Byakuya made himself stop after the third drink, however reluctantly. Yumichika definitely knew what he was doing. Either that or Renji had some exceptionally high quality vodka in his cabinet.

He leaned into the younger man's semi-embrace, Renji's arm around his shoulders as usual, both of them sitting on the couch. Hisagi and Yumi were dancing again, moving slowly across the carpeted living room floor. Occasionally, Hisagi would start to lower his hand a bit, resulting in a playful smack to the arm. There was a murmured admonishment, then a brief exchange of playful, tipsy kisses, Hisagi grinning like a mischievous little boy.

Byakuya watched them, almost thoughtfully. "They're in love, aren't they?" he said quietly.

"Yeah." He felt Renji shift a little, chuckling softly. "Lucky bastards, huh?"

Byakuya smiled, feeling Renji's fingers start to stroke lightly down his arm, almost as if he weren't really thinking about it. "Yes. I suppose."

"Hey, boo."

He looked up at Yoruichi, his old friend smiling down at him, her bag in hand. "We're gonna take off, okay?"

Rukia stood behind her, smiling, waving a little when he looked up.

He nodded.

"Call me tomorrow," Yoruichi said, making it sound like a command. She winked at Renji, then turned to link her arm through Rukia's, the two women heading out together, Rukia pausing at the door to wave one more time. Byakuya even waved back, just one brief wave of his hand.

Renji shifted again, propping his bare feet up on the coffee table. "Your sister's nice."

Byakuya raised a brow at that, even as he settled against him again, closing his eyes. "Mm."

"We went to school together, ya know. Didn't realize it until I saw her earlier today."

Byakuya started, almost sitting up in surprise. He would have, but Renji's arm had tightened around him, holding him close. "Oh?"

Renji chuckled. "Is that a good "oh" or a bad one?"

Byakuya frowned. "I don't know. Neither." He sighed a little, wondering why he always felt like he had to explain himself to Renji. "It just startled me."

"A-huh. You thought I was older? Younger?"

Byakuya felt his face warm. How Renji could guess his thoughts after knowing him for less than a month now was beyond him.

"I was never overly concerned," he finally admitted. "I saw your classification on the midterm grade reports."

Renji laughed softly. "Sneaky. You check all your students like that or just the hot redheads?"

Byakuya tsked.

"Hey, man."

He opened his eyes, staring up at Hisagi, who had his arm around a yawning Yumichika. "We're heading out."

Renji nodded. "Later. Thanks for coming, guys."

Yumi smiled. "You want help cleaning up?"

Renji grinned. "Nah."

The couple bid their good-byes then and paused to get their coats, waving one last time before leaving.

The apartment was quiet now except for the soft sound of the music still playing. Ikkaku and Rangiku had already left, Rangiku leaving her iPod behind, threatening dire consequences if anything were to happen to it. The room seemed so deserted now, half-empty glasses and bottles scattered about on random pieces of furniture. The sign was still hanging, albeit barely, one side having come untaped at some point.

Byakuya had to suddenly look away from it, an unexpected tightness entering his throat.

Renji noticed, felt him stiffen probably. He looked down at him, brows knit in concern. "Hey." Byakuya closed his eyes, feeling warm lips press lightly against his forehead. "Everything okay?"

"Yes," he said, and he smiled, the expression feeling desperate, even dangerous. He took a deep breath, almost a gasp, then laughed, a short, strangled sound deep in his throat. "I just… it's so hard to take in. All of it. I can't believe it."

"Believe what?" Another kiss, this one to the top of his head, fingers stroking his arm again.

"All of it," he repeated. He sighed again, felt himself finally relax again. "Everything. The end of the semester. This." He smiled a little. "You."

He opened his eyes, staring up into Renji's before straightening a little. Renji sort of frowned and reached up with his free hand to stroke his cheek, Byakuya feeling himself flush beneath the gentle touch, despite himself.

"Yeah." He smiled, but it was almost contrite, making Byakuya frown now. "Hey. Wanted to tell you, about what I said earlier. You know… I don't really think you're an ass. I didn't really mean it."

