This is a re-post; beta-ed thanks to the awesome beta Kaitlyn(she also goes by the name RawrrrGrimm). No more awkward english and stupid grammar mistakes. (except in the author's notes) ;D
This was meant to be a oneshot but the story just kept on growing...
Disclaimers: Bleach belongs to Tite Kubo; song Shake your kitty belongs to Lady GaGa
CHAPTER 1: Caught By the Past
Shit. SHIT. SHIT! Why the hell am I running? Turn around Renji, you stupid coward... turn around!
His own voice echoed in his mind, struggling to break through the nightmare.
"Hey, would you stop moving? I can't do it right, if you are all over the place."
Shut up woman!
Still on the verge between dreams and reality Renji's confused mind started to put the pieces together quicker then he could say 'bacon'. Wait; a woman?!
"What the f—" Suddenly hearing an unfamiliar voice launched Renji upwards, but his words were muffled when his face was almost swallowed by a rather large set of breasts.
"Wow, I'm flattered, but you at least have to buy me dinner first." The owner of the abnormally large bust quipped. She was a giggly strawberry blonde in a pink shirt that fit her so tightly it was almost on the verge of tearing.
"You sure know how to make a woman blush," she added. He managed to notice there wasn't even a hint of blushing on her cheeks.
"Who are you? And where the hell am I?"
The room was spacious and clean, the complete opposite of his messy apartment. She pouted her lips and looked at him with a puppy look. "Why so cold all of a sudden?" The blonde leaned forward to expose more of her cleavage and put her hand on his bare chest covered in tattoos. "We can have dinner later."
Fuck! What's going on here? He pushed her hand away, but that only made her giggle again.
"Rangiku, if you are done shoving your boobs into his face, you can be useful and get him something to eat. Unless, he's willing to suck on those two," a deep voice called. When the dark grey eyes that accompanied that deep voice met his, Renji could feel his face turning red enough to almost match his hair. Luckily he didn't wait for an answer.
"I was just having some fun, Shuhei. He looked so lost."
"And you thought that getting suffocated will help?"
Rangiku raised her head high. "I still claim you were adopted."
She stuck out her tongue and winked to Renji, before disappearing through the door. The man sighed and approached the bed. "You must excuse my sister, she stores all of her brains in the wrong place. Here," he said as he tossed him a black shirt, "I threw yours away, I figured you're not the sewing type." Crap, that was my work uniform. Urahara will cut from my pay... again.
"Erm... thanks, I guess." When he tried to put the shirt on he felt a sudden pain in his lower abdomen. He could feel the wide cut under the bandage.
"You shouldn't strain yourself, you were beaten pretty badly. You were lucky I was walking by when I did; they weren't exactly girl scouts selling cookies."
Renji couldn't help himself but laugh. Ouch. Big mistake... Even my face hurts – just not sure, if it's from boobs or fists.
"On the plus side; at least they weren't Jehovah witnesses."
They both burst into laughter and while trying to concentrate away the pain, Renji took a moment to study his savior. Tall, lean figure with apparently enough strength to take out five guys. Short black hair didn't cover three thin scars leading over his right eye down his cheek. As a counterweight, there was a black 69 tattooed on his left cheek.
"Why are you two laughing like monkeys on crack?" Rangiku reappeared and shoved her nose into her brother's face, studying him carefully. "I didn't know it's physically possible for your face to smile."
The next moment she threw herself around Renji's neck, sending a wave of pain through his body. "You must teach me sensei," she demanded, pursing her pink lips and batting her lashes at Renji.
Renji couldn't help himself: "What, no dinner first?"
Rangiku was taken aback, and her brother started to laugh again. "He must be the first man who doesn't drool all over you, literally and figuratively speaking."
Should I be insulted?
She didn't seem to mind, quite the opposite, she joined in. "Look who's talking! They need to call an ambulance all the time, 'cos people slip on all that drool girls are leaving behind you."
Can't say I don't understand them. What am I thinking? Are you trying to get in trouble again? Renji didn't have a problem being gay, but others did and, on more than one occasion, they showed him their disapproval. Ironically, this last beating was not one of those occasions.
"Weren't you supposed to bring some food?" Shuhei's expression was once again a mask of indifference. "Or are you unable to call a delivery?"
"For your information, they don't work on the 'flash step' principle." As if the universe itself would want to prove her wrong, the doorbell rang, and made her roll her eyes. "It's a curse to have a brother who's always right."
