CHAPTER 5
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach...
"Relax, Take It Easy" by Mika...
Took a ride to the end of the line
Where no one ever goes
Ended up on a broken train with nobody I know
But the pain and the longing's the same
Where the dying
Now I'm lost and I'm screaming for help
Onwards...
XOXOXO
A Week Later...
The lecture was so boring, he wanted to cry. He kept checking his watch as well as the clock in the oversized room. He leaned an elbow on the table and put his chin in his hand. Really, at this point in his classes, he didn't understand why he had to endure such tedium. And even though his instructor was a lively person, it didn't seem to help matters much. Gin was just about to doze off, when his cell vibrated in his pocket. It made him jump and glance around the room, checking to make sure no one was paying attention. He pulled the slender device free and held it under the table, wondering what on Earth Rangiku could want at this time. She knew he was in class.
Gin, what's up?
The number was unfamiliar. He frowned down at the screen, confused.
Uh...who's this?
He left the phone on his leg, hoping the person would get right back to him. If it wasn't Rangiku, then Gin had no idea who would text him at this hour. Everyone who had his number knew that he had classes during the day.
Jake...from State Farm...lol
Gin's frown morphed into a scowl. He definitely didn't know anyone that damned corny.
Seriously...
Lol I'm messin witcha. It's Renji
Gin almost dropped his phone. He'd completely forgotten that he'd given the gorgeous red head his phone number. And most of all, he hadn't expected Renji to contact him. He'd thought the other man was just being nice at the time when he'd asked. A surprised grin crept over Gin's face as he entered a reply.
I should've known. I don't know anyone else as corny as you
He hoped Renji would take the joke for what it was. The last thing he wanted was to offend his new friend. The thought startled him. Friend, huh? Maybe he was assuming, but what else could it be? If Renji didn't want to be his friend, he wouldn't be texting him. Just as happiness began to spread through his body, apprehension followed on its heels. Renji was straight, and though Gin was of course capable of having platonic relationships with other men, things became a little muddled when attraction was thrown into the equation. And he was definitely attracted to Renji.
Asshole. What're ya doin tonight?
Gin grinned, apprehension forgotten in light of Renji's question. Why did he want to know?
I'm actually off tonight so I thought I'd cook and watch a movie or two. Why?
Was he being too harsh by asking why? Especially if Renji wanted to get together and hang out again. He didn't want to put the other man off right when it seemed like he was warming up to Gin.
Oh OK. Cool
"What the hell?" Gin mumbled to himself.
Hadn't anyone taught Renji how to elaborate? This wouldn't do. Gin wanted to see the red head again, but he didn't want to push himself on the guy, either. He bit his bottom lip, wondering if inviting Renji to his place would be considered too forward. But if they were friends, that'd be the normal thing to do, right? Gin sighed. He was never this indecisive. After blowing out a long breath, he tapped out a hasty reply.
Wanna join?
If anyone asked, he would lie through his teeth and say that he was not holding his breath. After a few beats, the phone vibrated.
That OK? I don't wanna intrude...
Gin grinned and shook his head. Lovable moron.
It ain't intruding if I invited you
Fine! Should I bring anything?
Wine. Sweet red.
Renji's next reply seemed to take a while coming, so Gin read over his last message...and instantly cringed. He hoped Renji didn't think that was a cheap come-on or something. Gin was in the middle of quietly fussing at himself when his phone vibrated.
Haha! Gotcha
Oh, thank God. Too relieved to inquire about the joke, Gin typed in his address and a suitable time before pocketing his cell. His instructor had been giving him the evil eye for the last two minutes, so he figured paying a bit of attention wouldn't kill him. He smiled and rested his chin in his palm as he leaned over his desk. Well, his night was looking up.
XOXOXO
He was bored out of his mind. He had the day off, but nothing to do. He'd awakened at around eight that morning, showered, had cereal for breakfast, watched a few shows on TV, and now he was working out, his body folding into its hundredth situp. Since he didn't have any real friends aside from Shuuhei, he didn't know what else to do with himself. That was where his thoughts were when he suddenly remembered Gin's card in his work uniform pocket.
He climbed to his feet as if the carpet was on fire as he strode to his bedroom. He located the coverall on the floor near his bed (he'd have to get his laundry done soon) and turned it right side out. He dug into the pocket and snagged the card, grinning the entire time. He grabbed the cell phone Shuuhei had persuaded him to buy and activated the screen. It was nice having someone he could bother on his day off.
XxxxxxX
He set down the phone and flopped onto his back on the living room couch. Gin had invited him over for later that evening. Renji thought of the slender, silver-haired man and chuckled. There was something extremely endearing about Gin, but Renji couldn't put his finger on what it was. He just knew that he liked the guy and was interested in getting to know more about him.