Byakuya blinked, surprised. It was rare for Renji to apologize to him. "Oh, yes you did," he finally said. "Or you should have." He sighed. "Trust me. I know how I am."

Renji made a face, almost as if he were disappointed in him. "Why do you do that?"

Byakuya frowned. "Do what?"

"Put yourself down like that." He seemed almost annoyed. "I mean, do you even know what a fantastic person you are? You work your ass off on just about everything you put your mind to. Your smart, capable, determined. A good brother, a good friend." He gave him a look, almost teasing, daring Byakuya to stop him. "Not to mention the best damn boyfriend a guy could have, if you ask me."

Byakuya felt his heart turn over in his chest at those words.

His expression must have reflected what he felt for once because Renji immediately grinned, brown eyes twinkling a little. "That's okay, right? I mean, that's what we're doing, ain't it?"

"Isn't it," he corrected automatically.

Renji just chuckled. "Don't change the subject." He gave him a suddenly stern look. "Hey. You haven't been going around kissin' on other boys behind my back, have you?"

Byakuya's mouth fell open. "Of course not!"

He grinned, lips pursed together as if he were trying to hold it back. "Good. Just the reaction I was looking for."

That earned him a particularly disparaging look.

"Hey," he continued, his face suddenly serious, his eyes warm. "How come you always close your eyes when I kiss you?"

"Do I do that?"

"Yeah." He smiled. "It's funny. Every time I kiss you, it's like I get this little funny feeling, you know? Like I'm all depressed, cause I know it's not gonna last. Kinda stupid, huh?"

Byakuya smiled back, surprising himself. "No. Not really."

"Yeah?" Renji's smile widened. He leaned in a little, holding Byakuya's eyes with his own. "Well, okay. How about this. What if I was to go ahead and kiss you right now." And he did, their lips just brushing together, really, Byakuya feeling something inside him clench in anticipation. "Only this time I don't have to stop. Least not right away, anyway." Another kiss, this one deeper, but not pushing, evidently waiting for a response. "Would that be okay?"

Byakuya's response was almost immediate. He wrapped his arms around Renji, pulling him closer, his own body's reaction almost startling him. Renji needed no further answer, pushing him down back against the couch even as he deepened the kiss, this one slow and passionate, building in intensity.

"Byakuya," he murmured, slipping his hand under the older man's shirt, calloused fingertips sliding over warm, smooth skin.

Hearing his name on the other man's lips caused a heat to flush over Byakuya's body, making him moan softly in response. Renji was on top of him now, pressing him down into the soft, worn cushions of the couch, their trapped arousals nudging against one another, making them both moan now. When he opened his eyes, Renji was staring down at him, his eyes darkened with desire, face slightly flushed.

"You're sure?" he asked, his voice now a bit husky.

Byakuya nodded. "Yes," he replied, feeling his heart hammering in his chest.

Renji surprised him then by suddenly smiling. "Okay. Hold on then."

Byakuya blinked. "What?"

His arms tightened instinctively when Renji suddenly sat up, grinning as he positioned Byakuya's legs around his waist. He stood then, lifting Byakuya up with him, linking his hands under the older man's hips, supporting him as he carried him into the next room.

Byakuya turned his head, as if he didn't know where they were going. "Why is it," he managed, doing his best to ignore the feel of Renji's hands on his ass, "that your idea of romance always involves the loss of my ability to use my legs?"

Renji chuckled, the sound huskier than usual, his face still slightly flushed. "Did I already say I was sorry for calling you an ass?"

"Yes, you did."

"Damn."

He swallowed a yelp then as he was rather unceremoniously tossed onto the bed. He bounced a little, then hastily propped himself up on his elbows, almost scooting back when he saw the rather predatory smirk Renji was regarding him with.

He frowned. "Are you about to make love to me or ravish me?"

"Don't be such a girl," Renji replied, reaching back in one, smooth motion to pull his shirt off before kneeling on the bed. "I'm going to fuck you."

Byakuya's eyes widened, but he couldn't at the moment fashion a response because a) he couldn't stop staring at Renji's naked chest, and b) Renji was now crawling towards him, grinning—no leering down at him, legs straddling Byakuya's, hands planted on either side of his shoulders.

