Title: Bad Romance
Author:zealot1138
Pairing: Renji x Ichigo
Rating: M (for language, situations, yaoi – angst, romance, sex, fluff)
Summary: AU. Ichigo is so NOT gay, so when he goes to the exclusive bordello Club Sakura, will a certain redhead named Renji make him think twice?
Disclaimer for the entire story: I do NOT own any of these characters from BLEACH which belongs to Tite Kubo et al. Thank you.
DISCLAIMER: All characters depicted in sexual situations in this post/fanfiction/fanart (including material in the comments) are fictional and are intended to be and considered to be by the author of said material of the legal age of consent in the United States state of California, regardless of what age these characters may be in the material they are derived from.
Oh man, this was harder to get out than I anticipated, but I hope you find it worthwhile.
Working on more. It sucks in that I have a lot of parts ready to go, but I have to write all the stuff leading up to those parts, and that is what is making it doubly hard. :sigh: I guess that's the burden of writing fic, neh?
And thank you so so much to everyone who's been reading this – those of you especially who've sent me the bestest notes and words of encouragement – I thank you big time!!
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Chapter 8
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Ichigo glanced at the clock in his room for the nth time as he kept his focus on the contents in his closet. He and Renji had texted back and forth, agreeing that Renji would pick him up at seven o'clock before heading to wherever Ichigo wanted them to have dinner.
Considering how well put together Renji seemed to be, Ichigo was putting a little more thought and effort into his current apparel. He wanted to look hip and cool, but didn't want to look out of his element nor too young next to the handsome and older redhead.
He settled on pairing his low-rise olive khakis with a fashionable long sleeve shirt with two oversized enameled button left open to show some skin. He grabbed a lightweight designer jacket and accessorized with a leather belt. Looking at the clock one last time, he decided to wait by the front door since he had a feeling that Renji was the punctual type. Sure enough, as he closed the door to his bedroom, the front door bell rang.
Ichigo had to remind himself not to rush. It's a small apartment, plus this was merely payback to a new friend (a GUY friend at that) since he had made some uncharacteristically mean remarks. Right, I'm buying Renji dinner since I said some stupid things. That's it. It's not anything – not a date or anything. He's not even a new friend, right? I mean, with what he does and stuff…
With that trailing thought, Ichigo opened the door to face the redhead. Once again, Ichigo was surprised by the effect Renji had on him as he caught his breath while looking at the redhead. Renji was dressed simply in tight fitting black jeans, a long sleeved black Henley shirt (buttoned up to hide most of the tats), a slim belt, urban boots, a slouchy white knit hat and a white silk scarf wrapped casually around his neck and shoulders.
"Hey, Renji. Right on time."
Renji casually gave the shorter man a quick once-over before breaking into a genuine smile to say, "Oi, Ichigo. So, where's dinner?"
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"I've never known anyone who likes taiyaki this much." Ichigo smirked at the redhead, both amused and surprised by Renji's reaction to the red bean stuffed pancake treats.
Renji swallowed his last bite before responding, "Yeah, it's my favorite, but I rarely get 'em fresh like this, ya know? I don't usually go out to places to get it made on-site, so these are extra tasty." He gave the younger man a big smile before licking his fingers clean. As he noticed that Ichigo's eyes were glued to watching him lick off the last of the stickiness off his finger, Renji made a point to move extra slowly to tease the lad whose intentions still had Renji clueless.
Ichigo, as if transfixed, watched Renji slip his index finger back into his mouth. The redhead's cheeks sunk in as he sucked his finger sending the digit further past his lips. Renji then opened his mouth to slide his finger back out. When the tip of his finger reached his lips, the redhead seductively ran the pan of his finger across his bottom lip.
Without realizing it, Ichigo had been holding his breath and he now released it and swallowed the large lump that was forming in his throat. When Renji's little display was done, Ichigo's brown eyes met the redhead's burgundy ones and Ichigo felt the heat rise to his face, reddening his cheeks in both embarrassment and anger at himself since he was unsure why he was so fascinated by the thing Renji did – and he hated how Renji seemed to do such things on purpose just to get a rise out of Ichigo.