He was daydreaming at the ceiling when someone knocked on his apartment door. Confused, he scowled and sat up, staring at the wooden portal as if it could bite. Who the hell was at his place? Shuuhei had work, Gin was in class...that left absolutely no one that Renji knew of. He tentatively climbed to his feet and slid over to the door. He reached forward and paused, his hand hovering over the knob. Could it be his parole officer? The annoying man had his address, but Renji had just gone for his check-in last week. Deciding to just get it over with, he grabbed the knob and wrenched open the door. If it suddenly started to rain pigs, Renji couldn't have been more surprised. He stared at his visitor, mouth hanging open.
"Ya gonna let me in or what?"
That woke him up. He closed his mouth and glared at the red-haired teenager in front of his door. "What the hell are you doing here?"
It killed him, speaking to his little brother that way. Really, he just wanted to grab the kid and hug him until he squirmed like the old days, but Jinta had outgrown him.
"Jeez," Jinta started as he brushed past Renji into the apartment. "You sure know how to make a guy feel welcome."
"I didn't think I was obligated to. You stopped speaking to me, remember?"
Jinta pulled a black, cable-knit hat from his head and turned back to face Renji, dark eyes downcast and haunted. Renji shut the door and folded his arms over his chest.
"And how the hell did you find me anyway?"
Jinta shrugged, eyes still on the floor. Renji didn't like that response. He stepped forward, wondering if his kid brother still respected him enough to be intimidated when Renji was upset with him.
"That ain't answerin' my question."
And then he saw them. Jinta's eyes were shining with unshed tears, but he refused to look at Renji.
"I know, OK? But Dad said we couldn't talk to you anymore. He said that you disgraced the family by being-"
"Dad?"
Jinta finally looked up, a tear rolling down his cheek. "Yeah. He said-"
"Dad said that?"
The blow was unexpected and heavy. His own father had disowned him? The man who had taught him everything he knew about machinery, about cars. The man who had laughed with him and encouraged him to do anything he wanted in life just because he believed he could. Renji lowered his gaze to the floor, unable to speak. He'd always suspected that his family hadn't wanted anything to do with him, but hearing the proof of it still killed him. He shook his head and fought against the stinging in his own eyes. He couldn't believe it.
"I'd never seen him so pissed, Ren. It was like he'd lost his mind. Any time me or Ma mentioned you, he flipped out. Eventually, we just stopped talking about you in front of him. But...Ma wants to see you. She misses you, ya know? We both do."
Renji lifted his head and stared at his little brother. He missed them too, but he was too proud to admit it. They'd stopped speaking to him, not the other way around. He snorted and shook his head again.
"Yeah, well, I dunno if I'm ready to see Ma yet. Or you either, for that matter."
Jinta's eyes widened before he frowned at the floor. His hands were busy wringing his hat, but he didn't say anything for a long while, stretching the uncomfortable silence between them. Renji felt like a piece of shit. He hated seeing his brother so sad and upset, and he hated being the cause of it even more.
"I'm not gonna blame Dad," Jinta started. "'Cuz I could've visited you in jail; I could've written back to you. I started to a million times, but I just chickened out. I don't excuse my behavior, but...I'm sorry, Ren. I really am. I just wanted to tell you that, and I kinda hoped you would forgive me. I know I messed up, but I just want my big brother back."
Renji's jaw clenched as he watched Jinta tear up again. Dammit, he was still pissed, though. They'd abandoned him when he'd needed them the most. They'd made him feel like he didn't have anyone in the world who gave a shit about him. They'd made him feel alone. And of course, they wouldn't understand. Their lives had gone on, normal and happy, while he'd languished in prison. They didn't know how it felt to suddenly lose everything they once loved and cherished, all because of a stupid mistake. They didn't know.
Renji swallowed harshly before looking at his brother. Jinta stood near the couch, head down and arm hiding his face. His shoulders were shaking, and...shit. Renji felt like his heart was being squeezed in a tight fist as he strode over to his brother and pulled him into a hug. He could forgive Jinta. Jinta was a kid and only listening to their father anyway. Renji was still upset about it, but he figured he probably would have done the same thing if the situation was reversed. Jinta clung to him like a barnacle, hiding his face against Renji's chest. He was sobbing, but Renji allowed him to vent. Hell, he was having a hard time not breaking down himself. He rubbed his kid brother's back until Jinta calmed down.
"Look," he finally said. "I ain't saying I'm alright about this, but...you're my brother. The only one I got."
Jinta sniffed, wiped his nose with his coat sleeve, and glanced up at Renji. "I'm sorry, Ren. I wish I could go back and do it over. I wouldn't care what Dad said."
"Nah, don't apologize. Well, not anymore." Renji patted Jinta's shoulder and stepped back. "Just do me a favor."
"What?"
"Come see me every now and then. And, uh...don't tell Ma where I am just yet. You tell her and she'll tell Dad."
Jinta nodded with a slight frown. Renji could tell he wanted to protest, but guilt probably wouldn't allow him to. Renji was fine taking advantage of the situation in that case. He didn't want to see his parents after they'd clearly kicked him out of the family.
