Hi everyone

so sorry for the long delay but i've been doing college apps and scholarship stuff so been really busy!!! not to mention i misplaced the written copy of this story and had to rewrite it

oh well hope you guys enjoy

Renji woke with a throbbing headache. He resolutely kept his eyes closed. Two drinks! he thought, what the hell had Matsumoto mixed this time? He sighed and snuggled deeply into the warmth beside him. Suddenly he froze. Warily he opened one eye only to snap it shut again.

Oh my god, oh my god, he chanted in his mind over and over again. He was now fully aware that the warmth beside him was not a mound of blankets but a human body. He wondered who it was. From his position, curled up against the person, he couldn't see who it was. He carefully tested out the other's body. He shifted slightly and it became quite evident to Renji the other body was not female. The body next to him was pure muscle. Renji could feel a firm, toned chest pressed against him and it didn't go unnoticed that he was sleeping on the other man's arm, and another was curled around his waist.

Renji rose slowly as not to wake his sleeping partner, that's all they were, sleeping partners. Nothing had happened he hoped. Once he was up, he turned to look at the person lying beside him. Renji nearly had a heart attack.

He wrenched himself out of Byakuya's grasp and that was enough to wake the other man. Dark grey eyes opened and stared at Renji. Byakuya looked impeccable as usual. His face held no hint of just being woken up.

Renji gave a small bow and hastily began to back away off the bed but Byakuya tightened his grip around Renji's waist, pulling him back. Renji was stunned for a moment then he proceeded to struggle but the after effects of the alcohol made it futile.

"Don't worry; I won't do anything to you," Byakuya whispered, trying to calm down Renji, "nothing happened last night either."

Renji visibly relaxed against Byakuya. If Byakuya felt any sort of discomfort in their position he didn't show it.

"About last night though…there's something I want to know," Byakuya began, "why won't you tal-" the rest was cut off by a woman bursting into the room. It was Matsumoto, followed in by Rukia.

"Oh my god Kuchiki-san, Rukia told me you had Renji. Someone told me they had given Renji my new mixed drinks. Where is he? Is he all right? Those drinks were for me and Yumichika." Masumoto's babbling was cut short as she realized where Renji was.

"Oh, sorry for interrupting," she said, a slight sadistic gleam could be seen in her eyes.

"Nii-san, what happened?" Rukia asked uncertainly.

Byakuya looked at her, his expression remaining calm and placid.

"Renji was inconceivably drunk due to Matusmoto's drinks and I took him up here. Since all the other rooms were thusly occupied and I had to go to work at seven in the morning, I didn't feel like sleeping in my office I slept here also."

There was a pause and Byakuya made another comment, "it's five in the morning, what are you two doing up or did the party just get over?"

Both of the young women gave a slight cough and flushed backing out. Byakuya heard Renji snort and he turned his attention back to the boy. Renji looked up at him and Byakuya felt his breath hitch. Renji looked utterly adorable. A blush graced his cheeks and he looked utterly embarrassed. Byakuya leaned forward.

"Renji, last night, what were you dreaming about?" Byakuya asked softly.

To his utter surprise, Renji gave him a blank stare. He shook his head slightly, red hair swaying around his shoulders.

"You don't remember?" Byakuya asked a bit incredulously

Renji nodded a bit fearfully and looked completely confused. Byakuya stared at him a moment longer then relented. It seemed like the other male was not lying either that or he was still in shock from waking up next to him.

"I'm sorry, perhaps we can continue this some other time."

Renji smiled at him gently and clambered off the bed. He left the room quickly and silently. Byakuya stared after him and placed his face in his hands. Why do I want to know so badly, Byakuya wondered, oh god, Hisana, what am I getting myself into?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

After that incident, everything seemed to settle into a monotonous routine. First, the band had shown Byakuya the songs they had chosen but somehow they ended up showing him all the music and songs they had composed. It was all quite tedious because each day Byakuya would go over one of their songs and analyze down to last detail to make sure it fit the standard or something.

It wasn't until about two weeks later when Byakuya finally decided what songs would go one their first album did they enter the recording studio.

They were told to be at the studio by eight, an hour earlier than usual. Renji met up with the rest of the band in front of the building. They all looked exhausted. Ichigo was mumbling curses about a manager who was a crazy workaholic. Renji agreed wholeheartedly. He had never been an early riser and all his college classes usually started around noon. He was extremely tired and more than a little pissed at Byakuya. It didn't help that he had been having nightmares he couldn't remember when he woke up.