Ichigo was starting to think having all those beers with the workers at the yakitori shop they'd been dining in all evening was a bad idea. He couldn't seem to stop staring at the redhead and being slightly buzzed was not helping him keep control of that situation.
Before he could yell something at the redhead to break up the feelings that were starting to come about, Renji spoke up. "Thanks for dinner, and especially the taiyaki, Ichigo. I, uh, I wanted to talk to you about something though."
Grateful for a break resulting in normalcy, Ichigo reacted casually, "Sure. What's up?"
"Well, this morning, I was supposed to blindfold you when we left the property. I mean, you saw how crazy they are 'bout the privacy and such, so, if it gets out that I didn't… Hell, I wasn't even supposed to let you stay over!"
"Are you going to be in trouble because of this?"
"Honestly, I could be in a shitload of trouble, but I know I won't be."
"How's that?"
"For some reason, I trust you, Ichigo" Renji eyed the orange-haired man with sincerity before going on, "and I guess it's that same trust that made me keep you over, even when I knew better."
This little admission made Ichigo's heart skip a beat. He involuntarily clutched his hand to his chest which annoyed him immensely since all it did was attract the redhead's attention. "Ichigo, you ok?"
All those damn beers…'s the only reason I can't think right. "Yeah, I'm fine. And yeah, your secret's safe and all that. Speaking of which, why did Keigo get to leave-"
Just then, Ichigo's cell phone alerted him to a text. Automatically, he grabbed it to take a look at the message.
VizE
Warehouse wharf
Doors – now for 1 hr only
Ichigo found his chance to have access to something he felt Renji probably wouldn't since this roving and random rave-like underground club was geared towards the college crowd yet had a certain cachet among the cool crowd. Considering how much it seemed Renji never got out, this could be one experience Ichigo could show him.
"Renji, you up for some dancing?"
"This, coming from Mr. 'I'm not gay'?" Renji couldn't help but take a swipe at the lad. Plus, he wasn't sure he was ready to explain the whole Keigo situation and how Ichigo was "allowed" to stay overnight, so he welcomed the chance at distraction. "Sure. I'm game if you are."
Ichigo smiled at the redhead as he placed some cash on the table before leaving. "OK, let's go!"
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By the time they'd arrived in the wharf district, a line had gathered down and around the warehouse. Since there was nothing that could be done about getting in sooner, Ichigo and Renji got in line with the rest of the group. It was hard not to notice all the stares coming their way, all of which was due to Renji, Ichigo thought. The tall, handsome redhead was hard to miss.
"So, what's the cloak-and-daggers bit about this underground club, eh Ichigo?"
"Cloak and daggers? Tch. That's probably what I should say for you about the B&B."
Renji nudged Ichigo with his elbow. "Hey, ya mind not talking about that here?"
"Paranoid much? Fine, I'll shut up about it."
Ichigo then went on to explain how this roving underground club has become one of the hotter items of interest for those going to his college and how it was a process to get on the text list to get the latest location. Everyone on the list always goes when possible, and everyone who isn't on the list will show up in the hopes of being added on.
As Renji listened on, Ichigo's explanation was interrupted by a new presence. "Renji! I didn't expect to see someone of your stature here."
Ichigo turned around to see who was addressing Renji so personably. Before him, on the other side of the roped off line, was a very thin man with a short blond bob dressed in a white mod-style suit.
"Shinji!"
"No need for you to be in this line. And your friend here is very welcome to come with."
Ichigo, in his annoyance with this new intruder, didn't notice the looks he was getting from the blond, but it was something that did not get past Renji. Even though he knew Shinji didn't swing that way, he found himself feeling uncomfortable with Shinji's obvious interest in the orange-haired man.
As the trio entered the darkened warehouse's interior, a wall of heavy beats and flashing lights greeted their senses. Renji and Ichigo followed the thin man who moved through the darkness and crowd with ease.
As their ears started to normalize the sound level and their eyes started to adjust to the dim lighting, Ichigo picked up on the lyrics of the current track "what's goin' on on the floor? I love this record baby but I can't see straight anymore…" and it was one he was eager to dance to, and one he hoped to get Renji to dance to as well. Just as he was about to reach for the redhead's hand to drag him to the dance area, he felt a suffocating hug engulf his entire head.
