Need to get it out of my system.

Nice to Meet You (Again)

by

Raining Sky Guy

There weren't many things that Rin could say made his heart race. Other than riding his bike, there was pretty much no excitement in his life, even romance was dull and boring.

Yet for some reason, waking up to see Kisuke's sleeping face made his heart beat faster than usual.

He doesn't really understand where he is, nor does he even think about that as he takes in the sight of Kisuke's pale eyelids fluttering as he dreamt about something. He was mesmerized by the pale-blond man sleeping with his head on his hands, slouched over the table Rin had also apparently fallen asleep over.

He really was handsome. Rin couldn't really understand if he was really gay or bisexual, but he clearly found this man absolutely fascinating and attractive on all levels. The thing was…

Were this his own feelings or he was just trying to make Ichigo's feelings his, since he seemed to lack such a crucial relationship in his life?

Takahashi Rin was suddenly aware of how cold he was. He shivered once as he processed the cold morning air and immediately suppressed a cough. He hugged himself and looked around. It looked like both of them had dozed off as their chat went on long into the night, their remnants of tea colder than ice.

Rin smiled grateful at remembering yesterday. He had been antsy and nervous and guilty for making Kisuke put up with him again just because of his own stupidity, but somehow, for some reason Kisuke had coaxed him out of it, offering up his time and slowly Rin had gotten over his discomfort and joined him at the table to eat and share another cup of tea (Kisuke had looked a little rueful when he declared he would not bring out the sake or a beer because he had gotten a concussion). He just regretted having him sleeping on the uncomfortable table instead of his own bed. Actually, now that he was awake, the least he could do was bring him a jacket or a bed cover to at least sleep fine these last moments.

Half of him was thinking that, but most of him was simply too mesmerized by the blond, a stranger's memories making act of presence, intermingling with his observation and simply making Rin become more enamored with him. He knew it was silly and he needed to get a grip but he couldn't help but try whispering, "Kisuke?" softly, almost to himself. The man shifted as if he had heard and then he mumbled in his sleep,

"…Ichigo?"

Rin reeled back so abruptly he bumped his knee against the table, jousting the other man awake rudely even as he doubled over holding his knee in pain, trying to hide his face. His heart beat loudly in his ears.

"Hmm? Where-? Oh, Takahashi-san. Good morning." Kisuke, no, Urahara said drowsily, probably rubbing his eyes and straightening his clothes. "My, who knew we would fall asleep here out of all places. My apologies." He mumbled, drawing out the last word comically as he tried suppressing a yawn.

"Yeah. Morning." Rin muttered, still not looking up.

"Is there something wrong? Is it your head?"

Rin snapped back upright so fast he felt light-headed for a moment. "No! Uh- I… just bumped my knee. Nothing much."

Kisuke stared at him with no recognition. "Oh, I see. So that's what I heard," he said to himself as he stretched out the kinks out of his body.

Rin stared firmly at his clasped hands. He refused to feel sad over this. He refused to mix his own personal life and feelings with those of some dead guy-that-apparently-wasn't-a-figment-of-his-imagination-and-actually-had-lived-here. He wasn't Ichigo. He had never been.

"Takahashi-san? Is there something wrong?"

Rin looked back up again, almost flinching at seeing the shopkeeper closer than before. "Oh-I, no, it's alright. I mean, it's nothing."

Kisuke stared at him for one strained second, seeking out the truth from him. "Is that so? Do remember that doctor Ishida left you in my care, so if there is anything wrong, you need to tell me."

"I'm not a child." He said rather brusquely, immediately regretting it as it brought forth images of a little child no more than ten years old crying over the body of his dead mother. He closed his eyes, as if that hid him away from the world, exhaling rather harshly. "Look, thank you for all your help, but really, I'm fine. You just have to put up with me for a while longer then I'll go to the hospital to get the doctor's go ahead and I'll leave."

"Am I such bad company?" Kisuke said eyes open a tad too wide, a hand to his chest. Even as fake as it sounded, Rin still felt bad.

"No! It's not… I have some problems, it's just that. So it would be better if I left. "The businessman's voice dwindled to a mumble not even reacting this time when Kisuke leant in even closer. Rin looked up briefly, looking a little like a kicked puppy. "I'm sorry, I know you probably already hate me at this point."

