sorry for the late update.. life..
Time After Time
[x10x]
After an awkward day of furniture shopping, stomach-flipping events that almost consisted of spilling ones guts of hidden feelings and secrets that were purposely stowed away for so long, and a slightly surprising night that had Ichigo sharing words of his jealousy between both Rangiku and Abarai's relationship with a promise of a hangout that vaguely sounded like semi-psuedo-alternate reality date of sorts, Renji couldn't find it within his body to get in a good nights rest.. instead, the man was left tossing and turning uncomfortably, constantly waking up at all hours of the night, going back to bed, then repeating the same process almost religiously until the man just couldn't take it anymore.
It was already 4 in the morning, and rather try to get his few winks of sleep in, Renji brought himself to wander aimlessly in the dark of his home, then eventually into the kitchen. It was there he managed to put together a kettle of instant coffee- a kettle that was made within the nice new Keurig coffee brewer Rangiku's impulsively brought for'im just the other day..
The simple thought of it left Renji to release an almost silent grunt as he poured the brew into an emerald mug, brought it to his lips and cautiously blew on it a few times before he aimed his sights all around his kitchen then wander his home.
It already looked like a completely different place thanks to Rangiku's touches, what with the nice furniture, elegantly placed decorations and other miscellaneous things that screamed 'Hey! Here was a womans touch!'.. It was.. different, and also nice!- but it wasn't Renji's style at all..
If anything the man felt he should've made a quick trip to a local supply store, purchase a large Garage Sale sign and have whoever stopped by have at his merchandise.. but then again, Abarai did have a heart, and even though he felt very awkward in his home, he was ultimately thankful for Rangiku's selflessness..
It wasn't everyday that a friend of his was up and ready to jump around and purchase a house worth of stuff for him, so that was different, especially since whenever Renji felt he needed something he was always the one to struggle, save up and get it on his own.. but.. this of course was very different, and it was only done for something that Matsumoto took and accepted to be her fault at the end of the day.
Freezing in thought and standing awkwardly in the middle of his living room, Renji felt his soul go cold as he replayed the words Matsumoto spoke of the other night in his head and bring goosebumps made of nerves and guilt to rise.
Last night, Matsumoto said that she had done all this because she still felt guilty about what happened to Renji- About his parents kicking him out and pretty much banishing him from their lives..
Though Renji was aware that Matsumoto played her parts in the past, he didn't at all feel that she was at fault for anything that happened to him. What happened happened.. and Renji knew that had it not, then he wouldn't be the man he was today.. granted he knew he wasn't perfect, he was also aware that deep down he accepted who he was, who he wasn't and what he did at the end of the day.
He was Renji Abarai, a man left behind by the parents who had thought to please but ultimately didn't and now wandered the streets of Karakura to make a living and support himself on his own by having a decent job, getting himself an education and being supported by close friends who accepted him... for.. who they think he is..
Lowering his eyes to that last bit then bringing his free hand to rub his eyes then the temples of his head, Renji groaned yet again, hating his flaws and what he kept from the people he cared for, however painfully accepting them nevertheless..
Carefully swallowing a sip of his coffee, then making his way to the couch in the center of the room to take a seat. Renji sat in the dark, setting down his mug of liquid java on the coffee table before him and staring at his powered off tv as the thoughts of both he and Rangiku's unfortunate past played out in his head like a terrible movie..
Back then, during his teenage years, Renji had gone through an irritating pattern in his life which consisted of enduring long burdening days of jr high/highschool drama and events, desperately trying to keep his teenage urges and random thoughts under control all the while stressing over his inner secrets and finding ways to keep them safe, only to come home to his parents at the end of the day and be bombarded by conversations that consisted of what was to be his fate by the time graduation came around the corner.
This cycle was something that Renji was literally suffering to get used to, but as the days dragged on and passed, it was only a matter of time before his parents actually pushed for the marriage process to hurry, or at least get the guy to understand and accept what was going to happen sooner or later- this meaning, that they dragged Matsumoto's family into his life no less than 4 months after his 17th birthday.
Renji remembered wanting to vomit his very stomach out that day.
Feeling the air from his lungs slowly escape him and body grow heavy as if an otherworldly pressure fell upon him.
He felt trapped, shackled and rushed into being with a person that he had only heard stories about and wanted so desperately to get away and out of his situation without him having to say anything to upset his parents or bring them to be upset with him in return. Of course this left Renji with no other options but to roll with the punches, no matter hard they were.. so.. as the days continued to pass, Renji was left to realize that both he and Matsumoto went to the same schools and also spend time with her due to both their parents requests..
It was something that Renji thought would be like pulling hairs- and it was at first! But after getting to know Rangiku and having her find out everything about him.. Renji found her to be an unbelievable person, and after everything he was so glad they were introduced.
Feeling his lips slowly stretch due to his wandering mind attempting to bring the man to relive past adventures with Matsumoto, Renji was unfortunately interrupted by a knock at the door that at first alerted him, but made him groan as he stood from his couch and approached said entrance/exit.