"IchiGOOOOOO! You're alive! I was so worried – I thought you died maybe!"
"Keigo, get off'a me!" Ichigo pulled the arms of his friend off his face and turned to look at Renji when he noticed he was alone. He turned to see Renji walking off with the blond – but Renji had half turned to make sure Ichigo knew in which direction he was headed.
The scowl that had mostly been gone since Ichigo's night had started returned in full force as he was confronted by his clingy friend. On top of that, the one cool thing he'd interested Renji in, it turns out Renji also has the inside connections to get in without queuing by knowing some bigshot, Ichigo imagined. And the worst part is that the redhead's attention had been taken away just now too.
Mizuiro greeted Ichigo in his usually calm style and he tried to help by pulling Keigo away from the annoyed young man. "Yes, Keigo said you were so ill, but I am glad you're better."
"Yeah, thanks."
"You know, Tatsuki and Orihime are here. So, let's DANCE!"
Ichigo turned to look in Renji's direction one more time to find the burgundy eyes on him, but the thin blond was leaning heavily into the redhead as if talking intimately. He was starting to get annoyed and was about to walk over towards the two when a young woman dressed in a school girls outfit came over with a tray of drinks. "You Ichigo?"
"Yeah." The woman pushed up her glasses with her free hand before grabbing a shot glass and handing it to him. "This is for you and the rest is also for you and your friends." She set the tray down on the nearest bar table before turning to walk away and back into the crowd.
With shot in hand, Ichigo stared at Renji to see if the redhead would finally come over, but he was even further engrossed in his conversation with Shinji that Renji's eyes weren't even on Ichigo anymore. Now, thoroughly annoyed and feeling something in his gut, Ichigo decided to wash it away by downing the shot glass. He then grabbed another drink off the tray of booze and he decided he would dance after all. "Yeah, fine, let's find the girls and dance."
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After walking into the warehouse behind Shinji, Renji noticed the scowl had returned to Ichigo's face. He wasn't sure what was going on in the young man's head but the behavior seemed to indicate jealousy, but why would Ichigo feel jealous?
Just then, he noticed the boy Keigo approaching towards them and quickly making a beeline for Ichigo. Renji knew Keigo had already left with Shuuhei at the Sakura so chances he had even seen Renji were slim, but he figured he'd take no chances by walking away from Ichigo. Plus he had a feeling Shinji was in a talkative mood. Renji kept his eyes on Ichigo so he would know where to find them later, and was glad to see that Ichigo had noticed in what direction he and Shinji were moving off towards.
"So, Renji, how is it you're not at the Sakura tonight, let alone inside my humble establishment." Shinji gave a wide mock bow which only further enhanced the absurdity of having this rave inside this rundown abandoned warehouse.
The redhead slipped his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "Off tonight but it wasn't really my idea to come."
"No, I'd imagine not. We tend to cater to the college crowd… which where I assume that boy is from?"
Renji decided to ignore the fishing questions and merely looked away from the blond so he can refocus his attention on the orange-haired one instead. Just then, a petite blond was walking briskly by when Shinji's voice cut through the loud music.
"Hiyori! Can you send a round of drinks over to that orange-haired young man?" The pig-tailed blond glared at Shinji before replying, "Fine. On Red's tab?" She jabbed a thumb in Renji's direction to emphasize her point.
"Oh, no. Send it with my compliments." Shinji gave her a smile that showed even more of the ever present gleaming white Chiclets.
"You idiot! You can't give away shit all the time. How the hell are we supposed to make a profit?"
Shinji looked unfazed by the woman's tirade as he shrugged before answering, "I thought this was my gig. And as the boss, I can give out free drinks."
Hiyori punched him in the arm before replying, "Yeah, and as one of your financial investors, I can give a damn 'bout how Vizard Enterprises conducts its business."
He turned a bored face her way and said nothing. With that, Hiyori stomped off towards what Renji assumed is the bar's direction to order the drinks.