"I'll get it. Wouldn't want you to get hurt counting change." Rangiku chucked a pillow at his retreating form, missing him completely.
A smile cracked on Renji's face. That's how family should be, taking care of one another. Somewhere on the back of his mind, an unpleasant memory was trying to force its way out. Don't! It was four years ago. It's in the past...
"Why so gloomy all of a sudden?" Big blue eyes were staring at him, making him feel uncomfortable.
"Eee... it's nothing. Just a headache."
"Liar! You have 'emo' written all over your face. I. Don't. Like. Emo!"
Where did that giggly carefree woman go?
"I get enough of somber mood from my brother. He just doesn't wanna understand, that I don't need to be protected; that it's okay to let go," she said.
Her eyes narrowed. "And we don't need another stoic, so if you need to put something out of your system, do it."
She looks like an… adult... and like... she actually cares...
The second she heard footsteps outside the room, she turned back into her old self. "Does all that ink work at repelling mosquitos, because it sure as hell does not work on jerks. That reminds me, why were you used as a punching bag?"
The rapid mood change left Renji speechless. Is she bipolar or simply crazy?
As if reading his thoughts, Shuhei spoke from the door, "Don't let it bother you, she's just crazy. Has been that way since she could talk." He entered the room and ignoring Rangiku's pouting, turned to Renji. "You think you could get up? We'll eat downstairs."
Why am I blushing like a little bitch on her first date? Pull yourself together! "Sure. I'm sorry. I should leave. It wasn't my intention to bother you," Renji said as he began moving, but unexpected pain shot through his back as he tried standing. Before he could have a closer meeting with the floor, strong hands were wrapped around his waist.
Fuck, this feels like some cheap movie, with me playing damsel in distress. "I'm fine. Just need to get home and sleep it off."
Rangiku laughed, "Sorry to break it to you, but you look like shit. Even a 24-hour beauty nap didn't do you much good."
24-hour? Wait... "Was I out the whole fucking day? Shit! What time is it? I'll be late, and I can't afford to lose my job. Fuck! I must pay rent tomorrow, I'm overdue already!"
"Calm down; your wound will start bleeding again." Shuhei grabbed his shoulders and looked him straight into his eyes. "Breathe..."
Breathe. Breathe? He is too close. I can't breathe with him this close. With every breath, his shirt revealed a muscular body underneath. To be pressed against this chest... His hands rested firmly on his shoulders. How would it feel if they would slid lower... and lower... Fuck! Breathe... Curse his silver eyes... Breathe. Slightly parted lips teased him to invade if he dares. Shit! This is not a good time to get a boner. As if things wouldn't be awkward enough, Rangiku snorted – her eyes were fixated a little lower from Renji's waist. In a panic, he pushed Shuhei away, stumbled across the room while mumbling a quick thanks and an apology, ran down the stairs and through the front door.
He ran two blocks before he collapsed breathing heavily in some back alley. Goddammit! Could it get any worse? Oh, wait – thrashed, hungry, probably soon unemployed and homeless, not to mention embarrassed and horny... It's a fucking beautiful life!
Trying to move, he found himself in even more pain than expected. How the hell did I manage to run all the way here? The answer was pressing hard against his jeans. Totally humiliated... It's a good thing I'll never see him again. He ignored the bitter taste of regret and when he unzipped the jeans, he was rock hard. While stroking his manhood, Renji's mind wandered back to Shuhei.
A slight brush against his lips almost like a tease before Shuhei's tongue attacked his mouth. Without breaking the kiss his hands slowly found their way over Renji's chest to the edge of his jeans, following the lines of his tattoos... parted from his lips, he advanced to his neck leaving his mouth free to moan in pleasure, while Shuhei's hand grabbed his cock and started to move slowly. Shuhei's tongue playing with his nipples, finishing up with a gentle bite while his hand quickened... A loud sigh left Renji's lips, when he arched his back in pleasure, asking for more. Shuhei tangled his other hand in Renji's long red hair, pressing his lips against his and swallowing down his cry of pleasure when he released.
Slowly Renji became aware of his surroundings. It was getting dark, a sign that he should head to work. Cleaning himself up he realized that at least he wasn't completely lost – he recognized the TV transmitter, which was the tallest building in Karakura town. Urahara's club was on the other side, across the river. That would be a long walk.