He felt no need to look through the peephole, as he had already determined who was on the other side judging by the time and past actions only...
Groaning yet again but unlocking and opening his door an inch to peer out, Renji squinted out to the dark hall but flinched hearing the sound of what sounded like a rattling tea and tray set and sensing said objects near the door and ultimately his face. Pulling back by just an inch then maneuvering his right hand to turn on the light switch for the living room, Renji was sure to open his door wider and groan yet again as he saw Kisuke's big, wide, and disgustingly goofy smile bridge across his face as he lifted a cream colored tray with two mugs of the same color and a loaf of plastic wrapped cake just atop.
Renji could only grimace at the sight of the overall image outside of his door..
". . .What do you want?"
"I brought a gift." Kisuke responded, letting out a soft laugh as he lifted the tray even higher. "Will you let me in?"
"No. Look, I have work and-"
"I'm aware. I just want to give you this Renji."
Jumping to the words and widening his eyes in surprise, a dumb look overcame Abarai's face as he watched the blonde ease the tray he held into the redheads hands then made his way into his home, looking it over then letting out a lighthearted sigh.
"She really did up the place huh?... Though I must admit, this doesn't look like it'd be your style at all." he uttered, admitting that last bit with a nervous chuckle as he looked to Renji from over his shoulder.
Renji silently grunted in response, knowing that to be true, but never daring to agree with the man at all. Instead, he shut his eyes and let out a slow breath that also brought ease to a few nerves aching in his brain.
"..What're you doing here?"
"Hm? I told you, I brought you a gift." Urahara answered, before turning full circle with a point. "What you're holding is a couples tea set that I bought for myself a long time ago, but as luck would turn out, I'm a single man and you can't exactly enjoy a couples tea set if you're single," he laughed, earning no jestful responses, just a cold and almost apathetic expression from Renji. "-haha, erm.. so I thought you might like it- and look it goes so well with your new furniture!"
Looking to have his head in the clouds and eyes to the stars, Renji simply stared in space for a few seconds before looking to the tea set he held and repeating the only word he caught from Kisuke.
"Couple..s?" he mumbled, before getting blue in the face. "Oh god-.. look.. that's.. nice and all, but I don't really want any of your gifts."
"Hm? Why not?"
"Because I already told you that I don't like you, so will you quit trying to kiss my ass by doing this unnecessary crap and visiting my house so early in the day? I'll have you know, I was resting comfortably until you got here.."
Kisuke allowed himself to blink once before he lowered his eyes and sported a genuine smile. This was a look that Renji took as the guy attempting to be smug, so immediately he got fired up over such a reaction.
"! ? , the hell is that look for?"
"..Renji.. You and I both know you didn't just wake up."
" ! , Y-You don't-"
"Your home smells like fresh coffee, a scent that only fills a room when coffee grounds are actually being brewed into a pot of hot water. It takes at least 15 to 20 minutes for water, especially water filling a coffee pot, to come to a boil and at least about 6 or 7 minutes for coffee to actually 'brew'.. plus, minus the fact that you answered the door in less than 60 seconds, I can see that your still warm coffee is sitting on the table here." the man explained while looking to the coffee table then shifting his stare at the powered off television and making another guess. "..Hmm.. And your tv's off.. You've been sitting here thinking about something.." he finished, finally returning his stare to Renji. "Is something bothering you?"
" ! -Yeah, you." the redhead shot back in an irritated tone of voice as he stomped over to blonde and posed himself at a reasonable distance. "Listen, I already made it clear that I don't like you, so your means of making your way into my house to play detective and shower me with shitty gifts isn't going to change that-" he said in a promise as he forced the man to hold his tray set again.
Kisuke stumbled in response, a worried expression sure to befall his face as the tea set he held rattled loud and echoed the room, alerting him in thinking the cups would fall, but after gaining balance, he stood straight and frowned to Renji- his mindset being clear in wanting to stay and continue to talk, except this time, getting straight to the point as to why he was really here.
"Renji-"
"Get out and stop bothering me."
Rather than do so, Kisuke's lips quivered for a second- mostly because he wasn't sure as to what he could say in response to that demand, but rather than dwell at the lack of words he mustered, the blonde instead smiled from ear to ear, making Renji flinch and sport a weird face.
"What the-"
"Listen Renji, even though you've made it very clear that you don't want me around or to be kind to you, I just can't do that. I understand that you don't like me, Renji, and I'm not asking you to just change your mind overnight. But due to this job, I'm going to worry about my residents."
"Er-?"
"You told me how much you don't like me.. I understand and respect that, but to me, the people who live in this complex are people I can't help but look over and be concerned about as the days pass.." he started, watching Renji squint- confused. "..after your friends left, I couldn't help but notice how you looked as you entered the complex."
