A/N: I can`t believe I`m doing this. I`m writing another chapter. Joy unto me.
Okay, firstly, I must apologise for any OOC behaviour from Byakuya. I try, really really try to keep him in character, aloof guy and all, but I think that, deep down, Byakuya is an overexcited and playful kid (Turn Back the Pendulum arc, Senbonzakura in the Zanpakuto rebellion), and I`ve tried to make this show in his thoughts and (sometimes) impulsive actions. And I suck at pompous speak, so, please, point out mistakes. Well, uh, not only there. Everywhere.
Also, people review and favourite stuff. I`m still trying to wrap my head around this. Thank you very much (:D)
And something utterly and ridiculously uninteresting, but very important to me: I`ve just bought two Bleach volumes: 24 (which has all the good things in it, including a picture of Grimmjow being sexy on the cover) AND! the Official Character Book 2, Masked. AND THEY`RE IN FRENCH, HOW COOL IS THAT.
On a sidenote, my A/Ns are getting longer and longer.
Byakuya was intrigued. Ever since they traded looks across the room, he has been stealing glances at the redheaded man. He was, indeed, very attractive. Tall, muscular without being disgustingly so, with long, scarlet-coloured hair that had to be dyed and the deepest pair of eyes that he had ever met. When they locked with his own across the room, it felt almost as if a sledgehammer hit the back of Byakuya`s knees and he had to grip the counter in order not to let the gravitation get the best of him.
And the tattoos. So...peculiar.
Sometimes he could feel the man`s gaze on him, however, every time he turned around, the individual seemed to be extremely interested in the pattern of the flooring, in the leather binding of the menus or in his always almost-empty plate.
Kami, the appetite on this man.
It was a busy day at the bistrot, busier than usual. Byakuya was faced with countless orders, patrons came and went, but the appealing stranger rested at his spot, a constant presence in the flow of clients. One by one, the hours passed and the people evacuated the space.
When the last customer besides himself left the bistrot, the interesting individual decided to leave his place next to the giant glass window and come over to the bar. His movements were unexpectedly smooth for such a muscular man, nothing hefty or clumsy about them, and Byakuya couldn`t stop looking. Yes, the man was incredibly attractive from far away, but, as he approached the counter and hopped on a stool in front of the bartender, Byakuya realized exactly how gorgeous the redhead was. His mouth refused to work and he felt his composure waver for a bit, his eyes engaging on a staring contest with the man`s russet ones.
'So, whaddaya wanna drink?' the stranger asked him after long moments, baring a gigawatt smile.
To say that Byakuya was startled was the understatement of the millennia.
Was this man making fun of him? Admiration was soon replaced by anger and his usual apathetic façade slid back into place.
'I am perfectly aware of the way in which I am supposed to interact with my clients, Sir.', he answered, voice bitter with just a hint of regret. My mistake. This man is nothing but malicious and self-sufficient scum.
To his surprise, though, the man threw his head back, giving out a hearty laugh. It was genuine, like pine trees and cherry blossoms and my koi pond in summer, like children`s games and musical masterpieces, innocent and mature and sweet and addictive.
'This is fuckin` rich', the man replied, after his laughter dried out. 'Sorry. I`m not tryin` to mock ya. Just...Have a drink with me. My treat. Ya`ve been working pretty hard today.'
So he has been watching me. Interesting.
'Thank you very much', Byakuya answered, 'but I have to reject your offer.'
The look on the man`s face was nothing short of impressive, an interesting mix between a scowl and a plea. Then he adopted a resigned smile and looked at the bartender with beaten puppy eyes.
'`S ok. I was takin` a shot in the dark.' He sighed and grabbed his coat, turning to leave. 'Thanks fer the meal. `Twas fantastic. See ya.'
Something inside Byakuya`s stomach turned into lava at the man`s expression.
I do not want to let this man go. I do not want to let this man go.
The redhead got off his stool and started to walk towards the exit. Without giving a damn about maintaining his dignified appearance or the fact that he wasn`t much of a touchy-feely guy, Byakuya bent over the counter and put a hand on the man`s shoulder.