Now that Jinta was calm, Renji took the time to really look at him. His little brother had grown up. He was taller, his face more narrow and his hair a little longer.
"Jeez, Jinta, you're almost tall as me now," he mumbled. "Can't believe you're gonna be seventeen soon."
Jinta smirked with pride, the gesture so wildly nostalgic, it almost made Renji breathless. "I say it's about time. I can't wait to get away from that house."
"Didn't you have glasses last time I saw you?"
"It's called contacts, Ren. Man, you sound like an old fart. You weren't away that long."
Renji chuckled and swiped a hand through Jinta's hair that was the same shade of red as his own. "Shut up. Respect your elders, kid."
Jinta laughed, but the mirth died out as he stared at Renji. Renji didn't know what was going on. Had he said something out of place? Jinta just watched him as if he was in awe.
"Ren, I really did miss you. I hope you believe me."
Sheesh. This kid.
"Yeah, I believe you. I missed you, too. Why ya think it pissed me off so bad when ya stopped talking to me? I don't think you guys understand how hard it was for me in that place. No family, no friends. Just me and a lonely ass cell. It sucked, Jinta. It really fuckin' sucked." Jinta had his head down again, so Renji cuffed him under the chin in order to get him to look up. "Hey. It's over, right? So, what high school ya going to?"
He figured a change of topic would help relieve the tension. He sauntered past Jinta into the kitchen, where he stopped at the cabinet over the sink and retrieved a cup. When Jinta followed him, he lifted another cup in offering. Jinta nodded and took a seat at the small table after shedding his coat.
"I only got water and Gatorade right now. Gotta go food shopping," Renji said.
Jinta smiled. "Still the same old Ren. I'll take some Gatorade as long as it's the purple kind. Oh, and I'm going to Grand High."
"Oh, yeah? How are your grades?"
Jinta had always been a smart kid, but he had a tendency to be lazy when it came to homework. Renji poured two cups of Gatorade and set one in front of Jinta while he talked. He really had missed his brother. Being able to talk to him and sit with him again only made the feeling more profound.
"I'm doing alright. Mostly Bs."
"That's still pretty good." Renji sat down across from him and sipped from his cup. "You playing any sports?"
"Mm...basketball."
Renji arched his brows in shock. "Really? Wow!"
He felt kind of proud. To think that his kid brother would follow in his footsteps made him preen like a peacock.
"You any good at it?"
Jinta rolled his eyes. "Does Varsity MVP for two years mean anything?"
"Wahaha! Look at you! Man, I'm really proud of you, Jinta! Good grades, good at basketball...how's your social life?"
"Er...what do you mean?"
Renji sat forward in his seat and waved a hand. "Friends? Girlfriend? I know you've probably got ladies all over you."
Jinta's face went scarlet as he studied the table. "Eh-heh. Yeeaaahh, about that..."
"What? Don't tell me you're a recluse."
"No, it's just...I, uh...no, never mind."
Renji wouldn't let it go that easily. Something was bothering his brother.
"Hey, what's up? You can talk to me. That hasn't changed, you know."
Jinta sighed and looked up, his dark eyes intense. "I have friends, and I am seeing someone."
"See? Was that so hard? You made it seem like a big deal or-" his voice trailed off as he watched his brother's blush deepen. "There's somethin' your not tellin' me, isn't there?"
"I-I don't wanna talk about it right now."
"No way," Renji growled. "You know I won't get mad at you over something like this. I'm not Dad. Now spill before I make you."
Jinta's chuckle was uneasy as he rubbed the back of his neck. Renji, on the other hand, was on pins and needles. He had no idea what to think. Or maybe...
"Uh...are you havin' sex, Jinta?"
If Renji thought Jinta's face was red before, now it was flaming. He sputtered as he choked on his drink.
"Jesus Christ, Ren!" he coughed as he outright howled. "Oh, man. That was hilarious."
"What?! Hey, I'm bein' serious here! I'm tryin' to figure out what you're hiding, but you're not makin' things easy for me!"
Jinta sobered as he studied Renji's face. After a few moments, he shrugged and went back to watching the table. "What would you do if I told you that I, uh...well, that I'm seeing a...a guy."
Renji frowned, not sure he'd heard correctly. "Say that again."
Jinta looked up, his expression pleading. "I said I'm seeing a guy. Ren, I'm gay."
"Oh. That's what I thought you said."
Renji didn't know how to respond. He wasn't angry or disappointed; he was just stunned. Jinta had never displayed any inclination of having a preference for the same sex, so this was news to Renji. He sat still for a long time. So long, in fact, Jinta began to fidget. When Renji focused on his little brother, he saw that Jinta was upset.
"Look, I can go if you don't wanna-"
"Shut up, Jinta. Since when have you known me to have something against gays? But, uh..." Renji wiped his mouth. "H-how long have you, uh, been...you know?"