He reached in a back pocket, but the phone was not there. Hell no! It must be still at their place. At the same moment, he realized his wallet and keys are gone too. Fuck! Remembering Rangiku's snort... I'm not going back. Making that firm decision, he walked out of the dark alley. He was left with no other choice than to find a cab and ask Urahara to cover the expenses. And there goes half of my daily paycheck.
As expected, his boss wasn't happy about paying the taxi driver. "This is coming from your paycheck." No surprise there. Without further delay he walked toward the back door with the sign 'STAFF ONLY'.
"Where do you think you are going?"
Renji looked at his boss again, who was now hiding his face under the striped hat, and then averted his gaze to his bodyguard Tessai, standing behind him.
"I'm working here, remember?"
"Are you sure?"
A chill ran through Renji's spine. It was a shitty job, but a job nonetheless. Since he was an ex-gang member, he couldn't afford to be picky.
"You came late... again, plus making me pay for your luxurious ride..." Which you'll make sure I pay back with interest.
"Not to mention, you're not wearing your uniform, and do you honestly believe anyone would buy a drink from... a smashed pineapple." A WHAT?
Urahara hit him on the head with a fan, "I have no need for freeloaders." With that one thwack Renji could swear he just saw a whole galaxy passing by, barely managing to stay on his feet.
The whole day slowly started to crash on Renji and before he knew it, he was practically screaming at his boss.
"Listen you piece of shit. I had a crappy day and the last thing I need right now is you fucking me. I know very well I'm just a bartender, but I make you more money than your fucking whores."
"I believe the correct expression is exotic dancers."
"I don't give a rats ass how you call them. The fact is, you need me and I need this job; all that's important is who needs who more! And I will not take this damn fucking shit anymore!"
Urahara was composed as always.
"My, my... Expressing your feelings is good for your health, but..."
He raised his head just enough to meet Renji's eyes. "...ever heard of a shrink; they are paid to listen you whine. If you can't afford one, get a friend." Right to the gut.
Renji had a lot of acquaintances and coworkers he got along with, but none he could call a friend. As an orphan, he was pushed from one foster family to another. Thanks to his unnatural red hair, others saw him as a misfit and treated him accordingly. He soon learned that no matter how hard he tries, he couldn't change what people wanted to see, so eventually he stopped trying. It was the time with one extremely abusive family, where everybody made it their job to hit, beat, burn and otherwise injure the nine-year-old that made Renji lose the understanding of the word 'trust'. He was about that age, when he ran away and joined the gang.
"But…" Urahara opened his famous fan and covered his mouth. "As a businessmen it is my obligation to fire you from your bartending position." Fucking bastard.
"And as a businessmen..." Try 'as an asshole' and I may believe you. "I offer you a job as a security guard."
"Excuse me?" Did I just hallucinate?
"No need to apologize now."
Urahara closed his fan just to smack him again.
"A guy who can take that much beating and still stands is a valuable asset."
Turning around, he didn't even give him a chance to argue.
"You know where the security staff room is; find yourself a uniform, which will be of course cut from your first pay. You start tomorrow."
Still not completely convinced that he's not dreaming and he's actually lying somewhere in a ditch, Renji pushed open the door. The very first day he walked through that door, he was taken away with all the rush and noise that filled the corridors, but after three and a half years it felt almost like a second home. He got along well with everybody, not counting a few exceptions.
"Hey, Renji. Boss was looking for you. He didn't look... holy shit! What happened to you? You could be a walking commercial for plastic surgery gone wrong."
"Thanks for the update Mayuri. I see you're still sticking to the Egyptian Pharaoh theme." Boss's pet...
"You should go easy on the eyeliner. On the other hand, don't change a thing; if ladies could see your true face, they would run screaming, and that would be bad for business."
Seeing the star of the Ladies' Night shows gasp in search of a snarky response soothed Renji's foul mood. Moving to leave, he called over his shoulder, "Sorry, don't have all night. Get back to me when your brains reboot a voice mode."
The security staff room was strategically placed near the entrance to the stage in order to prevent overly excited customers to access the backstage, and to provide a quick help to the dancers if any client was feeling too enthusiastic.
Before entering the room he peeked to the stage. He immediately recognized a short figure with two long braids. Although she is flat chested, Soifon is a master of pole dancing. He noticed two white cat ears sticking out of her head and couldn't help but smile, when he realized which song is being played:
Shake your kitty
Shake your kitty (meow)
Put your arms around me, babe
I'm giving you permission to feel me...
She really has a touch for details.