"That okay with you, Teach?" he asked, lowering himself, Byakuya giving a sharp intake of breath as their bodies met.

"Yes," he said, swallowing again, feeling his own chest start to rise and fall a bit faster.

"Come again?"

"Yes!" he repeated, somewhat gasping the word out as Renji thrust playfully, grinding their hips briefly against one another. He gave him an almost reproachful look then, and for some reason Renji laughed, the heat of the moment fading for a bit as he buried his face in Byakuya's hair, muffling the sound.

"Is everything a game for you?" Byakuya asked, taking the opportunity to wrap his arms around the younger man, loving the feel of warm skin beneath his hands.

Renji chuckled. "You make it that way." He turned his head a little to start pressing teasing little kisses to Byakuya's neck, Byakuya sighing and closing his eyes, arching his head back to give the younger man better access to his throat. He felt Renji's hands slide over his chest, then start to hastily but deftly undo the buttons of his shit, his lips starting to trail down as the garment was removed.

Byakuya hissed suddenly, Renji's mouth hovering over one exposed nipple, gently worrying the tiny nub between his teeth before licking it better again. At the same time, one hand continued to trail down, over his belly and below his belt, cupping him teasingly through his pants.

He gasped. "Wait…" Ignoring the curious look on Renji's upturned face, he reached up and with shaking fingers managed to undo the tie behind the younger man's head, freeing his hair, soft red strands cascading over his shoulders to tickle Byakuya's chest.

A grin quirked at the corners of Renji's mouth. "Pervy."

Byakuya closed his eyes again, lying back, running his fingers through that long, red hair. "Like you can talk…"

Renji chuckled, the sound warm and amused, his breath puffing against Byakuya's exposed skin. A moment later, Byakuya sucked in a breath, feeling himself being freed from his pants and underwear, Renji wasting no time in covering him with his mouth. He panted, fisting handfuls of red hair, barely resisting the urge to thrust up into that moist heat.

"Renji," he murmured, starting to writhe on the bed, even whimpering slightly. He was barely aware then of his legs being nudged open, a warm hand slipping under to caress him, then the surprising sensation of a cool, oil-slick finger rubbing at his entrance before slipping in to stretch him.

"You… planned this… didn't you?" he breathed, a little incensed, despite everything. Either that or Renji must make a habit of carrying lube in his pocket wherever he went.

He shuddered as Renji released him from his mouth, moving up to kiss him again, murmuring against his lips: "Damn straight I planned it. Since the day I first saw you."

Byakuya didn't have a chance to respond because Renji's questing fingers finally found that spot inside him, making him suddenly cry out, his body arching slightly with pleasure. Suddenly, he was clinging to the redhead, fingers digging into his shoulders, body shuddering beneath his. Renji removed his fingers to position Byakuya's legs for him, sliding them over his shoulders before carefully easing into him, panting lightly by the time he was fully sheathed.

"Tell me… you're not… a virgin," he managed, it obviously taking all his willpower not to start thrusting immediately into the tight heat enveloping his cock.

Byakuya stared up at him, reaching up to fist red hair, tightening his legs around the younger man's back. "Are you?" He hissed and pulled down on the hair in his hands, kissing Renji bruisingly, then murmuring against his lips. "Just hurry up and fuck me!"

Renji didn't need to be told twice.

Despite Byakuya's urging, they started slowly, only picking up speed as they found their rhythm together, their bodies starting to mist with sweat, Renji's long hair sticking to both of them. Byakuya moaned, sliding his palms now over the younger man's back, each thrust causing a spark of pleasure to shudder through him. Above him, Renji panted, open-mouthed, eyes glazed with desire, strong arms propping him up over the slighter man beneath him.

Byakuya writhed on the bed, eyes sliding closed, body starting to arch. "Renji…" he murmured, gasping, trying to warn him that he was close. But suddenly he was coming, his body stiffening with pleasure, Renji's hoarse shout mingling with his own moans before he finally relaxed.

After a while, Renji managed to roll off of him, the sudden cold air against his chest almost shocking. He had only a moment to stare dazedly up at the ceiling before he was pulled into the younger man's arms, his head automatically nestling in the crook between Renji's neck and shoulder.