Jinta chuckled, but really the sound was full of relief. "I didn't really know at first. I just thought I didn't like girls. Then, I met my boy-" he paused and glanced at Renji like what he was going to say was a heinous crime.
Renji cracked a wicked smirk. "Your boyfriend?"
Jinta's blush grew even more intense. He looked like he was about to explode. "Y-yeah. I met him, and that's when I realized that I liked him...that way."
"So, how long have you guys been goin' out? When am I gonna meet him?"
"Ren, come on! You're just gonna scare the crap out of him, aren't you?"
Renji chuckled. "That's my job, ain't it? Plus, I wanna know who's got my kid brother's heart."
"Ugh, you make it sound so cheesy," Jinta groaned as he put his head down on the table.
So, his little brother was gay. Well, it definitely wasn't what Renji had been expecting, and he certainly couldn't talk girls with Jinta, but all in all, it didn't matter. As long as Jinta was happy. And then, dread set in.
"Does Dad know?" he asked quietly.
Jinta's head came off the table in an instant. "Hell, no. Ren, he'd kill me."
Renji shook his head at the unfairness. When had his old man turned into such an ignorant bastard? First, he disowned his older son for being sent to prison, and now, if he found out about Jinta's sexual preference, he'd probably disown him too.
"Well, I'll keep your secret."
"Di's not a secret. I just...Dad is a different story."
Renji grinned from ear to ear. "Di, huh? That his name?"
Jinta was back to blushing up a storm. "Di Roy. Di Roy Rinker."
"Interesting name."
"I know," Jinta laughed. "I tease him about it all the time. He hates it."
Renji liked seeing his brother smile, and Jinta smiled when he talked about this Di Roy.
"You, uh...you're taking this a lot better than I thought you would," Jinta stated, voice quiet and almost shy.
"I'm not a monster, Jinta. Besides, if you're happy, then I'm happy. Anyway, how did you find me? I asked you that before and you didn't really tell me."
"I remembered you wore a Rent-A-Center uniform the last time I saw you, so I went to all the closest ones. I thought I wouldn't get any answers, but your boss took one look at me and gave me your address. I guess he thinks we look alike."
"Heh! Of course we do."
Jinta smiled again, and Renji didn't know what to do with himself. He hadn't been this happy in what felt like forever. And for some reason, he thought about Gin. Maybe because the last time they'd hung out, he'd been in a pretty good mood. Thoughts of Gin brought Renji back to his previous dilemma involving the slender, silver-haired man. His face brightened. How lucky! Now he could ask Jinta a few questions about the situation.
"Hey Jinta, how can you tell if a guy's, uh...well, you know?"
Jinta cackled. "Ren, you're blushing. Don't tell me you feel weird talking to me about sex?"
"This ain't got-" he started hotly, but paused. "Don't make fun of your brother. Now answer the question."
"Hmm, it all depends really. Sometimes you can tell, and sometimes you can't. Why do you ask?"
There was a devilish gleam in Jinta's eyes that didn't sit well with Renji, but he plowed ahead anyway.
"I've got a friend who, uh...he kinda reminds me of...no, I can't say that. Hmm...well, some of the things he does reminds me of the things a chick would do. You know?"
"Like what?"
Renji sighed as he gathered all of the tiny facts about Gin he'd learned. "So, he watches Food Network, he cooks, he likes shopping, he watches comedy-romance, he used to dance ballet, his best friend is a smoking-hot woman, and...he smells like a girl," he ended in a whisper.
Jinta guffawed. Renji sat back, startled as he watched his brother lose his cool. Once Jinta calmed down and wiped the tears from his eyes, he shook his head. "Dude...whoever this guy is...he either has a shitload of sisters, or he's definitely gay."
"That's what I was thinking too! But I didn't want to say anything and piss him off, 'cuz what if he's not, you know? I dunno."
"So...who is this guy? Friend of yours?"
Renji quirked his lips as he thought. Then, he smiled. "Yeah, you could say that."
The look Jinta gave him made him squirm and blush. "It's not like that, you creep," Renji grunted.
"Hey, I didn't even say anything!"
"You didn't have to! I know that look!"
"Hahaha! Big bro, you've got a lot to learn about love."
Renji paled. "What the hell're you talkin' about, love? I said he's a friend! Just 'cuz you've got a boyfriend, it doesn't make you an expert on relationships!"
"Yeah, well, I'm just sayin'. Me and Di started out as friends, too."
An itchy sensation started up in Renji's gut as he came to his feet. "Look, I don't wanna talk about this anymore. Forget I said anything."
Jinta cackled again as he too stood. He slipped into his coat and gave Renji a long look. "Just don't be a jerk to the guy, OK? If he likes you, it'll kill him. Trust me. I learned the hard way."
Renji didn't quite know what to say to that, so he remained silent. He walked Jinta to the door, where his brother paused on the threshold. He turned to Renji so quickly, it startled him. Jinta threw his arms around Renji's waist, hugging him tightly.
"I'll see you soon, Ren. It was good talking again."