" ! "
"You looked overwhelmed with sadness.. I was going to say something to you last night about it, but I knew from our first encounter and past conversations how you were and how you might take my concern.. but after thinking it over, I can't bring myself to go through with keeping my words to myself- no matter how different you are from my other tenants, I'm not going to treat you any different from anyone else." he explained looking to the too shocked Renji for a long time before shrinking his smile. "..I just wanted to let you know Renji, that no matter what, if you need anything I will be happy to help you."
That was a statement that Renji took as a promise and understood that with those words, Urahara wasn't going to stop with the early morning visits and nosey actions that raked at his nerves, but Abarai was able to realize that with such words and even the odd actions at even odder times, Kisuke's vow was sincere..
Still..
"..Thanks for the fun fact, but I'm not exactly a trusting guy, so don't expect me to end up running to you later today and spilling my guts." he let out folding his arms then gesturing the man to the door with a slight nod.
"Of course. I understand, you need to know somebody in order to do that."
"Exactly-"
"Which is why I've decided to deem you my special tenant!" Urahara announced, setting down Abarai's tea set on the table and making Renji flinch.
"Wha-"
"Listen.. I've never had a tenant hate me here and you're certainly not going to be the first. So as we both've just discussed, in order for us to get along or at least talk genuinely we have to get to know each other first-"
"Wait- What!"
"-This is why I propose that whenever you're feeling down or something's wrong, I'll take you out to drink- My treat. The bar right across the street is probably the best one in all of downtown Karakura!" The blonde assured, flashing a small smile. "The thing is though, you can't let anyone know that you're my special tenant, or else everyone will want me to treat them well-"
"Go ahead and do that because I'm not trying to look like a teachers pet here! I just want to sleep here and go to work without running into you every morning- Is that too much to ask?-!"
"So long as you live here? Yes." The blonde responded, his smile growing wider after that statement. "Anyway, my offer still stands Renji. Whenever you need a drink, just come to me and I'll treat you. Don't be shy alright?"
"What the hell! Urahara-"
"Alright, I'll be seein' ya! And if you need a ride later you know where I'll be! See you later Renji!"
With those words, Urahara skated to the door, waving his right hand wildly until he held onto the knob and readied to shut the entrance behind, however, a call from Renji brought the man to pause his actions entirely for just a moment before looking to the redhead from over his shoulder.
"Hm?"
"..You forgot your tray."
Kisuke looked to the left behind items for a moment then smiled as he returned his sights to Renji.
"Keep it. It's a house-warming gift."
"Huh?"
"-and its my official 'Thank You' for choosing the Urahara Apartment Complex over all neighboring competition in the area!" the man announced turning around full circle, suddenly beaming with energy.
Renji flinched to that, then hearing Kisuke chuckle and raise his free arm out to wave, the blonde man said his goodbyes and goodmornings before leaving and shutting the door behind him, left Renji to stare at the only main entrance and exit of his home then look to the gift left behind.
Looking closely at it, the redhead noticed that the cream tray and matching cups had large kanji marks imprinted on the center/fronts of the set- that symbol being 'ai', love.
Renji felt himself cringe as a shiver ran up and down his spine a few times.
He would never buy any type of dish, set or decor with such symbols or corny crap like that on it. 'The hell was Kisuke thinking buying that?
Thinking on it till the shivers returned, Renji left the tray behind and went to his room in order to grab clothes, head to the shower and ready himself for the day ahead- heating up his coffee and eating the loaf of cake after getting ready.
Once the cake was gobbled down, Renji took his time leaving and locking his apartment, taking slow awkward steps down the stairs of the complex, grunting and groaning due to his lack of sleep and thoughts of what the day ahead was going to bring him. After expelling his breath, Renji carefully brushed through the front of the room, quickly shifting his vision to his right, catching Kisuke read the morning paper and look so focused on doing just that.
It was something that didn't really bother Renji, but considering Kisuke's visit earlier and talk of concerns, Renji couldn't help but feel swayed by just everything..
Approaching the door, yet hesitating to actually leave, Renji thought over Kisuke's actions for a moment that was lengthy enough to bring the blonde to pull his vision away from his paper and give the man a glance, however, the redhead pushed himself to march through the front door and out into the cold Karakura air to make his way to work without a word uttered, causing Urahara to frown a bit.
He would've figured after saying so much to Renji, the guy would've at least tried to open up to him.
' '
Walking to work was a bit of a chore as the cold winds that ushered by Renji would either bring shivers, dry his eyes out or almost make his nose run, but hell things like this hardly bothered Renji the more he endured it. He knew that if everything boiled down to facts, he'd be more uncomfortable and irritated if he was stuck driving to work with Kisuke..
Listening to that guy try to make idle conversation with him while laughing at his own statements and smiling to his own possibly stupid thoughts made Renji's blood boil.
Everything about Kisuke bothered the living hell out of him, and he would've rather beared mother natures bitter sting every now and again than take a ride with that guy..