"I thought we had already had this chat yesterday." Kisuke replied rather sternly, eyes narrowed and face far too close to the other's. "I do not hate you. As I said before, I am a very private man, so offering you my place is quite a bold move on my part. And not something I offer lightly."

Rin looked away first. Torn between feeling flattered and feeling nauseous because his mind wanted him to reach out to Kisuke as if he were Ichigo and Kisuke, his lover.

Ichigo had never truly loved anyone in a romantic way. He had tried dating girls, but they had grown afraid of his dealings with the local Yakuza. He had entertained the idea of being in love with Rukia even, but he soon discovered that she was more of a sister to him, which he wouldn't change for anything.

It was just so his luck that the one to ensnare his heart is some shabby, perverted old man with the most perfect eyes, and who swore to be by his side even to the end of time.

Ichigo-

'Is not me!' Rin internally screamed, growing angry as these random, obnoxious flits of memories of someone he was not and he had never been appeared in his mind, interrupting his thoughts. He snapped to attention at how Kisuke looked a little vulnerable and biting his lip, Rin could only think of one thing to do.

He grabbed the other by the shoulders, shaking him softly, "I'm sorry, I don't want you to think this is your fault or something of the like! It's not! I sort of believe you, but it's more like I don't really like people taking care of me, it's nothing personal."

For some reason, this made the other man look even more hurt for a second before he pasted a fake smile on that irritated Rin to no end.

"Ah, well, in that case. You'll be staying then?"

What had that been about?

They were bantering over coffee, like two friends, when the door slammed open and in walked an imposing man as broad as a wardrobe. Rin was so startled both by the sound and by the sight of another person he wasn't supposed to know that he quite literally fell off his chair.

"T-Takahashi-san?" Kisuke exclaimed sounding thoroughly amused but still standing up to see how he was faring. He offered the man a hand. "Do you need help?"

Rin mumbled, embarrassed but taking the hand anyway. He smiled guiltily at Kisuke but was immediately side-tracked by Tessai had always been nothing but kind with Ichigo, and since he started dating Kisuke, the man had begun to go out of his way to ensure he was comfortable. He-

"I apologize for startling you, dear visitor. I came here to inquire if you were already good enough to return to your city. The weekend is almost over after all." The big burly man said in a rather clipped tone that Rin had never heard on him –which was stupid because he had never even met the man before. He entirely missed the way Kisuke frowned in confusion.

"O-oh, yes, uh, I guess I can go back home now. You're right. Sorry for causing you trouble… um…" He trailed off because he was unsure if the other man had already introduced himself to him or not.

For one terrifyingly awkward moment, Rin thought Tessai would not get or simply ignore his cue to introduce himself but with a blatantly disrespectful look at him, he said his name. Rin didn't really catch what he said anyway because he was trying to control the deep ache in his heart.

Never had Tessai behaved in such a way with him.

No.

Tessai had been a good parental figure for Ichigo. For the Young Hero. Rin had barely met the man. He didn't owe Rin anything at all (but still his heart hurt).

"Right. I'm Takahashi. But I guess you already know that." Rin said with a strained smile, feeling his palms grow sweaty as the other barely gave him a glance before turning to the man at his side.

"Manager, I hope you can free yourself for some urgent topics we need to address today."

"When I have time, I'll tell you." Kisuke replied just as stiffly, making the other sigh before walking out of the room. The blond man rubbed at his forehead tiredly, looking a lot more tired than just a couple minutes ago and Rin felt oddly inadequate.

He wished Ichigo was here to set Kisuke at ease.

But since that was bullshit, the least Rin could do was control himself, paste a smile on his face and try to distract the other to the best of his abilities. "So…" He started, making the other stiffen. "That was your coworker, huh? Strict guy, he is, no? Oh, but don't worry, he's right. I have to leave before Monday gets here unless I want my pay to get docked."

"Please don't take what Tessai said to heart. He's normally not that harsh so I wonder if something's up…" The blond frowned again in concern but when he turned to look at Rin he was already smiling. "By the way, Takahashi-san. Hadn't you said that you had a week plus three days of vacations?"