The nightmares had started the day after the party and now they wouldn't go away. Renji was worried, especially since he couldn't remember them but still felt the fear. He had woken frequently, utterly drenched in sweat and not able to go back to sleep. Renji sighed as he rubbed his eyes. Hopefully the nightmares would go away soon. He didn't need them.

They walked into the studio and Byakuya met them in his office. He then took them up to a recording station.

"This will be your personal recording station for this and all upcoming albums or singles."

His words fell on deaf ears as the band took in the station. They all stared in awe at the state of the art equipment and sleek features that came with them. The place was amazing and they were going to be making music here. Renji turned to Ichigo and the others; he gave them all a grin and raised his hand. Immediately everyone began hi-fiving and cheering loudly. Renji had not felt this elated in a long time. He felt excited; things were moving forward now. He had reached one his goals in life and he could not be any happier. After another long moment of jubilation, Renji felt eyes on him. He turned and saw Byakuya looking at them; at him. Renji grinned at him and signed the words 'thank you' and to his surprise, Byakuya signed back 'you're welcome,' his gaze however, never wavered. Renji was utterly shocked, both by the use of sign language and Byakuya's look. He also had never seen such an intense stare before. It felt like Byakuya could see straight through him and was appraising his worth. It was the same look he had received that morning waking beside him.

Ever since that night/morning, Byakuya treated him no differently from the rest of the band but occasionally Renji would catch Byakuya staring at him. Byakuya had never fully told Renji what transpired that night, so all Renji knew was he had said something of interest to Byakuya. He did not remember exactly what it was but the vague feelings he had gave him enough information to know he would never talk to anyone about the dream. Dreams and nightmares were something Renji tried not to recall once they happened. It never helped him.

Even now, Renji could feel Byakuya's gaze on him. His gaze was diverted however, when the techies/mixers they would be working with showed up. After the introductions, Byakuya told they had the rest of the day off to relax but tomorrow they would begin recording. They were to bring whatever instruments they preferred to use to the studio or they would be provided some.

They all went their separate ways after that. Renji declined the offer to go see a movie with Hisagi and Chad and Ichigo was going to hang out with Rukia as usual. Renji just wanted to go home and sleep. The last few weeks had been hectic for him and they were just starting to record. The stress and busyness was probably due to the fact Renji was the main lyricist and Byakuya usually spoke with him. It was pleasant discussing music with Byakuya but a man could only take so much. Byakuya was far too thorough. So right now, Renji was going home to sleep for as long as possible.

Renji woke hours later to loud beeps coming from his cell phone. Someone had sent him a text message. He looked at the time, groggily waiting for his eyes to adjust. It was six in the evening. He had been out for nearly seven hours. He yawned and flicked open his phone. 'I will be picking you up in an hour. I wish to discuss some things with you. Dress appropriately. Kuchiki Byakuya'

Renji stared nonplussed at the message for a moment. 'Che, bastard,' Renji thought darkly, his thoughts moving to what Byakuya could possibly want to talk about. He frowned as he got up slowly and leisurely stretched. When he walked over to the bathroom, he nearly tripped over his black Labrador, Kozon, who had appeared out of nowhere. Kozon was the only one who knew Renji's secret. Kozon knew Renji could speak. Renji had spoken to him first a long time ago. Renji had been given the dog as a pseudo comfort after the incident.

"Hey boy, I don't think I'm gonna have time to take you for a walk," Renji said nuzzling his dog, "I'll make it up to you tomorrow. I promise."

Renji proceeded to his bathroom and took a long warm shower. He took inventory of his now expanded set of bath materials. Everything was cherry blossom scented and had come from Rukia the night after the concert without an explanation. The items ranged from shampoo and conditioner to cologne and body spray, Renji refused to touch the latter. He had deemed the lotion okay to use though but didn't quite understand the difference between moisturizers and lotions. Weren't they the same thing?

The shower was comforting to Renji and he soaked up the warmth the water provided. Distantly, he heard the doorbell ring. He exited the shower and quickly dried himself off. He frowned slightly and wondered who could possibly be at his door at this time. Slipping on a pair of black boxers, he walked down the hall. Beside him, Kozon padded silently. When they reached the door, Renji pulled it open.