It took him longer than anticipated to get his new uniform. Urahara somehow forgot to update the chief of the security about my new promotion. Typical. His new outfit consisted of an ordinary pair of black jeans and a black T-shirt, with an official logo of Urahara's nightclub Benihime: a woman with dark loose hair in a crimson kimono exposing her left shoulder. It would be easier to just make badges, and cheaper. The only difference between his old get-up and the new one was 'SECURITY' written on the back.
Cold night air cleared his head while he was trying to walk as normal as his bruised body allowed him. Usually a short thirty minutes long walk to his apartment, today felt like a slow-motion-marathon. Passing a construction site, he remembered last night. Cowardly bastards! Five to one seems hardly fair...
"Well if it isn't my favorite redhead!"
Renji immediately recognized the voice of a gang boss, Ganryu. He was leaning against the wall, hiding his face in the shadows. Four more silhouettes appeared, cutting off his exits.
With more audacity than he felt, Renji stepped closer to his former leader.
"I thought you prefer blondes."
Di Roy chuckled but in an instant covered it with a cough under Ganryu's strict look.
"Have you finally grown some balls? The last time you were whining like a little bitch."
He blew cigarette smoke straight into Renji's face.
It took a lot of self-restraint for him not to flinch.
"It's funny to hear you talk about balls, when you brought four extra pairs with you."
He glanced around; Di Roy, known also as the Hammerhead, was smirking, showing his sharpened teeth; Abirama the Birdbrain, as Renji called him, was scowling at him with arms crossed over his chest; and Edrad the Fire-fist was cracking his knuckles. The fourth face was unknown to Renji, but it gave him the creeps; the snake-like face with silvery-white hair and slit eyes was grinning, his relaxed posture radiated intimidation. Renji could easily imagine that this guy toys with people for his own personal amusement in ways that cause nightmares to the toughest.
Ganryu threw the cigarette away, moved closer and firmly grabbed Renji's crotch, while whispering into his left ear,"Your balls belong to me. Or did you think that you can just walk away?" He removed the hand giving him just enough time to swallow the yelp, before jabbing him in the stomach, leaving him gasping for air.
"The first rule, if you are stupid enough to leave the gang, is never to settle."
Renji could see Edrad's fist drawing closer to his face, but Ganryu's punch immobilized him just enough to slow down his reaction. Blood filled his mouth, but he managed to stay on his feet.
Feeling adrenalin pumping through his veins, he quickly moved backwards avoiding a new punch directed to his nose and slammed his own fist into Edrad's lower jaw.
From the left side Abirama launched himself at Renji, throwing him out of balance. He dodged the next blow to the solar plexus, but failed to notice Di Roy coming at him from behind. A wave of pain shot through his body, when Di Roy hit him in the lower back. Instinctively, he turned around and swung at his head, but the strike was stopped by Edrad grabbing his wrist. Before he knew it, Edrad's elbow landed in his face.
He was thrown back, clutching his broken nose, blood dripping through his fingers. Giving Renji no time to rest, Abirama kicked him straight in the chest, knocking all air out of him. Another kick was aimed at his head and Renji barely had enough time to duck and strike back, right in the nuts.
Ignoring the pain, he stood up and had just enough time to see a slight shimmer on the blade of Di Roy's knife, before it cut through his flesh. Blood gushed from the wound, but somehow he felt almost no pain.
A large hand grabbed his neck and pressed him against the wall. Still holding him, Edrad clutched his other palm into a fist, ready to strike. Renji looked pass Edrad's shoulders seeing the new guy and Ganryu standing at the side; Ganryu glaring at him with malicious eyes, and only one thought run through Renji's mind 'They'll kill me'. He looked back at Edrad and noticed a trail of blood leading down his chin giving him the satisfaction of knowing he didn't go down without a fight…
Remembering Ganryu made him shiver in anger and disgust. Fucking shithead! Renji saw and did a lot of crap, crap that could easily send him to jail, but he still had boundaries; Ganryu didn't. He was also the reason why Renji left the gang after eleven years.
Finally reaching his apartment with a number 78 attached to the door, he remembered he doesn't have keys. Hell no! He kicked the door achieving nothing. Just can't have a break. Weary, he sat down and leaned against the door, his eyes closed. I could call the landlady to give me an extra key, but she's creeping me out with those Chappy cookies and her giggly attitude. Beside, it's kinda late. ... I could go back...