"Mhm..." was all Renji could manage to sound to himself before a flurry of chilled winds enveloped around him for 5 frozen seconds before moving on, leaving the redhead to stop in his tracks, grip his arms and rub them with extreme vigor.
..Maybe.. compared to this, riding in a warm car with Kisuke wasn't so bad? Yeah, sure all the chatter, laughing and nonsense from the blonde were annoying, but Renji was sure he could look passed that for a good 10 minutes until he reached work.
Immediately nodding to that, or just shivering uncontrollably, Renji nevertheless agreed with his thoughts despite the annoyances he knew came with Kisuke. He was sure that so long as the winter in Karakura lasted he was going to get a ride from that man or at least be nicer to the guy could up and offer.
..Yeah.. if he were to do that, then Renji would feel a lot better about being allowed to carpool in Urahara's car, cause hey, at least the guy would be offering and the redhead wouldnt' exactly be begging..
Nodding again to his thoughts, Renji found it within him to run the rest of the way to work, despite his body, skin and muscles feeling almost frozen solid- He just wanted to get out of the cold and finally warm up until it was eventually the next day and he'd have to deal with his ride situation. So, putting more run into his run, Renji made it to work early by a minute or two which he silently rejoiced over as he knew today he wouldn't and absolutely couldn't be accused of being late by Byakuya. This of course brought the redhead to race down the main hall of the building, repeatedly press the call button for the elevator and eventually wait for what felt like hours for the metal casing to come.
He had to hurry and head downstairs into the basement put away his outside clothes and sport his uniform to work, then run back upstairs in order to show his boss and he was working and doing so on time!-
"But this damn elevator.." the redhead cursed under his breath as he went back to button mashing.
It was after doing so for the next 30 seconds that Renji finally stopped and heard the elevator chime and make it clear that it had finally reached Renji's floor. This made the man smile for a second, but totally break that expression of happiness the moment the doors of the metal box of hell opened, revealing Byakuya, a few female co-workers and Shinobu in the back who smiled seeing the redhead.
"Hey Renji, you made it," he called out.
Nodding slowly, Renji simply watched Byakuya step out of the elevator and look down upon him with a judgemental glance, whilst the chatting women he shared the box with continued to converse and head their own way.
Having no words to say and not enough strength to even bother looking the man in the eye, Renji simply glanced at the floor a few times before he jerked to Byakuya's cold and eerily low call of his name.
"Er!"
"You just got here?" the man questioned, narrowing his eyes.
"Ah, well.. I was.. I was heading to my locker sir. I did make it on time though.."
"Oh you did?" Byakuya wondered aloud, making sure his soft tone of sarcasm was heard. "Well then Abarai, remove your coat. Show me your uniform.. Show me proof that you're here on time and working.."
Instead, Renji glared.
He knew that had he not waited for the damn elevator then ran into Byakuya, he would've already made it down to his locker and put on his stupid uniform already- which wasn't even a uniform the more he thought about it.
It was just a damn shirt with his name on it.
Glaring even harder at his inconveniences, Renji actually snapped out of it when he watched Byakuya slowly return the look, which brought him to look to the floor once more and shake his head.
"I'm sorry.. but I don't have my uniform on sir.."
"...Of course you don't. And did you clock in?"
"Erm! N.. No sir.."
"Of course you didn't.." The Kuchiki man sighed as he shut his eyes in irritation. "Get your act together Abarai or I swear you will see your last day of work." he warned, pivoting his step then marching off.
All Renji could do in return was lift his head and glare as the heat of his rage shook his body..
That damn Byakuya...
"Hey don't get upset.." Shinobu eased, patting the man's shoulder. "You know how Byakuya is.. He's-"
"HE'S A DICK!" Renji voiced, unable to control the volume in his voice, making Shinobu full-on flinch.
Watching Byakuya, who wasn't that far away, stop his walks and look over his shoulder along with everyone within listening range, Shinobu couldn't help but tremble and force out a few nervous laughs as he pat Renji's back and slowly eased the young man into the elevator- agreeing and lying all the while.
"YEAH HAHA.. ha.. er.. YEAH TOTALLY THAT uuhm.. KENJI GUY! TOTAL DICK! TOTALLY!" he pushed out as he finally got Renji in the elevator. "-are you out of your mind! Byakuya totally heard that!" he hissed, pressing a button that shut the doors at a quicker pace.
"I don't even care. I'm sick of that guy.."
"What're you pouting? C'mon that guy's been on your ass since you've been here, there's no need for you to get upset about it now." The older man lectured setting the destination for the elevator then sighing once he saw Abarai fold his arms and avoid eye contact.
"I'm only human. Eventually certain things will get to me and I'll react.. You can't tell me that if you were in my shoes you wouldn't have already quit by now..?"
"You're completely wrong. If I were in your shoes I would've quit a long time ago, but you're different Renji- I thought I already told you something like that before." the man uttered, folding his arms as well and sighing once more once as he felt the elevator slowly move. "...Anyway. I followed through with my promise."
