At around midday, Byakuya contacted his caterer, requesting them to have dinner ready by 6. He was feeling quite excited at the idea of inviting Renji over for dinner and proceeded to do his work cheerfully. As the day drew to a close and the employees filed out, Byakuya made his way to Renji's office, and tapped on the glass slightly startling him.
Renji hurried over to the door, "I'm just packing my things," he fumbled for his keys, and giving Byakuya a small smile followed him out the door.
"Are you allergic to anything?"
"Nope," Renji glanced at Byakuya noticing the small smile that played on his lips.
They drove off making small talk mostly about work until Byakuya pulled over into his luxurious condo. Renji gazed open mouthed at the building and all its finery wondering for how much money Byakuya purchased it for. As they made their way to the penthouse Renji commented on the beautiful scenery, the sun painting the sky into mixtures of deep orange, and dark purples. Byakuya led Renji to his suite, and Renji couldn't help himself this time as he cried in shock, "This is marvelous Byakuya!"
Byakuya's suite was massive, the main living room exhibiting a renaissance vibe, with dark reds, and vibrant gold's, the tapestries decorating the walls. It was quite romantic and Renji felt his cheeks flush. Byakuya led him to the dining room, where an assortments of foods were prepared with Byakuya's personal butler standing next to the head of the table.
"Welcome home sir, and honoured guest," he bowed humbly as the two men took their seats. He poured them each a glass of wine, and Renji smiled nervously, not expecting the formality of such an event.
"I had my chef make us an assortment of different foods, please feel free to try them all." Byakuya handed him a personal handmade menu. Renji was shocked into silence as he read it over. There were several appetizers such as oysters, scallops, crab cakes and calamari followed by different types of steak, and pastas, mixed greens, soups and salads. Renji opted to try as much as he could without seeming overly gluttonous.
"Hmmm I think I'll have the oysters and crab cakes for now." The butler nodded, and turned to Byakuya who settled for the calamari. He took a sip of his wine, as he watched Renji reading over the menu.
"This is really spectacular Byakuya. Thank you," Renji flushed slightly as Byakuya smirked.
"So Renji, tell me about yourself," Byakuya inquired as he unfolded his napkin, placing it on his lap.
"Well, what would you like to know? Umm, let's see I graduated college, worked several jobs and then came to Kuchiki Enterprises."
"I mean, tell me something I don't already know about you. Where did you grow up?"
Renji stiffened. His childhood was a touchy subject and he almost never discussed it with anybody let alone his boss. "Well I grew up in a foster home actually."
"How was that like?" Byakuya nodded to the butler who returned with their food.
"The kids living there were like family to me," Renji said quietly as he took a sip of his wine. "What about you sir, I mean Byakuya?"
"Well, I've lived here in the city all my life. My grandfather raised me after my parents passed away in an accident."
"Oh!" Renji was taken back, not knowing that Byakuya's parents were gone. "I'm so sorry."
"It was a long time ago. I was 13 at the time."
"That must of been harsh. To be honest I always thought you lived a carefree, luxurious life."
"Carefree? Luxurious yes but carefree...you have no idea Renji," Byakuya's eyes turned cold, as they took on a distant look. Renji had a feeling he was reliving something terrible. Somehow that one sentence was all it took for Renji to see him differently. All this time he thought the great Kuchiki Byakuya was raised like a king in luxury and comfort but perhaps Byakuya had his own demons and Renji found himself yearning to know.
Without realizing, he reached over, and placed his hand on top of Byakuya's, "You can tell me," he said softly. The iciness in Byakuya's eyes melted and a shadow of terror flickered for a brief second before Byakuya regained his composure. "That is something that I have never discussed with anyone, nor do I think I can at the moment. It was something that I wouldn't wish upon even on my worst enemies." He finished bitterly.
Renji burned with curiosity but he knew not to push, and so abruptly changed the subject. "So, what do you like to do in your spare time? It can't all be about work can it?" The warmth of Renji smile radiated through his body, and Byakuya laughed, a beautiful rich laugh that made Renji's head swim with desire.
"Well I enjoy calligraphy."
"Hmm that suits you," Renji laughed heartily.
As the night went on smoothly they talked about hobbies, books, music, shows, and an assortment of things without going into too much detail about their past. After they had finished their dessert, Byakuya took Renji on a tour of his home, and they settled on the plush red velvet couch in Byakuya's study.
"Vincent and I spent lots of nights here when my grandfather handed over the company to me when he retired. We worked diligently to restore it to its former glory. I have fond memories of our accomplishments."
Perhaps we can create a few fond memories of our own, thought Renji, though as soon as he did he felt his face flush. Renji turned to look at the man sitting next to him. Byakuya's chest was rising and falling steadily, his eyes pools of silver, shimmering softly. He turned to look at Renji, and raised his hand towards his face. Renji caught his hand, and leaned in slowly till their lips touched and the desire made Renji quiver with excitement. He could feel Byakuya's lips moving softly, deepening the kiss as Renji trailed his fingers through his silky black hair. Byakuya moved his arms along Renji's biceps, feeling the hard muscle, his skin surprisingly smooth. Eventually Byakuya pulled away, and a flash of disappointment flitted through Renji's eyes. "I just want to take things slow." Byakuya reassured Renji with a smile and kissed his cheek.
Renji grinned, when suddenly Byakuya frowned, "What's that?" he asked pointing to Renji's bicep as he stared at the burnt out tattoo encircling his bicep.
"Oh, that was a tattoo, I decided to get rid of it." He fingered the scar. Byakuya leaned in closer, his fingers touching the spot and his eyes widened in horror. There was no mistaking the flames that encircled Renji's wrists were none other than the one worn by his attackers that twisted night.
"Byakuya what's wrong?" Renji asked, concern clouding his eyes as Byakuya abruptly stood up and faced the window. He could feel an attack coming on and so closed his eyes.
"Renji I think we should call it a night. I am not feeling well."
"What's wrong? Should I get you some water?"
"Please just go home, I will have Stan my butler drive you home. Please see yourself out."
"But Byakuya..."
"Just go Renji!" Renji scurried away, throwing one last look at Byakuya, feeling bewildered and confused. As soon as Renji shut the door, Byakuya clutched his chest and crumpled to the floor as images of the tattoo swirled in his mind. He could see the flames encircling his attacker's wrist, as he was choked, and violently stroked. He started to sweat, the beads streaming down his back dampening his shirt as he felt his vision blur. He tried to breath, and taking in large gulps of air as he normally would but he wasn't able to calm himself down. Images of the red and yellow flames encircling Renji's wrists flashed before his mind and soon yellow and red spots began to float around obscuring his vision. Byakuya rose unsteadily, staggering to the phone, knocking over a vase as the contents scattered onto the floor. He grabbed the phone, dialing 911.
"911, what's your emergency?"
"I need an ambulance to 1785 Beacon street, suite #50, I can't breathe." The phone fell from his hand as he crumpled to the ground clutching his stomach as visions of his attacker's clouded his mind once more. He desperately tried to stay conscious, gulping in large mouthfuls of air in vain. He crawled towards the window, his arms trembling as he threw it open and collapsed once more to the ground. His vision blurred, and soon blackness appeared like death as Byakuya lost consciousness.