Renji nodded, ignoring the lump rising in his throat. "Yeah, it was. See ya later, kid."
When he closed the door, he leaned against it, taking slow, even breaths. He'd missed his little brother so much, and now that he knew Jinta was doing just fine, he could relax. He glanced at the clock on the cable box and sighed. He still had a few hours before he was due at Gin's place. He cringed. What the hell did Jinta know anyway?
XOXOXO
"Baby, when they look up at the sky, we'll be shooting stars just passing by, you'll be comin' home with me tonight, and we'll be burnin' up like neon lights, neon lights, neon lights, neon lights, like neon liiiiiights!"
Gin danced over to the stove from the kitchen island and checked the two sizzling steaks on the grill. They looked good, so he opened the oven and took a quick peek at the seasoned red potatoes. Perfect. The mixed vegetables were already done and covered on the counter. The stereo blasting Demi Lovato was set in the corner of the kitchen near the refrigerator. Gin was in a great mood. Yes, he knew that Renji was a straight man, but he couldn't help being excited about having the red head over for dinner. He was proud of his cooking skills, and he'd cleaned his place from top to bottom, though it hadn't needed it. He was pretty meticulous about that sort of thing, but he figured it wouldn't hurt to be on the safe side.
He had on a pair of comfortable, gray lounge pants and short-sleeved, white, v-neck tee. He felt more confident being in his own territory. Now all he needed was his guest. He moved to the living room and grabbed a half-smoked cigarette from the crystal tray on the coffee table. After he lit up, he sank to the floor and scooted over to the TV, where his extensive movie collection was located. He was sure Renji wouldn't be into the kind of movies he liked, but this was his place, so they were going by his rules. Gin scanned the titles, humming. Before he could choose one, his cell phone vibrated on the coffee table. He turned to it with a scowl. Renji was a half hour early. However, when he glanced at the screen, he rolled his eyes. Rangiku wanted to Face Time. He accepted the call and propped the phone against the ash tray.
"Yes, Ran," he sighed.
"What kind of half-assed greeting is that for your best friend, Gin-bo?" she chided.
He grinned. "I'm busy."
Rangiku frowned, and Gin could tell that she was trying to scope out the background. "Gin!" she squeaked. "Do you have your scent candles lit?!"
He glanced behind himself at the tall living room windows and shrugged. "Yeah. So, what?"
"So what, my ass! Do you have a date?! And you didn't tell me?!"
She was so dramatic. Gin chuckled and just raised a brow as he pulled on the cigarette. Rangiku glared at him as she waited for a response. When it became clear that he didn't intend to give one, she growled.
"Gin-bo! You better answer me!"
"Jesus, Ran, it's not a date, OK? I'm just having company."
"Company," she drawled, voice filled with sarcasm. "Have you forgotten who you're talking to? I know you, Gin-bo! And I know that you don't light your scent candles unless you have a date!"
"It's not a date! My God, calm down!"
"Who is it then? And you better tell the truth, so help me-"
"Ran-gi-ku," Gin said slowly. "Relax. It's not a date."
"You didn't answer me."
"I don't think I should with the way you're freakin' out."
Gin grabbed the phone and carried it to the kitchen, where he checked his steaks again. They were done, so he turned off the flame and peered in at the potatoes. A few more minutes.
"And you're cooking?! Gin-bo, you're cooking! This is every bit a date!"
Rangiku had her hands on her hips as she glared down at her phone. He could tell she'd propped the device on her bedroom dresser from the painting hanging on the wall behind her. Gin sat on one of the tall stools at the kitchen island as he sighed.
"You're overreactin', ya know that right?"
"I don't care! Who is this company? Tell me right now!"
This was the part Gin had hoped to avoid. He knew that if he told Rangiku that all of his efforts were for Renji, who was clearly a straight man, she would come through the screen and strangle him for being so stupid. Gin rubbed the space between his eyebrows.
"Renji," he muttered.
"Renji? Who the hell is-" She stopped mid-sentence as her eyes widened with recognition. "Oh, Gin-bo," she said softly.
Gin scowled at her tone. "That better not be pity I hear."
"Gin-bo, what are you doing? Being friends with the guy is one thing, but this? This is crazy. You know he's-"
"Yes," he interrupted curtly. "I'm well aware of that."
Rangiku sighed as she sat on the edge of her bed. "What am I gonna do with you."
It wasn't really a question. Gin shrugged. "I'll be fine, Ran. I know he's straight, so I'll just keep things friendly."
"You say that, Gin-bo, but you have your hopes up already. Does he even know that you're gay?"
Gin flinched. Leave it to Rangiku to prod an open wound. "No."
She sighed again and shook her head. "You know I'm only saying this because I worry about you. You're not just my best friend, Gin-bo, you're the little brother I always wanted but never had. I love you."
Oh, great. Just great.
"I love you, too, Ran. I'll be fine!" he tried to reiterate.