Renji quickly resumed his observation of seeing what Ichigo was doing. He figured if the lad wanted to hang out with his friends instead, he would just leave the wharf alone. Ichigo had wanted to buy his dinner to make amends for the false accusation that Renji was trying to seduce Ichigo, and the meal had now been paid for. Wondering if this may be the last time he'll even see the young man, Renji decided to etch a picture of Ichigo into his mind.
"You seem rather preoccupied with him, Renji. He seems too young to be a client of yours. A new beau, perhaps? Would be a first for you, I believe." Shinji seemed genuinely curious but all the interest in Ichigo was starting to irritate Renji too.
"Shinji, I know you don't swing that way, so why all the interest in Ichigo? And yeah, he's not a client and he's not mine or anything like that."
Shinji shrugged, playing at nonchalance. "I'm only as interested in him as he is related to you. After all, you're still close to Sousuke, yes?"
Renji froze slightly at the mention of Aizen. "Yes. But I have other clients and he has his other 'interests' besides me. So I hope you're not implying I'd think of him as anything more than business?"
"On the contrary, from what I've been hearing, he seems to be the one forgetting the lines between clients and Byakuya's boys."
Renji knew the connection between Vizard Enterprises and the Sakura Club came from the man currently spinning tracks and the man Renji considered his senpai. "Look, I get it – Shuuhei and DJ Kensei share sweet nothings in bed and you get to hear some gossip, but what do you know or care about Aizen-san?"
Shinji let out a sigh before addressing the redhead. "Usually, I have no interest in getting involved in people's affairs, even those of people in my own employ. However, I do have experience in dealing with one Aizen Sousuke, and all indications are that you are a good person, Renji. And if Sousuke is playing at something and it involves you, you had better be prepared for anything."
Renji finally took his eyes off of Ichigo to give the blond his full attention. "What are you talking about? What have you heard about Aizen-san?"
"Even just between us, you can't drop the honorific, can you Renji? That is what I am talking about. The man has this ability to get under people's skins." Shinji looked as Renji turned his head away slightly, he assumed from the bit of shame he must be feeling for having caught this unexpected admission to being under Aizen's dominance even away from the club.
"I saw that in him, which is why I entrusted him to help me run my first business. Sousuke was my protégé. I taught him everything I knew and I watched him build my company up and take it from a small private enterprise into the public conglomerate it is today. And before I knew, he stole it all from right underneath my nose. That's right, Renji. I used to own and operate Muguet. And now, all I have is Vizard and I couldn't be happier, but that doesn't mean I don't keep track of what Sousuke's doing in the business world. And he seems interested in what could be you or maybe just the Club. I don't have much invested in Sakura myself, other than Kensei's undying interest there, but if Sousuke has his eye on any one thing, it raises my 'spider senses' as you will."
Shinji gave the stunned redhead his most sobering smile. He then placed a hand on Renji's shoulder to express his concern and sympathy. Renji looked up into the tall thin man's eyes. "What are you trying to tell me, Shinji? Do you know what he plans to do? Should I be concerned?"
Before Shinji could reply, Ichigo stormed over to grab Renji by the arm and started to drag him away towards the dance floor. The only words he slurred were, "'scuse us."
Shinji merely smiled and waved humorously at the duo leaving his immediate vision.
Renji's surprise quickly wore off as he regained his composure to grasp that Ichigo had just interrupted a serious conversation he had just been having. "Ichigo! What the hell was that! I was talking to Shinji-"
"No more talkin' – you. Dance."
Renji looked more closely at the orange-haired lad and did his best to focus in the dark and flashing lights. Shit. Kid's really drunk. "Ichigo, maybe I should take you home now."
"Nah uh. NotwhenIcandothis." Ichigo started to twist his hips in a suggestive swirling motion as he lifted his arms and started to swing his head to the timing of the beats. He had his eyes closed and his head tilted backwards, full lips mouthing the lyrics:
I'm on a mission
And it involves some heavy touching, yeah
You've indicated your interest
I'm educated in sex, yes
And now I want it bad
Want it bad
Shit. Renji grabbed Ichigo by the shoulders and pulled him in as they started to grind and dance rhythmically together to the beat. Renji's hands moved to grab Ichigo's waist as they continued to dance into one another and Renji wasn't sure why but he was surprised to find Ichigo's cock as hard as his own.
