by the time he could walk again. Stretching Renji took in the room, it was early morning. Renji hoped he'd sleep in until after noon so he didn't have to bear another day laying in bed. Four days was enough, four days of near isolation.

"Renji, you’re awake?" It was Isshin who was tending to Ichigo.

Two days prior, the orange haired teen started to run a high fever. His breath came in gasps now, sweat beaded his skin and soaked the sheets. Isshin never really told him anything, but he knew the inevitable truth; Ichigo was dying. Shamefully Renji turned his head away from Isshin. He couldn't face the man, it was his fault he was going to lose his son. The brother of two precious little girls. It was no wonder Isshin had avoided talking to him. Conscious of Isshin's eyes on him, Renji began to rub his arm.

"Renji..." Isshin walked around the bed "It's about time you get up for a little bit. That and we have to have a talk."

With great care, Isshin prepped Renji to move. Together they made their way to the kitchen. There Isshin set out two giant bowls of ice cream. The mood was solemn as Renji stared at the details of his ice cream. The texture, the bumps, the color. Taking the spoon in his hand he began to play with it. Strawberry, it was strawberry ice cream. Fuck, Shinigami knew how to handle their emotions, they didn't fall apart like this. Grumbling, Renji dropped his spoon.

"I'm sorry Isshin, I'm so, so, sorry Isshin." Renji yelled cringeing at the memory of the fateful night’s events.

"Otou-San!" Isshin corrected taking a bite of his ice cream. "And apology unaccepted."

Even though he understood, Isshin's response surprised him. Like a lost puppy Renji stared at Isshin watching as he took another slow bite of ice cream. Sadly he turned to his ice cream; grabbing the spoon he began to twirl it in his ice cream again.

"Renji, do you know how many times so far Ichigo has nearly died?" Isshin asked secretly hinting at the events of the last year.

"No."

"I know it may sound strange to you, but I'm numb to this. I could get angry, blame you, after all you are the one who got my son arrested. I could sit here pointing fingers, but it wouldn't matter. All I would do is hurt you, my daughters, myself, and my patients that depend on me. Renji my point is, nothing would change what is. Come what may, I have faith in him, that he’ll do the right thing and do his best to come home to his family.

Ichigo is just like his mother, no matter the cost he would protect anyone. She died giving her life to save his. I could do nothing to save her. In my rage I blamed myself, I was just a regular person that night, not a doctor when I got the news I gave to so many families. For years Ichigo blamed himself for her death, because of my actions. Once a weak boy, that always cried while holding on to his mama, he had to grow up."

Slowly Renji took a bite of ice cream, it was the only thing he could think to do. Looking up he spotted the large poster on the wall. There staring back so happily was a woman who bore a striking resemblance to Ichigo. Isshin was also looking at it, face showing no emotion, but he seemed to age. The weight of the situation bore down on the red head, his mind screamed rebelliously. Always the smartass, the red-headed Shinigami had nothing to say.

"I am hoping that Ichigo is not going to die." Isshin put simply. "But he's beyond my help, if you want to move rooms, I can move you now that the clinic is empty, or if you really like I can send you back to Ishida Hospital."

As if reality didn't give Renji enough blows tonight. "No, it's alright, no one should have to die alone."

"So, how is your back, any better?" Isshin's face had the same old stupid grin.

"DON'T GIVE ME THAT FAKE I'M HAPPY CRAP AFTER THAT SPEACH OLD MAN!" Renji threw his spoon at Isshin hitting him in the face. "EXSPECIALLY WHEN YOU JUST TOLD ME ICHIGO IS GOING TO DIE!!"

**-_-**

For another day Ichigo clung unto life, Renji bore with the sounds of the dying teen. Clutching his hand, he stared at the pale sweat beaded face. Just the other day his father had put a breathing tube in. The beauty of his face was marred by tubes and tape. Softly Renji placed a kiss on Ichigo's hand, squeezing it tighter. He prayed Ichigo would feel him there and fight. Desperately he just wanted to cry. However he couldn't, Karin remained strong, same with Isshin seeing Ichigo like this, and they were his family.

"Abarai, Vice-Captain Abarai."

Groaning Renji opened his eyes, it was now night, he must have fallen asleep. "Who?"

"It's Rikichi, can you believe it Captain Kuchiki let me come here!" A young voice replied. "Hanatarou is with me too. Sad to say, but we are both being punished."

"I know what he did, Rikichi, what did you do?" Renji asked looking over at Ichigo.