"Huh?"

"Because if that's the case then I must insist we go out to eat something I'm sure you'd appreciate."

Rin suddenly found himself with too much time in his hands and a steaming plate of ramen in front of him. He looked up at the other man who was already eating heartedly and decided to add, just for good measure. "I'm paying for my meal, just to be clear."

Kisuke looked up at him, nodded and continued eating with a smile. Satisfied and a little embarrassed for some reason, Rin reassumed eating.

"I was wondering," Kisuke started, after eating half of his bowl. "What would you like to do until your concussion heals? You said you had just arrived a couple days ago but yesterday you were quite keen on leaving despite the doctor's wishes."

"Well I wasn't sure I wanted to spend all week here, but I wouldn't mind staying here either. But… I know you said you don't mind, but I really didn't want to bother you more than I already have. More so because I already have a hotel room paid for."

"I apologize for my persistence, but I must confess I'm very curious. Why come to Karakura on your holidays? You've never been here; you don't know anyone. I can't help but wonder what possessed you to come here?"

Rin was prepared for the question this time –just slightly though. "Well what can I tell you? Even I'm not sure. But I thought that maybe going away from my monotonous life for just a while was what I needed. I had heard good stuff about Karakura, so… well why not?"

Even as his brain unhelpfully supplied, 'what possessed me? Well, apparently the soul or spirit of one Kurosaki Ichigo.'

"Your life is monotonous?"

"Well, I work as an IT. I sit down in front of a computer for more than eight hours straight. That's basically my life."

"Would you like for there to be more excitement in your life?" Kisuke asked, a playful edge in his smile. Rin was going to roll his eyes in kind before he remembered young Ichigo, always high on adrenaline, things happening to him and around him and simply reaching a point in his young fifteen years where he just wanted peace. The young boy soon grew tired.

"No, I… I don't think I could manage living in an adventure or something like that." He answered in a weird thick tone. "Oh, but I do ride a motorcycle in my free time so at least it's not that bad I guess."

Kisuke blinked in confusion. "What do you mean by an adventure?"

Rin blinked back, confused by his words before he realized why he had asked. "Uh. You know, like in the movies. Save the girl, save the world and gain great powers." He said lamely, laughing awkwardly. When Kisuke only continued staring, he began to sweat. "What's with the question?"

"No, I… was just curious."

Cue awkward silence.

"…What is an adventure for you then?"

"Oh, late night affairs of course!" Kisuke answered with so much cheer and a coy edge that had the thirty-year-old man blushing and scoffing like a teenager.

"Urahara-san! Don't say such outrageous things!" He whispered urgently once he had regained control of himself. Kisuke was smiling lazily at him, obviously taking great pleasure in flustering his companion.

"But you got to confess that those things make your heart race, right?"

Rin's smile dropped, like his heart as he started going cold. The change was so abrupt, Kisuke reeled back in surprise.

"You… you have cheated?" He said, wounded. Ichigo was scared and his immense sadness started threatening to swallow Rin's identity as he couldn't help but feel those emotions as his own.

"I-no! Of course not! I was joking- I would never, Takahashi-san! I would never look at anyone else besides Ichigo!"

Rin's ears filled with static as the self of Ichigo deflated with relief and returned to being hazy memories filled of love for his lover. But Rin was far from appeased. This was the first time Kisuke ever mentioned Ichigo's name. Closing a circle that Rin had been hesitant to touch.

It was real.

Ichigo had existed. And had been this man's lover.

It still did nothing to answers Rin's desperate pleas of what this got anything to do with him.

Talking about which, Rin looked over at the suddenly antsy shopkeeper who was still waiting for his reaction after his last sentence– as if waiting for his verdict for god knows what reason. Rin figured he might as well use this opportunity to his advantage.

"This Ichigo… was he your boyfriend or something?"

Too shrewd eyes bored into his.

"What makes you think Ichigo is a man?"

"Eh, well. I'm sorry but you strike me as… y'know."

"Do I look gay to you?"

"You ordered an appletini."

"That's offensive. But anyway, Ichigo is primarily a girl's name. Unless you had met a man with that name…"

Rin realized he had messed up. He tried to play it casual. "Actually I did." Sorta. He gave a little start when surprise colored a very handsome face. He suddenly looked eager. Way too eager. "Um, Urahara?"