As he tried to process this revelation, Ichigo's hands moved up from Renji's forearms, palms sliding over his upper arms and across to the broad chest and up across the redhead's neck. Hands started to cup the sides of his face before slim fingers started to move its way up towards the red strands that were spilling down from underneath the white slouchy hat that was getting way too warm.
Ichigo really had had one too many drinks. They were free and abundant and every time he looked to see when Renji would leave the skinny blond man to join him on the dance floor Ichigo drowned his disappointment with one more drink.
He had been dancing with his friends but his attention had been so distracted, the girls kept commenting on how Ichigo's rhythm had been completely off tune. And as he kept taking drink after drink, his friends had started to dance away from his direction. Orihime had wanted to see if Ichigo was going to need a ride home, but Tatsuki had told her to let him be since he was old enough to take care of himself.
Ichigo had been about to let them know, even in his drunken stupor, that he was covered with regards to a way home, when he saw the blond lay his hand on Renji's shoulder. And when Renji only continued to look serious and unmoving from the skinny man's touch, Ichigo had had enough and stomped his way across to retrieve Renji.
And now, Ichigo's attention was back to focusing on getting and keeping Renji's attention. He was too drunk to think about what any of it meant, but he did know that he didn't like seeing Renji away from him and he wanted Renji's attention to be on him. And he was starting to feel like he needed to kiss Renji. All thoughts of Renji being a guy didn't even enter his mind – he knew he wanted this redhead and that was all he felt.
Renji's self-control was starting to slip but as Ichigo started to pull his head in closer as if for a kiss, Renji bit his lips and pulled back suddenly making Ichigo lose his balance a bit. He caught the younger man by the shoulder and started to drag him out of the makeshift club into the night air. "Whu th' fuck, Ren?!"
Ren? Where'd that come from? Thinking this but still without speaking, Renji kept his grip on Ichigo and finally got him outside. The lines of people, which had been closed off, were gone so Renji swung the drunken lad against the wall putting his hands on either side of Ichigo's head. "You are drunk. I'm taking you home."
Ichigo dropped his head back against the wall to catch his breath and catch his balance as well. He knew Renji was right. With all the previous beers and the constant drinks while dancing, Ichigo was surprised he was still standing. He kept taking in deep breaths to get back his functioning senses.
Renji looked on in silence. He watched as drops of sweat were beading down Ichigo's upturned neck, slowly racing down to meet the hem of shirt which was looking close to drenched. He watched as the Adam's apple bobbed up-and-down as Ichigo took in gulps of air.
As Renji fought with his inner voices battling between rational chastity and lustful desire wanting to ravish the body before him, Renji felt Ichigo's hands clasp each of his wrists before he looked up. Chocolate brown eyes stared into burgundy ones as Ichigo licked his lips before speaking. "Home… not... yet." He started to lean in towards the redhead which made the taller man growl.
"Fuck Ichigo, I can only take so much." And with that, Renji leaned in to press his lips hard against Ichigo's waiting ones. He then wrapped his arms around the shorter male as both mouths parted to taste each other, tongues starting to swirl around one another.
Ichigo's head was swimming but he was thoroughly enjoying the strong arms around him and the hard chest in front of him. Part of him felt things were off in that it was a bit unfamiliar, but he had never wanted to kiss and taste someone as much as he wanted the person who was with him now. If there was any uncertainty of desire because said person was a man, Ichigo was unable to process that along with standing straight, breathing and kissing and groping like his life depended on it.
His hands moved across the front of Renji's shirt, fingers moving to unbutton those on the redhead's Henley shirt. While Ichigo's desire was to rush through the process, his alcohol infused mind made him focus on one tiny button at a time.
The slow touches on his chest as they continued to kiss was driving Renji crazy. He wanted to rip off his shirt and do the same for Ichigo and the teasingly slow movements of Ichigo's fingers were adding fuel to his passion.