Standing in the doorframe was a very bored looking Byakuya. Renji gaped at the man he looked stunning in a black Armani suit (think g. Clooney). He simply allowed him in too stunned to do anything else. He showed Byakuya to the kitchen where he pulled out a barstool, he moved to his and bent down to search for drinks. He heard a slight cough behind him. Renji turned around with a bottle of water and a bottle of juice. He offered them to Byakuya who was a cherry red for some reason.

Byakuya declined politely but he was feeling distinctly uncomfortable below the belt. Renji's lack of clothing was causing some problems Byakuya would rather not have become known.

"I am sorry to have come earlier and not warn you but I was not expecting to get through traffic so quickly."

Renji smiled in an understanding manner. He gestured at himself and then pointed toward his room. Byakuya nodded knowing Renji needed to get dressed. About fifteen minutes later, Byakuya heard the silent padding of footsteps down the hall and looked up expecting to see Renji, instead a large black dog moved into his line of sight. The dog was an amazing specimen. Renji must have taken exceptional care of it. The dog came up to mid thigh and had the glossiest coat Byakuya had ever seen. He bent down to pet it when it came and sat in front of him.

He did not realize Renji had come down until a hand was placed on his shoulder. Byakuya glanced up then stared in awe. Renji looked stunning. His hair was pulled back sleekly into a side ponytail which hung loosely over his shoulder. Byakuya understood why the dog looked so good-its owner looked just as good. He wore a plain white dress shirt and contrasted brightly with his hair. Snuggly fitted on his hips were black dress pants, which accentuated Renji's slender hips and waist. Byakuya knew he was gawking but he couldn't help it, Renji looked like sex on legs and to Byakuya the outfit screamed 'jump me.'

Renji could feel Byakuya's heated stare and wondered if he should have worn something else. That stare held more emotions in it than anything Renji had ever seen in Byakuya. The emotions were indiscernible but Renji saw a faint hint of desire and lust. He flushed darkly for a moment and banished any inappropriate thoughts because when he looked again Byakuya was perfectly normal. He was letting his libido think for him. Byakuya probably didn't even see him that way at all, which was a bit disappointing when Renji thought about it. Byakuya was the man sexy daydreams thrived on and Renji was not immune.

Renji was gay (1) but only the band and close friends knew. He was going to keep it a secret from the public now because of the band's debut. However, Byakuya posed a problem for Renji currently and the problem was Renji was completely infatuated with him. Ignoring the fact that the other was nearly a decade older, mature, and most likely not gay, Renji still found himself thinking constantly about the other man. He also felt like he was the only one struggling with these "feelings," it just wasn't fair.

Renji was shaken out of his reverie when Byakuya clasped a hand on his shoulder.

"Shall we get going?"

Renji nodded minutely. They walked out to Byakuya's car. Renji paused to admire the car. It was beautiful and it also happened to be a Ferrari. Renji grinned, the car matched Byakuya perfectly. It was black, sleek, both practical and not and it stood out. Byakuya unlocked the car and they both stepped in.

Byakuya told Renji they would be dining at a restaurant in the downtown area. After that no words were spoken. Silence filled the car as Byakuya wove them through evening traffic.

Byakuya stared straight ahead, he did not want to do anything stupid, which was would happen if he looked at Renji. Byakuya had been mulling for weeks over what happened at Rukia's party. Tonight he intended to get the information he needed to satisfy his usually dormant curiosity. Right now though, his curiosity was rearing its ugly head and he knew he would not be satisfied until he knew everything. Renji was an enigma that Byakuya could not get enough of and he was a thread to a past Byakuya thought had ended.

Perhaps it was morbid but Byakuya wanted, no needed to know what happened to Hisana that night. It was a thought that had haunted him for years

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

They arrived at the restaurant in relative silence, both men lost in their own thoughts. Renji felt a little discomfited by the place. It was an expensive, classy looking place. The valet had taken Byakuya's car and the two of them walked up to the reservation desk. They were taken to a secluded booth to the right of a stage. Renji raised his eyebrows. The waitress, a pretty young girl noticed and telling him about the shows that were put on at midnight. Once she started talking, she did not stop. She also didn't seem to notice Renji never replied and only gave her a weak smile occasionally. Byakuya, however, found the girl flat out was thankful when they arrived at their seats but utterly disappointed when the girl said she would be back for their orders. Byakuya felt the urge to strangle her as she leaned over Renji and winked at him as she left.

Now that he was settled across from Renji, Byakuya realized he had no idea what he wanted to say now.