"I've never been great with the hell butterflies.”

"How is he?" Renji asked referring to Ichigo.

"He's in trouble, but it's nothing I can't heal... How about you Vice-Captain Abarai?"

"Just call me Renji, cut the formal shit. We’re not in Soul Society." Renji snapped. "And besides being paralyzed physically, I am fine."

"Sorry, I can't heal you Renji, Captain Kuchiki insisted I let you heal normally as punishment for the anonymous communication we received. I think he's unhappy you didn't call, Renji."

"Yeah well, my communicator got shattered when I got hit by a car...." Renji paused and milled over the anonymous communication part. "I wonder who sent the message."

"I don't know, but don't worry," Hanatarou's voice perked up. "I healed your back as much as I can without anyone noticing. I'm pretty certain you can move around now without risking further damage... However I'd give your body a day more to rest."

"... I slept through all of this." Renji blurted out.

"Yes, you were sound asleep Vice-Captain Abarai!" Rikichi responded.

"Hmph, just heal Ichigo please." Renji muttered, placing a hand over his eyes.

**-_-**

Over night, Ichigo's fever broke, his internal injuries healed, there was no sign of head trauma, and he began breathing on his own. Other the original cuts and bruises, he looked fine. To anyone normal it was a miracle! Though just as a precaution, his father left him on oxygen, but otherwise they expected a full recovery.

Twice Yuzu burned breakfast, she could hardly contain her glee, today might be the day her brother wakes.

"NO! Onii-San don't eat that, it's burned!" Yuzu scolded.

"I like it burned," Renji shouted back.

"Let him eat it burned, he's like the dog Dad never let us have." Karin said. "Come here Fido, come get the piece of toast."

"Bite me!"

"KARIN, do not pick on crippled people." Isshin scolded. "Just park them in a corner they can't get out of."

"Otou-San that's mean!" Yuzu spoke softly, holding up a spatula.

"OH MY SWEET MASAKI YOUR LOVELY LOVELY DAUGHTER CALLED ME MEAN! WHAT HAVE I DONE WRONG!" Isshin cried to the poster on the wall.

Karin threw a cup at Isshin's head that connected solidly. "Stop talking to that poster like it's Mom. It's just disturbing!"

"Stop it guys, the food’s getting cold."

"That and you’re making my head hurt." Ichigo growled leaning against the doorway.

From days of neglect, Ichigo's usual spiky orange hair was limply hanging around his face. The last few days of not eating had left him several pounds lighter. You could see the details of his ribs and the fine details of his collar bone, even the finer details of the tendons in his wrists as he moved. Bandages still wrapped around Ichigo's shirtless torso. Silence descended on the kitchen as they all stared at Ichigo. Scratching his head, Ichigo pushed himself off the wall; his body felt so weak.

"YOU’RE - LAZY!"

Ducking down, Ichigo barely dodged a kick from Isshin.

"Breakfast started at 7!"

"IS THAT HOW YOU GREET YOUR SON?!" Ichigo shouted. "WHEN I JUST WOKE UP IN THE CLINIC AFTER WHO KNOWS HOW LONG! I'M INJURED YOU KNOW!"

"SILENCE! NO MATTER WHAT THE REASON, TO HE WHO INTERUPTS THIS HOUSEHOLD'S IRON HARMONY, ONLY A PUNISHEMENT OF BLOOD CAN BE RENDERED!" Isshin yelled louder, shaking a fist at Ichigo.

"OH SHUT UP I NEVER ASKED TO GET MY ASS KICKED!" Father and son where face to face.
"Ichigo..." Yuzu clutched the spatula to her chest.

"Yuzu, just let them be, can I have some more eggs please."

"But... ok, Renji do you want more?"

"Y... Yes, shouldn't we stop them?" Renji asked staring at Ichigo and Isshin fighting.

"They'll burn out eventually," Karin looked dully at her food.

A quick fist from Isshin flew steadily towards Ichigo's face.

"IN WHAT WORLD DOES A SANE FATHER TRY TO BEAT UP HIS INJURED SON!!?” Ichigo shouted grabbing Isshin's fist and twisting, then pinning Isshin on the floor. "Renji, you still here?!"

Renji watched as Isshin tried to struggle out of Ichigo's grasp. From what he saw so far, Ichigo's speed and ability to dodge was explained. Ichigo twisted his father’s arm and he swore he heard a pop. Grinning Renji settled down to study the orange haired boy. Ichigo was still weak, sweat beaded down his forehead from exertion, but he still had the upper hand with his father.