"God, Ichigo… I… we shouldn't do this." Renji was speaking as he lifted his head further allowing Ichigo access to his neck. The shorter male was using the tip of his tongue to work itself across the inky black lines that were now more visible after having removed the white scarf and opened up the black Henley top.
"Why not," murmured Ichigo. He kept his eyes closed to inhale the scent that was unique to the redhead, one that Ichigo was trying to identify. Keeping his eyes closed also seemed to help stop the world from spinning a bit too much.
"Because… you don't know what you're doing. I should take you home." Even as he said the words, Renji was starting to think he didn't mean a bit of it. He was really enjoying what Ichigo was doing – he was doing it so well, it was hard to think he didn't want it himself.
"Home. Mmm. In a minute…" Ichigo angled his head to move in for another kiss when he heard an odd buzzing sound and he felt Renji's body freeze up. Then, the melodic tune of a classical piano sonata rang into the quiet night air – it was one that sounded vaguely familiar to Ichigo but his mind couldn't process it just then.
Renji immediately straightened up and pushed Ichigo away slightly as he grabbed his cell phone from his pants pocket. The ringtone belonged to one person, and now his conversation in the warehouse came flooding back dampening his mood quickly. He positioned Ichigo to find support against the wall with one arm before using his other hand to answer the phone.
"Hello, Taichou… Yes, I'm out, how did you know?... Ah, I wasn't aware my room had such an echo. No, nothing special… Yes, may I call you back when I get home? I was on my way there… Great, thank you, Taichou." And with that, Renji used his thumb to press the End key twice and hard to hang up.
"So that's it?" Ichigo's playfulness had also dissipated and in its place was a souring mood. He wasn't sure what the conversation was about, but his brain, even through the alcohol, had caught the words "nothing special" and something about Renji being home soon – his home; not Ichigo's. "You're gonna take me home and leave?"
Renji sighed before looking at Ichigo to respond. "For one thing, you're drunk, and I'm not about to do anything to you. The whole point of dinner was because you accused me of trying to seduce you."
"But you weren't the one trying… now. It's what I want." Ichigo looked a bit putout as he said the words. Renji had a feeling they were words he'd never admit were he sober, another reason he definitely couldn't do anything more with the lad now.
"Look, once you're sober, I'm afraid you're going to regret we even took it this far. So why don't I take you home now, and you can let me know what you decide when you've slept it all off." Renji put his fingers through the orange hair to rest his hand softly behind Ichigo's head. He couldn't resist touching the younger man especially since he was concerned this may be the last time once Ichigo remembers the evening in the brilliancy of the morning light.
Ichigo continued to sulk a bit by saying, "You sure you're not rushing away just to talk to him?" He crossed his arms in front of his chest to emphasize his annoyance.
"Were it anyone else, I wouldn't have bothered to answer. But also, right now, I need to talk to him – it's business. You, on the other hand, I want to be with. You can tell me in the morning if I'm one you're still going to want at all. OK?"
Satisfied with that for now, Ichigo leaned into the redhead who took in the slighter form for a warm embrace. "OK, Ren. 's fair… 'm ready t' go home…"
The hug became more of a hold as Renji had to practically lift Ichigo up entirely since the lad was finally starting to succumb to the effects of the alcohol. Renji put his chin on top of the orange-haired head before saying, "Yeah, let's see what you'll want in the morning, Ichi."
TBC
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Footnotes and such:
Songs/Lyrics – that's right – both are Lady Gaga – Just Dance and then Love Game. I swear, were it not for her music, I am not sure I'd have the inspiration to continue this fix. XD
Muguet – that's right, you smarties, Muguet is French for Lily of the Valley which is the flower emblem of Squad Five. Interesting that the Lily of the Valley is all poisonous, neh? That Kubo… he a smarty himself sometimes. XD
Senpai – is used to address or refer to one's senior colleagues in a school, company, sports club, or other group (thanks Wikipedia)
FYI - I sprinkle in a lot of Japanese just 'cause it's easier to use than explain certain things, plus I figure any Bleach fan has to get exposed to it automatically, but if any of my usage brings up a question, please let me know.
Thanks for taking a read. Comments/reviews are love! _ Thank you!!!!