"How did you meet this Ichigo?"

"Oh, well, I… No, I just, someone I know bumped into him once. Gave him a piece of his mind, the brat."

"That's just how he was." Kisuke said, with a wry smile that pained Rin to no end. "May I ask the name of your friend? I may know them."

Fuck, now what?

Time to use the Bullshit Friend. "Doubt it. Takao. Wakatoshi Takao. Yeah, thought so." He added when Kisuke sighed in defeat. He added a mental note to phone Takao of this new lie just in case. Takao was an awesome friend, if a bit of a douchebag, because so long as it wasn't a slight to his pride or something he would not approve of, he was the go-to-man if you ever needed to bullshit a story and hence an alibi and witness.

"I must ask. Why did you say 'was'?"

"Excuse me?"

"You asked if Ichigo was my boyfriend. Not if he is."

Rin realized this too much too late. "I'm sorry. I just assumed… you get so melancholic sometimes…" Rin immediately replied, looking away from the other man. Kisuke narrowed his eyes again as he leaned over the table, trying to see behind who Takahashi presented him as.

"So what do you think happened to him?"

"What sort of question is that?" Rin demanded scandalized, turning his head so abruptly he felt pain go up his neck. Kisuke drew back slowly, eyebrows raised. "That's disrespectful for both of you!"

His expression closed off for one painful heartbeat before Kisuke smiled contritely at him, settling back into his seat with little energy. "Ah, I guess you're right."

Rin was reacting much more energetically than Kisuke. He bounced back on his seat, hands on his hair. "Get a hold of yourself, jeez. Really! I'm sorry if you broke up or something but don't just ask that sort of things."

"If I continue, will you punch me?" Kisuke asked so calmly that it took a moment for Rin to process his words after which he was visibly flustered.

"I- god, no." Rin exclaimed, opening his fisted hand. "Why do you make things to difficult?"

"I take offense to that."

"Oh shut up, I'm going to finish eating and then go to rest. My head started hurting with this." He half-lied. His headache had more to do with all the sudden foreign unwelcome wave of emotions.

"My apologies." Kisuke said mildly before returning to his meal in a stiff silence. Rin did the same, but after a while he couldn't help but glance up. The shopkeeper was frowning at his half-eaten bowl, irritated most likely but also… a little sad.

Rin's lips thinned. He hadn't liked this little stunt of his, even less the reaction it had evoked from whatever Ichigo was supposed to be, but he hated even more seeing the man looking so down. Even if he wasn't sure if it was his own sense of responsibility or Ichigo meddling with his brain, Rin decided to act on it. To be impulsive for once (like Ichigo).

"Hey, Urahara-san, I'm sorry. I don't know what happened to you and your boyfriend but you have my sympathies. That doesn't mean that I think it's okay for you to say such things, but, I guess what I want to say is cheer up?" Rin had ended up saying, tilting his sentence like a question as he lost track of what he wanted to say. Urahara looked up at him, eyes closed off and indecipherable.

"It's alright, Takahashi-san. I was being disrespectful to you and to Ichigo." He mumbled, an ironic smile pulling at his lips briefly. He looked down at his bowl. "But thank you. You didn't have to apologize, but I thank you for the sentiment. I'll make sure to not make this same mistake again."

"O-okay. Good to know you're better now. I-uh…" Rin tripped over his own words, still not sure of what he was going to say but going mute as Kisuke's storm-colored eyes closed off both figuratively and literally as he smiled at him with closed eyes.

"Now, let us finish so you can go rest your headache."

"Right…"

Before Rin closed the sliding doors to his temporal room, he stopped Kisuke with a little stutter. He looked down at his hands clutching the doors when he said, "I know I'm just a stranger but if you need someone to talk to, I am all ears, for whatever you need."

For some reason, he was sure he had been heard despite Kisuke not acknowledging he had spoken. The man continued on walking away, but his shoulders were a little taut. Rin let him go, at least now Kisuke knew he could confide in him, it didn't matter if he actually did at this point. Whatever made him feel more at ease.

TBC