"Hm?"
"I got you something." Shinobu let out, smiling seconds later. "It might not be much, but ever since we had our talk, I was thinking long and hard about what type of things would be appropriate for you to wear to work put also cover your tattoos." the man explained as the elevator stopped and opened its doors. "You are wearing a long sleeved shirt right?"
"Er.. yeah." Renji answered, jerking, then following when he watched the man hurry out of the elevator. "..I uh.. I wear a long sleeved shirt everyday. I know Byakuya will find a reason to bitch at me if I don't."
"Hm. Well, you've just gotten yourself a free shirt. I wasn't sure if you had many so I got you one." the man spoke before making it into the locker room and walking off.
No one was in there, which was surprising to Renji but not entirely.. No doubt the usual guys were already out working in the hopes they didn't get nagged by Byakuya either..
That was one thing.. When it came to the rules of his company, Byakuya was a total bastard to everybody, so he was fair.. It just so happened that whenever Renji broke a rule he'd simply get it the hardest.. that was all.
"Tch.. he's still a dick though.." Renji grumbled, flinching to Shinobu's laugh.
"Still mad?" he wondered returning to the redhead with a box in hand.
Too distracted by the package Renji took the thing as soon as Shinobu offered it, leaving him to blink a few times before looking to the man cautiously.
"What is this?"
"Open it."
Taking his time to process that order then finally follow through, Renji immediately turned the box on its side and ripped off the tape, flinching when a few hats fell out of the container and softly hit the floor. Flinching again then looking to Shinobu, Renji got a quiet laugh, a smile and a nod- Silent speak for 'It's okay' , 'It's yours' , 'have at it'.. or.. something along those lines.
Either way, Renji did just that, looking into the box at the remaining headgears and bringing himself to pull out what looked to be a dark cloth and proved to be the case the more he looked at it.
Shinobu laughed to himself before falling to the floor and lifting all the other hats the redhead dropped then offered them, actually laughing again when he looked upon the guys priceless expression he could only assume was the boys 'shocked face'.
"-Geez Renji, don't look too excited." the man eased, actually plopping a dark hat on the boy. "I didn't know what was your style, that explains the different hats." he explained with a weak smile.
This was true enough, the more Renji looked into his box and at the different hats within Shinobu's hands, he spotted beanies, baseball caps, bandana's and..
"Er!"
Flinching, the redhead dug into his box, having at the contents and maneuvering his hand around as if he were a claw machine out for a toy. This left him to grip what he spotted and pull out a bucket hat that was almost similar to Kisuke's through, rather than it be baby blue, it was a stripped green and white cap.
Renji grimaced before bringing his dark sights to the man across from him.
Shinobu could only smile weakly again.
"Erm.. yeah.. Again, I didn't know what would be your style, which is why I got you lots of other hats, but if you really don't like that one I can take it back." he laughed, reaching for it.
Renji almost gave the cap to him, however instead, he jerked away, putting the hat back into the box and shaking his head to the man, silently communicating that everything was alright and he'd keep it.
Shinobu spared a few blinks in turn. "You sure?"
"Um.. Yeah. Thanks, this was kind of you."
"It's not a problem Renji. I told you I was going to help you out around here from now on so it was my pleasure. I'm actually glad you appreciate it."
"Yeah.."
That was all Abarai could honestly let out as he set his box atop his locker and grabbed a hold of the solid black bandana again, fashioning it around his forehead afterward. He didn't know how it looked, or how well it was going to hold out, but he made sure he fastened the knot tight just so it wouldn't fall off when he was working. All of this earned claps from Shinobu who threw the redhead a rather corny thumbs-up when his actions were noticed.
"Nice, very nice Abarai! It covers your tattoo's completely- or uh.. at least makes the symbols blend in with the fabric."
" ! ...I doubt that.." Renji let out, despairingly. "-knowing Byakuya, he'll find something wrong with this in no time.. Saying it's a symbol of my imaginary gang or something."
"Then you tell him that it's actually a wrap to keep you from sweating, in fact, say it's a hachimaki. He can't nag you for wearing that."
Renji let out a tiny snicker as he looked to the man. "A hachimaki?"
"Hm? What? It's a japanese bandana-"
"I know what they are, I just never heard anyone call'em that since I was a kid- that's so oldschool." he explained, still snickering. "Geez.. just how old are you Shinobu?"
"Erm! Old enough to get offended by that.." the man uttered through clenched teeth.
"Regardless, just call'em bandana's."
"How about you just get to work." Shinobu ordered, folding his arms firmly and sending the redhead a dangerously dark look.
This actually made Renji burst into laughter as he waved the man off and left the room.
After all the time he had spent working under Byakuya and Shinobu, he would've never guessed the assistant was so snappy when it came to 'old' comments.