“Yeah," Renji replied finally. "I'm kinda stuck, but I got a new skill this morning."

"What would that be?"

"I can move my toes."

"Move your toes, wait, Renji what are you saying?"

"AN OPENING." Isshin grabbed Ichigo and tempted to pin him, but only found himself pinned even more uncomfortably.

"I'm paralyzed, Ichigo, but otou-san said it's only temporary..." Renji suddenly didn't feel like eating.

"Renji... When?"

"It's alright. Ichigo, how are you feeling?"

"Oddly tired, and hungry."

"Then quite fighting Dad and get some food before our dog eats it all." Karin snapped.

"I AM NOT YOUR DOG!" Renji yelled.

Ichigo twisted Isshin's arm hard. "Call it quits old man, or do I have to break your arm."

"I surrender, I surrender."

The world spun as Ichigo stood up, shakily he walked to the table and sat next to Karin. It was still early to be moving, Ichigo knew it, and ignored it. Slouching, he stared down at the table. Awed by her brother’s presence Yuzu sat a bowl of food in front of him. Then she went over to their father, who sat sniffling on the floor rubbing an arm against his eyes.

"Ichigo twisted my arm really hard."

"There, there." Yuzu patted Isshin on the head.

"You reap what you sow." Renji and Karin mumbled together.

"Yuzu, quit fawning over that loser and get over here." Ichigo growled.

Ever obedient, Yuzu walked over to Ichigo. Reaching out her big brother pulled her into an embrace. As he held her tightly, Yuzu could feel his heartbeat. Longing for comfort she so desired, but often denied herself Yuzu buried her face in the orange haired teen’s shoulder. Silent tears fell as she hugged him back. Ichigo's hand held Yuzu's head as his fingers gently massaged her scalp.

"You don't have to be a hardass, and pretend like nothing bothers you."

Ichigo scolded, "That is why we have Karin."

Karin kicked Ichigo, who cringed.

"I was so scared I would lose you onii-san."

Pulling out of the embrace, he offered her a soothing smile as he wiped away her tears. "You know why big brothers are born first?"

Yuzu shook her head.

"It's so they can protect any little brothers or sisters that come along. So dry those tears. I promise I won't ever leave you unprotected."

Eventually the situation in the kitchen quieted.It was time for the clinic to open, despite wanting to celebrate that his son was back in good health, there was people to see. Karin stormed back up to her room after again declaring her dislike for the red-head in the kitchen. Yuzu wandered off to do errands. It just left Ichigo and Renji in the kitchen. Ichigo's eating slowed to a steady pecking. Renji watched as the Shinigami substitute struggled to keep himself awake.

"Yo, Ichigo, move closer."

Surprisingly there was no fight from Ichigo as he slid his chair next to Renji. Tiredly he leaned against the red-headed Shinigami, adjusting himself so the wheelchair arm didn't bruise his side. He could feel Renji's arm wrap around him. Ever since he met Renji, he had been his rival. Even up until they were attacked, they tried their best to up each other. But what once was hatred, turned to mutual friendship. Could it be changing yet again?

Taking a steadying breath, Ichigo could smell Renji, and it made him ache.

"What happened after I lost consciousness. I can tell your father is withholding something from me, same with Hanatarou." Renji's deep voice rumbled in his chest. "That and the cops were nosing around, something about you killed a few kids, and mutilated another."

Ichigo's hand grasped Renji's shirt, he did not want to recall that. The feel of Sakura's hands on his hips as he was raped. The pain from his body as he was unwillingly thrust into. The feel of Sakura's tongue crept up Ichigo's spine in eerie remembrance sending a cold chill down Ichigo's spine. But, what had happened after that? Numbness grew over Ichigo's body as he tried to recall what happened after the finial thrust.

"I... I... Don't want to talk about it."

"Whatever."

By the tension in Renji's muscles he could tell the older man was annoyed. Something slippery touched Ichigo's lips. He could feel the slide of chop sticks against his skin. Slowly Ichigo opened his mouth, carefully Renji fed him some eggs. Chewing softly he let the memories of Sakura fade, concentrating on the man beside him. After he swallowed, he felt the same feeling brush his lips. Ichigo could fight Renji, after all he didn't need to be fed, he could do it on his own. No, he just wanted to stay like this, leaning against Renji with his eyes closed, taking in every movement of the Shinigami.

This couldn't last forever, or could it?