"If he hurts you, I'm gonna kick his ass, and then I'm gonna kick yours for letting it happen!" she snapped before ending the call.
Gin chuckled. That was just like her to have her say and leave the other party without the option to respond. Gin slid off the stool and checked on his potatoes. Just as he was pulling the pan from the oven, his apartment buzzer went off. He almost dropped the pan. He stole a glance at the clock on the microwave and grinned. He couldn't help himself when it came to Renji. There was just something about the man that he couldn't resist. He knew it was flirting with disaster, but he was pretty powerless to his attraction to the guy.
Gin set the pan on the stove and clicked off the stereo with a tiny remote. He padded out to the living room and stood in front of the door, heart racing. He took a few deep breaths to compose himself before he pulled on the knob.
Heaven above.
Renji stood on the other side of the door, holding a bottle of wine in a brown paper bag. His long red hair was held back with a wide, black, cloth headband, but was braided, the plait hanging over his right shoulder. He had on a dark-green army jacket, the collar up against his neck, and it was open, showing the black, v-neck, ribbed sweater that molded to his torso. His jeans were dark-blue with little vintage-styled rips along the thighs, and he had on black sneakers. He was smiling, and when he saw Gin, that smile widened, displaying a deep pair of dimples.
He was positively wonderful.
Renji held up the bottle. "Bottle service?"
Gin chuckled, noticing that Renji also had a six pack of beer in his other hand. "I guess you're not much a wine drinker, huh?"
"Nah, never was my style."
Gin stepped back so Renji could pass. When he did, Gin caught a whiff of the man's scent and nearly swooned. He smelled so good. Like soap, fresh air and something entirely him. Gin shut the door, feeling as though he was walking on clouds. Renji was in his home. He didn't know what to do with himself.
"Somethin' smells good," Renji observed, deep voice a pleasant rumble.
Gin fought the wide grin that wanted to plaster itself across his face. Instead, he pointed down to Renji's sneakers. "Shoes off."
Renji faced him and chuckled. "Sure. Wanna take these off my hands?"
Gin's mind flew into the gutter. He was stuck on "wanna take these off." Stop, stop, stop, he chided himself. He grabbed the drinks and watched Renji bend to untie his sneakers before he straightened and toed them off. He put them in the corner near the coat closet and faced Gin again, smile devastating and warm. He shrugged.
"Well, what now?"
Gin gritted his teeth as he forced himself to behave. There were so many things he could've said to that. So many things he wanted to say to that. Instead, he cleared his suddenly dry throat and pointed toward the kitchen.
"Now, we eat. I'm starving."
Renji rubbed his big hands together and nodded. "I'm down. I made sure I didn't eat all day just for this."
Why did everything the man say sound so dirty? And why did he feel so nervous?
He sauntered to the kitchen, fully aware of the man following right behind him. Renji filled his apartment with so much testosterone, it made Gin a little giddy. He wasn't used to having a guy in his apartment anymore. He went to the fridge and set Renji's beer on the top shelf before he placed his bottle of wine in the freezer. He needed a drink now, but he liked his wine better when it was ice cold. He saw Renji slide onto a stool from the corner of his eye and smiled. It seemed the red head was making himself right at home. The thought was a nice one, but dangerous. While Gin went about fixing their plates, Renji made idle chatter.
"Your place is nice, Gin. Nothin' like mine," he chuckled.
"What, typical bachelor pad?" Gin returned, trying hard not to blush at the compliment.
"Of course. Plus, it doesn't feel so...I dunno...homey. This place feels lived in. Mine really doesn't."
Gin frowned as he carried Renji's plate over to him with a set of silver utensils. "Why not?"
Renji shrugged. "Never had time to care, I guess. No one comes over anyway."
"That's a shame."
Renji's russet eyes were so intense when he looked at Gin. Thankfully, he didn't say anything. Gin didn't know what he'd been thinking saying something so suggestive. He shook his head and went back to the counter for his own food. Once he was seated at the table, the conversation ebbed. Renji dug into his plate like he hadn't eaten for years rather than hours.
"Oh, man, Gin," he groaned. "This is sooo good."
Gin chewed the inside of his lip in order not to flush at the sound of Renji's pleasure. What the fuck was he thinking inviting this man to his home? All he was doing was tormenting himself.
"Thanks. Must be nice to have real food for a change, huh?"
"Heh, ya got somethin' against my microwavable dinners?"
"Oh, ya mean the frozen sodium? No, of course not. I wouldn' dream of it."
Renji cackled before his attention was solely on the food that was steadily disappearing from his plate. After a moment or two, Gin stood and went to the fridge. He grabbed a beer for Renji, opened it and set it down by him. Renji looked up and smirked, but went right back to his food. Gin grinned at the small gesture. He supposed that was Renji's way of saying thank you. He couldn't take it anymore. He snatched his wine from the freezer and dug around in the drawer next to the sink for his opener. He was struggling with the cork when he felt a warm presence at his back. Freezing, he turned his head and peered over his shoulder.