' '
As the day moved forward, Renji had gone about and done his job in his best professional manner and with the utmost quickness. He was focused, or.. more or so on edge, as he didn't want to take a tiny break or even slip up at one point- he knew if he did then Byakuya would be on his ass faster than a speeding bullet, and he didn't have time for that.
It was lucky for him that because he had worked so hard without any distractions hindering him, time seemed to fly by and with that certain shifts came to an end- Renji's shift being one of the lucky ones.
Removing his office shirt, folding it into a spare bag within his locker, stuffing a few hats he had gotten from Shinobu in it, then throwing said bag over his shoulders, the redhead shut his locker behind him before glancing down at his cellphone and checking the time- He wanted to be completely sure that he wouldn't leave earlier than he had to or anything of the sort, as he knew that most likely Byakuya would randomly want to check his time sheet and question him about said action in time and eventually threaten to fire the guy as well...
Groaning all of his hate for the man out into the open, Renji glared to the roof of the locker room realizing that so long as he was at work, every action had to be carefully thought over countless times in Abarai's head before he could execute as he knew that 1 wrong move meant that he'd have to suffer the wrath of Byakuya.. which.. wasn't normal.. People with normal jobs didn't go through this, did they?
Abarai seriously questioned this, still looking to the roof as if the area above him would provide answers. He couldn't carry out this action for long however, as the usual others who's shifts or tasks ended around his clock out time appeared, being as loud and boisterous as ever once they kicked the door in and marched to their respective metal crates.
"I'm just saying, If the Bears win next weeks game then I've won the pot- I'm drinking all weekend!" Eikichiro boasted, removing his shirt and pointing to Love across from him. "That means you're comin' with me, Aikawa! YOU, ME, AND THE BAR DOWNTOWN! SHOTS ALL NIGHT!"
"As fun as that sounds, I'll be at other places the night of the game." the man spoke, his tone relaxed and very nonchalant. "Maybe another time.."
"D'aww! You always say that! Maybe next time, maybe next time!" Eiki' mocked as he rolled his eyes. "-We never get to hang out as much anymore because you always have something to do! Just what in the world is preoccupying your time so much, huh!-?"
"If you must know, Love is assisting me with a project at my house." Kensei explained as he rummaged through his cubby and pulled out a sweatjacket.
Eikichiro scoffed. "Project? ..At your house?"
It was a unique choice of words, ones that would've easily been taken out of context had either Abarai or Eikichiro spoke on it- Renji didn't at all care about the information, but considering he found that bit of information a little interesting he looked to the two who posted themselves on the left side of the room, sending them curled brows and lopsided lips.
He would've never thought of Kensei and Love as an item hadn't Kensei said anything.. Still, Renji kept to himself, staying silent so that he could learn more about the project..
"Don't get any funny ideas." Kensei warned, mainly looking to Eikichiro. "My mothers visiting for the holidays and I have to do a bit of work to the ventilation at my house, and.. knock out a wall.. Love's been helping me with that task for the past few days now."
"A wall?" the nosey man repeated, earning Love's snicker.
"His mom wants to see a fireplace when they eat, so we're going to build one in the living room."
"Ah-ha! I see.. Man! I keep forgetting that the holidays are approaching. Maybe it's because I don't talk to my family much that I find such things aren't really important to me. Heh.. but that sounds sweet, now you make me want to call my mom, momma's boy."
Kensei grunted before pushing his head through his burgundy sweater, which in turn brought Eiki' to snicker to himself again, however quickly bring his attention to the all too silent redhead who still stuck around.
"Hey Abarai! What about you? Nice bandana by the way, I'm sure Byakuya stayed off your ass today cuz of it!"
"Eh yeah, he did actually.."
"Sooo!-?"
"Hm?"
"What're you doin' for the holidays? You gonna get a nice holiday ham and spike some eggnog with your family and such?"
As fun as that sounded, Renji knew that would never be the case..
Not only was his father not fond of eggnog, but his mother hated ham.. Oh, plus there was the whole disowned thing, so a holiday with the family wasn't happening.. still, Renji could only imagine the looks on his parents faces had he suddenly popped up at their house with holiday snacks and other such garbage, hoping to spread cheer with his disgruntled folks..
Boy, would their looks be priceless..
"Pft.. Unfortunately.. my parents don't celebrate the holidays." Abarai let out, leaving Eiki to blink.
"Oh man, that sucks.. I never got that when it came to certain families, what's wrong with indulging yourself in some delicious food over some crappy holiday huh?"
"Regardless of the reason, you'd do best to respect them." Kensei let out, his tone serious and parental as if he were warning Eikichiro not to disrespect Abarai's family decisions, or in truth, personal lie.
..Regardless of what it was, Renji appreciated it, but he was sure to shake his head at the older guys and grip his bag.
"Hey it's fine.. I said my family doesn't celebrate the holidays- That doesn't necessarily include myself."
"Haha! Nice Abarai! This means you and I will be stuck together at the bar! Heh, you know these little momma's boys will be too busy with their own families to hang out with us, so how about it huh?"