A flashback of gray eyes slowly turning down… No fucking way, I'd rather sleep on a bench! He bumped with the back of his head into the door... tap... Phone wasn't worth much... tap... Wallet was empty anyway... tap... I want my keys back... tap... Need a bed... Without a warning, the door was gone and Renji fell backwards, finding himself staring at torn dark blue jeans.
Gray eyes were staring down on him. "Aren't you supposed to try and open the door first? I left it unlocked you know."
"What... what are you doing here?" Shit, am I brain damaged?
Renji was still lying on his back, trying to rationalize why Shuhei was in his apartment. "How did you find me?"
Shuhei grabbed his arm and helped him get up. "Your ID." Seeing Renji's blank face, he added, "Your wallet."
"Oh, right." Could I be more retarded?
"By the way, since I know your name it's only fair you know mine; I'm Hisagi Shuhei."
"Abarai Renji." He replied out of habit before his brain caught up with his mouth. Fucking hell. Idiot, he just said he already knows!
Renji kicked his shoes off and walked inside, "I would invite you in but you already took care of that."
"What was I supposed to do, wait outside like a stray cat?" Shuhei closed the door and followed Renji in. "Beside, you have freaky neighbors – I mean, who wears a pajama with bunny ears?"
"That's my landlady; she's obsessed with Chappy."
"I would say she's obsessed with someone else too..." He glanced meaningfully at Renji.
"It felt like being interrogated." But Renji wasn't listening to him anymore. How the hell did this happen? When did I step into another dimension... or am I actually dead and is this some kind of 'soul society'? Ah, screw it!
"Wanna beer?"
"Actually, I already helped myself."
"You don't waste your time, do you?"
He took a beer for himself and sat on the couch, turned the TV on and watched Shuhei riffle for something in the grocery bag.
"That's the least you can do for someone who saved your life." He pulled out a bento box and handed it to Renji. "It's your share. Unagiya-san makes the best grilled eels."
What are you, a fucking housewife?
"Thanks."
The corners of Shuhei's lips twitched, like he would try to suppress a smile. "If you were wondering, I don't own an apron."
Shuhei plopped down next to Renji; fiddling with his beer, he looked like someone who couldn't quite decide whether to talk or not. After a moment of silence, Shuhei finally spoke. "I was always the responsible one and taking care of my sister after our parents died. Plus, after—" His eyes darkened. "I hate bullies picking on the weak."
I know that look. Hate, anger, and disgust over your own powerlessness. Wait! What?
"Did you just call me weak?"
Shuhei raised one eyebrow. "Maybe not weak, but face it, fighting three gorillas barehanded. Not the smartest choice."
He pointed to the chair, where he left his leather jacket. At first Renji didn't know what he's trying to show him, but then he noticed a gun lying on a nearby table, filled with leftovers from his yesterdays lunch.
"SIG-Sauer P226 chambered in .40 S&W with a 12 round magazine."
"I prefer P220, it has more kick. I like it hard."
Did I really just say that? Stupid, stupid, stupid...
"Could you lift your shirt?" Wait what? Why does he— "You're bleeding."
Looking down, Renji could see a dark stain forming on his shirt. When did... Shuhei's voice cut across his thoughts, "Where do you keep a first-aid kit?"
"In the bathroom, above the sink."
Before Renji could comprehend the situation, Shuhei was back with the first-aid.
"Need help with the shirt?" Renji blushed. Fuck you, he thought, but took the shirt off nevertheless.
The bandages wrapped around his torso were drenched in blood.
"You must still be in shock, from losing too much blood," Shuhei said, "I'm amazed you're still conscious." When old bandages were removed, Shuhei took a wet towel and started gently wiping off dried stains.
Renji's pulse quickened. Shit! Think… think… ah, what to think? ! ! With Shuhei's face so close, he blurted out the first thing it came to mind.
"What does 69 mean?"
"It's my favorite position."
Renji gawked at Shuhei, searching for any signs of sarcasm. Fucking not helping! Thankfully Shuhei distracted him. "This will sting a little." He pressed the gauze with iodine on the wound. Holy crap! That's a great cock-blocker. Fuck!
After Renji was freshly bandaged, Shuhei quickly picked up his things. "I should go now; Rangiku will probably worry." Renji was still in a daze of lust and pulsating pain. "Yeah, it would be best."
Seeing Renji trying to get up, Shuhei pushed him gently back to the couch. "Don't strain yourself. I know where the door is." He took two steps towards the door and froze for a second, as if undecided. Before he could react, Shuhei moved closer and pressed his lips against Renji's.