'What the hell is wrong with me, he thought, I never jump into things like this.' However, after the last few weeks of sleepless nights and unfocused days, Byakuya had to fix it somehow and that meant confronting Renji. Before Byakuya could get a word out, the waitress returned to take their orders. Byakuya picked his usual but Renji appeared undecided. The waitress was all too eager to help. She leaned in and practically draped herself over Renji and began to make suggestions. Renji seemed very oblivious to the fact the girl was coming on to him. Finally Byakuya felt he had had enough. He gave a slight cough. The girl turned to him a brief almost nonexistent frown creasing her face. Byakuya gave her a tight smile.

"I think you may come back for his order at a later time."

Renji quickly shook his and pointed to something on the menu and the girl left. She looked a little put off but neither man noticed. Renji's gaze was now focused on Byakuya. He gave a slight smirk to which Byakuya raised a narrow eyebrow.

Is he jealous, wondered Renji, did Ichigo and the others' hints have some merit after all. Now Renji began to wonder why Byakuya had asked him out to dinner.

Across from the Renji, Byakuya was struggling to sort through his thoughts. Was I jealous of that chit, Byakuya wondered aghast? Was his jealousy obvious? And why the hell was he jealous in the first place? Renji is a man. Therein lay another problem. Was he gay or was it because stress and the fact that Renji was a very good-looking young man?

Things at the table remained slightly awkward and silent until the wine was brought by the sommelier. Byakuya uncorked the bottle and poured a glass for Renji and himself. Renji took this time to examine his surroundings. The place was bright and showy but the people seated at the tables were the exact opposite. The people screamed wealth like the restaurant but through a different mean. The people looked regal and their wealth was hidden through plain but classy ways. This was the kind of place Renji would never step in willingly.

While Renji was examining his surroundings, Byakuya continued his perusal of the young man in front of him. He also took the time to assess his current predicament. He wanted to know about Renji's past but he was not sure how to go about it.

Renji turned his gaze back to Byakuya to find Byakuya's thoughtful stare already on him. For a moment, there was another tense silence, interrupted by the waitress returning with their meals. Byakuya watched her as she resumed flirting with Renji. Renji seemed to have finally noticed what she was doing and was responding easily to her advances. Byakuya frowned slightly, so he had been a presumptuous about Renji. Maybe the other man was not gay but like Rukia had been hinting at.

When the girl finally left, Renji turned back to Byakuya and the slight grin that had been on his face fell at the cool almost cold look he received. Renji stiffened and took a cautious sip from his glass. That seemed to snap Byakuya out of whatever thoughts he was having. He quickly turned toward the stage where a band was setting up.

Renji was getting a bit fed up with the tension and discomfort. He had even resorted to flirting with the ugly waitress to get a rise out of Byakuya so he would do something. Renji reached out to tap Byakuya but the other man turned back to Renji and began speaking.

"Please excuse me for a moment." Byakuya rose gracefully from his chair and walked off.

Renji stared blankly after him. That had been rather unexpected. Renji sighed; the night was turning out to be one of his worst nightmares. Well, he thought, that's what I get for not questioning the motive of this night's outing. He took another gulp of wine and watched the performers who just entered the stage.

Inside the restroom, Byakuya attempted to gather himself. Remember why you are here. It's purely business, he chided himself. The main reason he had invited Renji out was find out what had happened but also discuss the direction the band wanted to go. Byakuya steeled himself hardened his resolve.

Renji was now fully engrossed watching the performers. He gave Byakuya a cursory glance when he came back but nothing more. He was pissed off and annoyed and wished Byakuya would just say what he needed to. Distantly Renji heard Byakuya clear his throat.

"There were some things I wanted to talk with you about."

Renji turned and looked at Byakuya.

"The label sees potential in your band's music, so I took the liberty of agreeing with them about featuring you guys in a few promotional videos."

Renji absorbed this information with some sense of detachment. That could not be the reason why Byakuya had taken him out to dinner and acted so discomfited. There was something more. Byakuya continued speaking unaware of Renji's internal questions. He took another sip of wine and waited for the rest of the conversation.

"There have been some questions in my mind since that night at Rukia's party. I want to know why you stopped talking. Why you only sing."

Renji could feel the coldness seep into body taking away the initial panic. He was numb, he had not been expecting this kind of conversation.

"Renji, I want to know-who is Hisana to you?"

The wine glass slipped from Renji's hand and created a large red stain on the table.

:D