"I'll think about it." Renji let out, purposely sporting a nervous smile as he took his leave.
This of course left Eikichiro to groan and fold his arms as he was really perplexed.
"G'uh, what's up with everyone brushing off my offers huh? Am I coming on too strong or am I just not that fun to hang out with or what?"
"Whatever you just said, that's exactly it." Kensei answered, taking his leave with Love close to follow.
' '
With one bus ticket and a short jog down a main road, Renji found that it didn't take him long to make it to the Community college. In no time he had hurried onto campus and marched across the quad in hopes of making it to his English class, however a call of his name brought him to tense and stop his actions completely. He knew who called him- despite being subjected to the slightly windy day and hearing the chatter that passed him every so often, Renji knew who called his name.
Turning around completely and feeling his shoulders rise anxiously afterward, Abarai peeled his eyes back in surprise, immediately spotting Ichigo across the way of the inner core of the quad, turned away from his own personal group of friends with his right arm held high in the air in greeting. Despite the distance the two had between them, Renji noticed how bright Ichigo's expression had got due to his turning to face him. The boy looked so elated and overjoyed to see him, almost bringing Renji to believe for a split second that he was possibly the only one who could bring the Kurosaki boy to look such a way.. but he knew that wasn't true..
Nah, Ichigo always looked like that, he was always happy.. Renji just so happened to be one of the people he often shared his happiness with from time to time.
That's all..
"Hey Renji!" the strawberry called out, tearing away from his friends and running to the redhead in record time.
Ogawd that was the cutest thing to see.
In Renji's eyes, it was almost like watching a puppy tear away from it's puppy-brothers and sisters and run at it's master- barking and yipping in excitement as it tripped all over itself but persevered in meeting and greeting it's loved one..
It made Renji turn to jello. Ichigo was too adorable for his own good...
"You're here early! Did you request for early leave at work or something?" The Kurosaki questioned, a goofy grin on his face as he panted like a dog the entire while.
If the kid had a tail, Renji would surely see it feverishly wave from side to side. It made him so weak in the knees..
"Renji?"
"Erm! No I just.. I just think I got here fast." he responded, pulling himself together.
Ichigo shared a few innocent blinks with Abarai that moment, bringing himself to smirk at the man and prod his chest with the finger of his right hand after, internally bringing the redhead to scream.
"Oh I see why you got here so early.. You're excited, aren't you?"
"E-Excited?"
Ichigo nodded before pulling his hands into the pockets of his jacket and flashing a sweet smirk at the redhead in response.
"You're excited about what I said last night, about what I planned today for us."
"Er!-"
"Hey.. I know I've already apologized, but.. I'm really sorry about that, I didn't mean to make a good day so gloomy."
"It's... It's fine.. I told you not to worry about it."
"Yeah I know.." he mumbled, smiling weakly at the pavement before bringing his bright looks back to the man. "So hey! Guess what? Ironically she called me this morning to check up on me! How weird is that? Guess I should've just held out a little longer huh?"
Renji flinched, feeling everything within him that made him feel like jello instantly turn to stone.
He knew it was too good to be true- Kurosaki wasn't so bright and excited to see him as he would've guessed, wished or figured.. Kurosaki's girlfriend called, and that was the only thing on the kids mind for the day. His girl had got the boy in high spirits, not Abarai..
"-The phone call only lasted about 10 minutes though, she said she was leaving soon to learn some hula stuff-"
Yeah.. Hula..
Renji's expression hardened as he knew damn well the girl wasn't trying to learn anything close in relation to hula- she was too superficial to be into, or more or less try something as simple as that. No.. most likely that girl was out with Gin, getting in her morning exercise no doubt..
"Tch.. I'll bet.."
"Hm? You'll bet what?"
Renji flinched, realizing he spoke aloud, however to fix his error he shook away his words and rubbed the back of his head a few times- dismissing it all for the strawberry's sake.
"Oh! Nothing, I said nothing Kurosaki."
"Yes you did.." the boy assured, narrowing his eyes the next second. "..You don't think she's out doing hula.."
" ! ..Of course not! And you know fuckin' why I think that," he scoffed, glancing elsewhere. "Believe it or not Kurosaki, your girl has two left feet and serious case of cynical-ADD. Do you seriously think she's gonna sit around and force herself to learn hula when you know she's more interested in shopping or, more importantly, hurting your feelings than anything?"
" ! "
"-Besides, you already know how I feel about her stupid trip with her little flight buddy so it's just best we drop it." he said, being blunt and yet feeling serious regret in his words when he watched Kurosaki's look almost break. "..Anyway, I didn't mean to pull you away from your friends, Imma head to class alright?"
Rather quickly, Ichigo pulled out his phone and checked the time, before flinching and moving a little closer to Renji's side, with that he gestured that they both go.
"I'll go with you.. class is about to start if we don't hurry."