'I do not drink with the clients. It goes against my professional code.' Byakuya started, a slight, barely-there blush spreading over the bridge of his nose. The stranger turned and narrowed his eyes, as if he were trying to figure out the bartender. 'However', he added, 'should you desire to do so, you are most welcome to spend some more time at the bar.' Seeing the man`s hesitant look, he plussed. 'Beverages are on the house.'
There. It was out in the open.
This is unacceptable. It was disgraceful and I have made a complete fool out of myself. He will probably laugh at me and...Oh. Oh.
The electric smile was back in full force.
'Sure.' the stranger answered and the bartender smiled and turned from the counter. Then, believing that Byakuya was out of hearing range, the man added a whispered 'Fuckin`A!' and reclaimed his place on one of the stools.
'So,' he started, grinning, 'what`s yer name?'
Byakuya arched an elegant eyebrow at the question.
'I am astounded. I thought that Rikichi had already told you my name.'
The man`s grin spread from ear to ear.
'Ha, he had. Kid gives out too much info. But I wanted ta meet ya properly. Ya know, common courtesy and all.'
'Ah.', the bartender said, leaving the conversation hanging. After a few moments of silence, the redhead held out his hand, introducing himself.
'Name`s Renji Abarai.'
Byakuya smiled and shook the tanned hand that he was offered.
'Byakuya.'
It was the man`s, Renji`s, turn to raise an eyebrow.
'Just like that, huh? Byakuya?'
'With the proper suffix, yes. I believe it is sufficient for now.'
The redhead bared that gigawatt smile of his. 'Cool. Baby steps. I like that. So, Byakuya-san, how did you end up in here?'
'I sent in my CV and the owner decided that I am properly qualified.', the bartender replied.
That laugh. Byakuya was never a funny person, nor was he ever interested in being one. Until now, that is. It was something really special in Renji`s laugh that made him want to be the world`s greatest comedian just to hear it over and over again. It is positively intoxicating.
'Okay, fine. How`d ya want this to go, then?' the redhead asked, mirth still visible on his features.
'Excuse me?'
'This bonding thing. How`d ya want it to go?'
Byakuya`s brow furrowed. Bonding?
'I do not bond with customers, Abarai-san.'
'Renji. But I want to get to know ya a bit, Byakuya-san.', the man replied, a mocking pout on his lips.
That was a new development for the bartender. Usually, there were individuals approaching him only to share their problems, an one-sided discussion he never enjoyed because he hated delving into other people`s private lives. Usually, they came depressed, ordered a strong drink and let their tongues loose, trying to find a bit of solace and understanding in a man that was unable to offer such comfort. Usually, they left satisfied, not because he was able to give them advice (for he never talked to them, just gave nods of acknowledgement here and there throughout their stories), but because they were too drunk to care and too happy that somebody listened. Never did they ask Byakuya something about his life for a change, and the bartender was content with this course of action, because his privacy was a most cherished thing in his life.
This, however, was new. Someone who actually wanted to talk to him, not at him. Someone wanted to know him. It was a...pleasant feeling.
'Twenty questions?' Renji tried.
'I beg your pardon?' Byakuya asked, interrupted from his reverie by the redhead.
'I ask you somethin`, you ask me somethin`...', the man continued.
'Hmm.' the bartender pondered for a minute. 'I am a very private man, Abarai-san.'
Renji narrowed his eyes at the formal title.
'However', Byakuya went on, 'you may tell me something about you and, if I deem it interesting enough, you are allowed to ask me...five questions.'
'And if you don`t think it`s interesting enough?' the redhead asked, already considering the challenge.
'You get no questions. You must strive to keep my attention.' Byakuya stated, the slightest hint of a smirk on his lips.
'Cool', Renji grinned, then took a deep breath. 'Something interesting, huh. Let`s see...oh, I know, starting from the beginning. So, I grew up in the slums of Rukongai city, in a lawless district called Inuzuri...'
A/N: GAH, WAS THIS HARD OR WHAT.
I`m trying to prepare myself for the incoming finals and write fanfiction at the same time. Neither is turning out as expected. However, I have a new goal that will be accomplished, no matter what: a smutty GrimmIchi oneshot for 15.06. I can do smut. I know I can.
And Avengers fanfics. Lots and lots and lots of Loki love.