"Here, let me help ya wit' that," Renji said, voice low and almost intimate.
Gin handed the bottle over and took a couple of steps back. He was so hot. Everything literally felt like it had burst into flame. God, he needed a cigarette.
Renji handled the cork with so much ease, he made Gin feel like a woman.
"What the hell! I loosened it up for you," he grumbled as Renji handed him the bottle.
Never mind that his thoughts refused to stop entering the naughty zone, but Renji was too fucking close. And he smelled amazing, which only worsened the situation. Gin hurriedly poured himself a glass, nearly filling it before taking a healthy swig. He sighed. Much better.
Renji was back at the table, polishing off his food. Gin hated that he was the only one being affected with so much sexual tension, but it was all his fault. He'd decided to invite Renji over, knowing full well that he liked the man. He went back to the island and started eating, trying to keep his mind from constantly wandering to the gorgeous red head across from him. It was not working in the slightest.
"I think that was better than the food at your dad's place," Renji said.
Gin grinned. "Thanks."
He didn't notice Renji tilt his head to the side, but the curious tone in the man's voice made him glance up at him. "You OK? You're kinda quiet."
Gin wanted to kick himself. He was behaving out of character, but Renji flustered him in ways no man had in a very long time.
"Sorry," he said with a shake of his head. "I was jus' thinkin' 'bout somethin'."
"It ain't me, is it?"
Oh, if only you knew.
"Nah, calm down, Red. I'll tell ya if ya piss me off."
Renji laughed. "There he is."
Gin ate half of his food before he set the plate aside. He never had a big appetite unless he was piss drunk.
"That's all yer eatin'?" Renji asked, voice incredulous.
"My stomach prob'ly ain't as big as yers, Red."
"Hey! You callin' me fat?"
What fat? Was this guy serious? There wasn't an ounce of fat on him and he had to know it. Gin just snickered and shook his head. He grabbed his glass and slid off the stool.
"Let's go to the livin' room. I'll clean this up later."
He didn't wait to see if Renji followed him; he just meandered to the living room, where he set his glass on the coffee table and went back to his movie collection. He heard Renji's clothes rustling, and curious, he turned to see where the man had settled himself. Instead of the couch, Renji was parked on the floor in front of it, long legs stretched out underneath it.
"Why the floor?" Gin asked flippantly before turning back to his movies.
"I like ta stretch my legs."
"Mmm."
"So, what're we watchin'?" Before Gin could reply, Renji interrupted. "Oh, no. You're gonna make me watch a chick flick, aren'tcha?"
Gin's grin was broad as he faced Renji. "Yup. My house, my rules."
"Dammit, Gin. You're serious, ain't ya?"
"Of course."
"Mannn," Renji whined, but Gin didn't detect any real negativity.
"Ha!" he cried as he held up his choice. He'd only seen it once, and that had been a while ago, so he figured watching it again wouldn't hurt.
He slid the DVD into the player and turned on the TV. After that, he grabbed the remote and went to the couch, where he made himself comfortable. He folded his legs beneath him and tried his damnedest to ignore Renji leaning against the cushion where he was seated.
Impossible.
He found himself staring at the man's long, shiny red hair. The braid was neat and not a hair was out of place. Gin's fingers twitched. He wanted to run his fingers through it so badly. But Renji wasn't Rangiku, and he might not appreciate another guy playing in his hair. Fuck, it was difficult, though. Gin diverted his eyes to Renji's broad shoulders and wide, sloping, strong-looking back. They led to those muscular arms. Speaking of which, Renji lifted his right arm and placed it along the couch cushion behind him, inches away from Gin's legs. He leaned back and sighed.
Dammit, dammit, dammit! Gin inwardly screamed. He wanted to drape himself across Renji's back; he wanted to untie that braid and immerse himself in the tempting red strands; hell, there was a lot he wanted to do to Renji. That was bad thinking, though. He was still completely engrossed in Renji's hair and back, when he realized the room had gone unnaturally quiet. He lifted his eyes to what he thought would be Renji's profile and was frozen under the man's curious gaze.
"Ya gonna play the movie?"
"Ah, yeah. My bad, Red."
Renji's grin felt a little too secretive for Gin's taste, but he couldn't do anything about it. He had just been caught ogling his "friend."
"S'OK."
Stupid! What the hell are you doing?!
Gin hit play and reached for his glass. It was a little out of reach, but Renji handed it to him like it was natural. Like it was normal.
"The Wedding Date?" Renji drawled with disdain. "Ya gotta be kiddin' me."
"Shut up and watch. Ya might like it, big baby."
Renji chuckled and shook his head. "I doubt it. Man, I can't believe I'm lettin' ya emasculate me like this."
"There's no way a movie c'n do that, idiot."
"Mannn," Renji whined again.
Gin ended up chortling at the red head's antics. And he was enjoying himself. Sure, it was the closest thing to torture he could manage, but...all good things came with a downside, right? He sat back against the plush cushion, sticking the stem of his wine glass between his legs.