' '
After racing to class then sitting through 45 minutes of lectures, lessons and interactive learning, Renji sat in his seat, eyeing the clock next to the exit of his English class, feeling more and more jittery about when class was up and he could finally leave.
He didn't really show nor give off the feeling to Kurosaki, but he was looking forward to what the kid had planned for him. He wondered just how the kid was going to sweep him off of his feet and unintentionally swoon'im for his rather depressing but justifiable words and feelings the other night. Renji knew that their actions wouldn't be anything comparable to a, much wanted and dreamed about, date- but he knew he was up for anything so long as he was with Kurosaki alone..
Renji grunted after a quick flinch that moment, hating how every time he was left to indulge in his own thoughts, he always made himself seem like some lovesick school girl- H-He didn't have to say it, but it was pretty damn obvious! What guy who looks like him daydreams about being swept off their own feet and being swooned by someone like Kurosaki? Wasn't he supposed to be the swooner/the guy who was supposed to sweep Ichigo off his feet?
Renji knew he could've been that guy had Kurosaki played for his team, but.. till then he was stuck being the lovesick school girl, dreaming about hanging out with her sweet strawberry..
"Ugh.." Abarai groaned, getting sick of himself.
Even if he knew that he looked forward to hanging out with Ichigo, he didnt' have to be so creepy about it..
Distracting himself instantly, the redhead began to think of other things, that being the fact that it had been awhile since he and Ichigo had hung out by themselves just to relax- the last time being at the coffee house awhile ago..
That was a good time. He remembered enjoying himself then.. kinda.. till Ichigo had to strip in the bathroom for being an idiot.
Again Renji groaned, however this time to the bothersome heat that tormented his body.
He only prayed nothing like that happened while he was with Kurosaki today, or else he knew he'd lose it.
He nodded to himself knowing this, however feeling his phone vibrate in his pocket, Renji carefully slid out the device and opened it, seeing that he had a text from Ichigo who sat on the opposing side of the room. Looking passed a few students and giving the strawberry a glance from the corner of his eyes, Renji caught the boy looking dead at him- his head laid over his folded arms with a small smile on his face.
It made Renji flinch, burn red and immediately look away!
Such a look would drive him insane if he looked too closely...
"Fuck.." he cursed to himself as he shook his head of that image and began to read his text- though he had wished he hadn't.
Even though class was almost over, Ichigo couldn't find it within himself to wait it out and ask Renji the dumbest question he could ever fathom..
Regardless, Abarai responded to it as silently as he could, eventually catching Ichigo lift his head and quickly text back.
It was then the two continued to text about the stupid subject that Renji couldn't believe he was actually humoring the Kurosaki with, but as if God above was making it clear that it could get worse, Abarai could only feel his inner soul crumble within itself and shatter when English professor Juushiro Ukitake approached his seat with warm smile and soft chuckle.
"I'm sorry Renji.. Am I boring you?" he questioned, his look so gentle however words so scathing.
"U-Uhm, n-no not-"
"Obviously I am considering you feel the need to text in my class." the man let out, snatching the phone from the redhead then humoring himself in reading said texts. ". . . Oh wow, yeah I can see why you stopped listening to me and chose to text Ichigo instead. This conversation is way more interesting." he laughed, looking to Ichigo who curled in his seat.
"Ukitake please-" Renji quickly begged, dying a little inside when he watched the man walk away from his desk then read the digital conversation aloud.
" Hey - Ichigo starts the conversation." said professor started, before turning to his class and leaning against his podium. " Can I ask you a quick question about Bruno Mars.. It's very Important. "
Immediately the class roared in obnoxious chuckles and snickers whilst looking to the berry burning in embarrassment- this humored the slightly sadistic professor.
" Kurosaki, - Renji responds. I don't want to talk about something so stupid. Just stop. - But it's very important, - Ichigo persists. If you were Yuzu... -Ichigo, who's Yuzu?"
"..M-My.. my sister.." the boy groaned.
"Oh? Well tell Yuzu I said hi. In fact, tell her your entire english class says hello.." Ukitake said with glowing smile before looking back to Renji's phone and continuing. " - If you were Yuzu, would you prefer a guy singing Treasue - You misspelled Treasure, Kurosaki - to you, or If I Was Your Man? Because Yuzu thinks If I Was Your Man is a sweeter song, which I don't really think so. - Kurosaki I don't really care. - Renji makes very very clear. - Seriously, answer Renji. Ichigo pushes. - Dot dot dot, I heard Treasure a few times, so I guess that would be a better song. Renji admits. It seems to end there. Hmph, well that was way more interesting than my lecture, right class?" the man asked getting laughs in return.
Ichigo and Renji groaned instead, burrowing their faces into their folded arms and drowning the professor in nothing but pure delight- to prove it, the man let out a few short chuckles at their dispositions before looking to the clock.
"Ah, well would you look at the time. I guess we can call it a day right?"