Without You

Chapter 1

The dim light of the setting sun illuminated their laughter as the two boys ran barefoot through the shrubs and the dirt, racing each other to the lake. July's sticky, humid heat was slowly wearing down, but that wouldn't stop the boys from indulging in the lake's cool water. Their little feet scurrying through the brush scared away the scattering bugs and creatures hiding in the grass. Neither seemed to notice as the fireflies dispersed to make room for the racing children.

The taller boy threw aside his dirty tank top in favor of feeling the water against his sunburned skin. He released a sigh of relief followed by unfettered laughter, high-pitched and unabashed.

The more petite boy waited at the water's edge, dipping a dirt-laden toe into the water hesitantly. He was less attuned to free playtime and childhood laughter. He didn't understand this way of life. He was a child just like his friend, but he didn't feel like one. He peered over at the other boy in the water as if asking for permission to enter.

"What are you waiting for?" The boy in the lake turned, a small wicked smile spread across his lips, "Don't chicken out now just cause you have to get your pretty little feet dirty."

"T-That's not it." The smaller boy wrapped his arms around himself. His ebony hair fell forward to cover his expression, "I've never played in a lake before. What am I meant to do?"

The smile quickly faded from the other boy's lips as a slight frown tugged his lips downward. "Man, I knew you were sheltered, but this is just kinda sad. Here." He walked up to the water's edge, using small arms to hoist up his petite, dark-haired friend.

"In you go!" He carried his small friend into the water, careful not to overwhelm him by submerging him all at once. "See, it's not that bad."

"Renji!" The smaller boy called out his friend's name and flinched as the cold water soaked through his pants and most of his shirt. He resisted the urge to shiver as the cold bit into his skin.

Renji laughed; his wolfish grin was practically contagious and brought his friend into the same laughter. The two boys began howling with a chuckle that eventually escalated into downright giggles.

"Byakuya..." Renji managed between his giggles, "You really are so funny. You're not even trying, though."

"I am not!" A tiny fist slapped against Renji's chest. "You are making fun of me now!"

They looked at one another, and Byakuya's thin lips turned into an over-exaggerated frown. The silence stretched on for exactly one moment before they broke out into boisterous laughter again.

"That's it, dude, into the deep end you go." Renji's tanned arms continued to hoist up the pale boy as he trudged through the thick mud at the bottom of the pond.

"No, no, no! Please, I'm sorry, I won't slap you again!" Byakuya began squirming as he saw his fate approaching.

The water level rose to his shoulders as they went in deeper. Unfortunately, his strength was unparalleled to his friend. His life of luxury had afforded him slender arms and unmarred skin. The same could not be said of his red-haired kidnapper. Renji offered his friend one more smirk.

"Farewell, Kuchiki Byakuya." He managed his most formal tone before dropping the boy from his arms ceremoniously.

Byakuya flailed as his body hit the water, sputtering as his nostrils filled with murky lake water. When he pushed himself back up to the surface of the water, he coughed. His black hair had fallen in front of his eyes, making him look like a Japanese folklore ghost. He decided to use this creepy comparison to his advantage.