They lay like that for some time, until their breathing had slowed and their thoughts could catch up with their bodies. Byakuya opened his eyes, wondering idly if Renji was asleep now. He watched the slow rise and fall of the other man's chest, his eyes drawn even in the semi-darkness to the curving lines of the tattoo trekking across the skin there. He reached out to trace it, fingers passing gently over one jagged mark, smiling slightly when another hand reached out to rest over his own, his palm now pressed to Renji's chest, the soft rhythmic beating of his heart fluttering against Byakuya's palm.

Renji's quiet voice broke the silence then, the inevitable question making his smile falter ever so slightly.

"So what happened? Five years ago, I mean."

Byakuya didn't immediately answer, causing Renji to press a kiss to his forehead, almost apologetically. But he didn't withdraw the question.

"It was nothing," he finally said. "I acted very foolishly."

"You were in love."

It was something between a question and a statement, but he didn't feel the need to respond to it, Renji evidently supposing his silence was answer enough.

He closed his eyes, feeling the hand over his own squeeze slightly, their fingers linking together. "It was a long time ago," he finally added. "I hardly even think about it anymore. It has nothing to do with who I am now."

"Yeah?"

Again, he didn't answer, a subtle disappointment washing over him, sensing the afterglow of their lovemaking somehow soiled by his own reticence.

"Five years ago." Renji sounded more curious now, almost playful. "So you would've been… what, 22, 23?"

Byakuya frowned at the question, a little confused by the sudden change in conversation. "23," he finally said, almost reluctantly.

Renji nodded thoughtfully, red hair on the pillow shifting, sliding against Byakuya's cheek. "Hm."

He raised an eyebrow. "You don't sound surprised."

"Nope." A pause, then a low chuckle, the sound making Byakuya frown again for some reason. "Okay. So I rifled through your pockets."

His eyes shot wide open now, the arm around him the only thing preventing him from sitting up. "You what?"

"Yeah. You remember that first time I brought you here. You were so toasted. I carried you in here and tried to make you comfortable. You know, took your shoes off, emptied your pockets…"

"Emptied my pockets?"

"Well yeah. Didn't wanna find myself accidentally dating some 30-year-old geezer."

"I see." He settled back down, albeit grudgingly. "You do realize that in two years—

"Yeah, yeah. Shut yer trap, Einstein." Another low chuckle. "I can count."

There was a long silence between them then, during which he wondered again if Renji had fallen asleep. He was having difficulty keeping his own eyes open, and Renji's body beside his own was so warm, and comforting…

"Well?"

He sighed, pulling himself back fully into wakefulness. "Well, what?"

"Aren't you going to ask me the same thing?"

He frowned. Perhaps a part of him didn't particularly wish to know Renji's actual age. But he knew he wasn't a freshman or a sophomore, so unless he were some sort of child prodigy and had entered university at an early age… And this was, after all, Renji, so the chances of that happening, well…

"Hey." He felt a finger poke his cheek gently. "Still waiting here."

He frowned, reaching up to brush the finger away, but only ended up holding Renji's hand, wrapping his arm around him again. "I'm just trying to think of the right way to ask it."

"22"

He blinked. "22?"

"Yep."

That wasn't so bad.

"Still rather young," he finally said.

Renji grinned. "Oh yeah?"

"Scandalously so."

Renji chuckled again. "You're such a rule-breaker."

That earned him a swat to the chest.

After that, they both quieted down again, everything quiet except for the street sounds coming from the other side of the closed window, Rangiku's iPod now silenced. He felt himself finally drifting off, but then Renji shook his shoulder gently and encouraged him to shift a little so he could pull the sheets over them. Once covered, he snuggled up beside Renji again, quite unabashedly cuddling, resting his head once again in the crook of the younger man's neck, his chin on his shoulder. He was out in a matter of minutes, Renji's quiet breathing and comforting presence lulling him to sleep.

And he slept deeply, all of the usual stresses and concern for the future that kept him awake at night for the moment silenced. It was a momentary peace that he was more than willing to embrace.