They were forty-five minutes into the movie, and Gin was on his third glass of wine, Renji on his fourth beer. The man could hold his liquor, that was for sure.
"So, she's gonna end up fallin' for this guy, right?"
"Just watch the movie!" Gin snapped, though it lacked heat.
"Haha! She really hired a male escort to her sister's wedding."
Gin snickered into his glass before taking a sip. He was buzzed, he would admit, and Renji kept looking better and better. Not to mention, he was still on the floor in front of Gin, that red braid distracting Gin every few minutes. He was proud of himself for not saying to hell with it, and reaching forward and unraveling all that goodness between his fingers.
Suddenly Renji climbed to his feet. "Where's the bathroom, Gin?"
The way he said Gin's name gave Gin chills. He pointed back towards the kitchen. "Past the kitchen, to your left."
"Thanks."
When Renji left the living room, it still smelled heavily of him. His presence was still dominating the atmosphere and Gin was having a hard time thinking about anything else. He grimaced and rubbed the space between his eyebrows. It was still fairly early, and he didn't want to be rude and kick his guest to the curb. No, he was enjoying the man's company too much to do something like that. But what was he going to do? Renji was charming and sexy as hell; it was becoming more and more difficult for Gin to keep his hands to himself.
After a few more moments of a minor panic attack, Renji returned from the bathroom. When he lowered himself to the floor in front of Gin, his hand landed on Gin's foot. Gin almost spilled his drink. Renji's hand was warm and strong. He discreetly moved his foot out of the way, praying Renji wouldn't notice.
But he did.
He glanced back as he settled himself. "Oh, sorry, Gin."
Like it was nothing! Meanwhile, Gin could still feel the man's skin, still feel the heat.
"S'fine."
And then Gin noticed that Renji had removed his headband and rolled up the sleeves of his sweater. Gin watched with dread as Renji reached up, untied his braid and carefully unraveled the plait. Gin's shoulders sagged as his eyes followed the man's movements almost hungrily. Renji's fingers slid through the crimson mass, settling at his scalp and slowly massaging. Gin bit his bottom lip and shifted on the couch. He had to sit on his hands to keep them still. What was this madness? Why couldn't he peel his eyes away from Renji's hair. It was just hair.
Yeah, right. Forgive me, Renji.
He was hesitant as he let his right hand move towards the red strands that were slightly curled onto the couch near Gin's legs. It was right there! He picked up the bit that rested on the cushion and sifted it between his fingers. He nearly died. It was so soft. He could play with this small section all night and never get tired of it. He was absently grinning, thoughts far from the movie, when Renji suddenly leaned forward for his beer. Gin didn't manage to let go of the man's hair quickly enough and ended up tugging at it before it dropped from his hand. Renji turned with a slight frown.
"Ah! S-sorry!" Gin sputtered, totally flustered.
Renji gave him a weighty stare that Gin had no idea how to interpret. Then, the taller man leaned back, this time scooting a little closer to Gin's legs. Gin frowned, confused.
"If ya wanna touch it, jus' say so."
Gin was stunned. He sat still as a stone, unsure of what he'd heard. Had...had Renji just invited him to his hair? He had to know for sure.
"What?"
Renji carelessly shrugged a shoulder. "I said if ya wanna touch my hair, ya can. I won't get mad."
Gin almost squealed with glee. This just couldn't be happening. He was dreaming. Definitely dreaming. And since he was dreaming, he planned to take full advantage of the permission he was given. He only hesitated for a brief moment before his hand slid into that gorgeous pile of red hair. He let it glide through his fingers before settling his hand at Renji's scalp again. This was too much.
"It's so soft," he mumbled.
Renji snorted a low laugh. "Not what you were expectin'?"
Gin couldn't even respond. He was in hog heaven. He combed the red strands with his fingers for a bit before he went back to Renji's scalp and gently massaged. He was startled when Renji closed his eyes and gave a quiet grunt. Gin felt like any second and he would hyperventilate. This was everything he'd imagined it to be. He sat up a little and engaged both hands.
Renji hummed and murmured, "That's nice."
Gin's face was flushed as he focused entirely on Renji's hair. He got so carried away, it took him a long while to notice that everything had gone cemetery silent. He paused what he was doing and glanced at the TV. The movie was back at the main menu, and Renji's head was back, leaning fully against Gin's legs. His eyes were closed, his lips parted. He was fast asleep. Gin smirked as he studied the handsome face. He brushed a few loose strands of Renji's scarlet hair from the man's forehead and cradled his head.
Gin was an absolute lost cause. He couldn't fight it anymore, and truthfully, he didn't think he ever had. As he stroked Renji's feather soft hair and listened to the man's quiet snores, he realized with dread that he was already falling for him.
Thanks for reading! If there are any errors, I apologize. This was pretty long, and I was too exhausted to proofread.