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Chap 7: Meetings and Lunch
"It's so boring without Renji!" Grimmjow whined while he was sprawled across one of their couches.
Ichigo was annoyed with the blue-haired dumbass… he was whining the whole time and when Ichigo asked if he wanted to play a videogame he simply refused… he didn't understand him.
"I want for Renji to come back! What's he doing so long?" the blue-haired man still whined. Ichigo couldn't hold it in anymore and snapped at him: "Gosh what is your fucking problem?!"
"Huh? I'm hungry… and we don't have anything left. You know that Renji is the only one of us who can cook properly." Grimmjow explained and to emphasize that statement Grimmjow's stomach began to rumble.
To his luck in that moment the door clicked open.
"OI, Shitheads! I'm home! Come to the kitchen!" Renji's voice bellowed into the living room, the implication of food brought them instantly onto their feet and into the kitchen, where they came to a stop with bewildered expressions.
Ichigo and Grimmjow recognized the black-haired man, but who was the girl? While Grimmjow was confused and looked at Renji with a look in the eyes that clearly stated: 'Now what?' Ichigo found the girl on the first look kinda cute.
"Oi, what you looking at? Ichigo take our guests to the living room, Grimm put the groceries away." The red-head instructed, not even bothering to explain why two strangers were standing in their kitchen.
"And what are you doing?" the blue-haired man asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I go changing dumbass, no way I'm going to cook in these clothes." Renji said while exiting.
"Okay you heard the man Berry, do as he told us…" Grimm instructed while grabbing the first bag and taking potatoes out and away.
"Uhm… yeah… right. Come with me then." And so Grimmjow was alone in the kitchen.
"So yeah that's our living room, it's not gigantic, but it's enough, make yourself comfortable, I'll go looking after the blue-haired idiot, making sure he doesn't devour our food right now." Ichigo said while turning.
"You don't have to, I will go; after all we are guests and as such I will give you a hand." Byakuya said while standing up and exiting the living room.
Ichigo and Rukia were left dumbfounded. While Rukia was seated she was risking taking a look around and was stunned.
All was neat and tidy, in front of the TV were three couches the one in front was loaded with lots of pillows, on the right to that was a second, where she sat right now, that had a normal amount of those things on it and in the opposite of that (on the left of the first) was the third that, too, had a normal amount of pillows, which caused Rukia to frown at mentioned first couch. Ichigo of course noticed and couldn't help but ask: "Hey, you okay?"
Brought out of her stupor she looked with big violet eyes at the orangenette.
"You looked kind of funny at the couch, as if you want to murder it or so." Ichigo said, flopping down on the third couch and looking at her.
"It's just… Why are there so many pillows on it?" she asked him, again looking at the pillows.
"Huh? Oh! Yeah guess you saw that every one of us has his own couch. The one where you are seated right now is Grimmjow's, he's the blue-haired idiot, I sit on my couch, I'm Ichigo by the way, and that is Renji's. We can do with our couch as we please. That's why he has so many pillows there." The orange-head explained.
Although Rukia nodded she still couldn't understand why there were so many of them and… are there two blankets?
"I'm Rukia… uhm… are there two blankets?" really those men were weird, they all had strange hair-colors and were in some other way weird too, but then again she was, to a certain degree, used to weirdness; after all currently were Urahara Kisuke and Shihouin Yoruichi housing with them…
"Oh yeah. Although Renji looks like a pure badass and thug he really is a nice guy. He loves to cuddle and can't stand coldness, that's why there are so many pillows and two blankets." Ichigo explained leaning back onto the back of his couch.
"Oh. Ähm… do you mind if I sit with you? Somehow I'm not comfortable here and there are too many pillows for my comfort." She said and gestured to Renji's couch.
Ichigo nodded and gestured for her to sit next to him, what she gladly did. A comfortable silence fell over them and they began to watch some TV.
When Byakuya entered the kitchen he didn't know right away what to do, the blue-head Grimmjow seemed to have everything under control.
"You're the guy from yesterday." It wasn't a question, but Byakuya nodded nevertheless.
"And now? You ran into him out of coincidence?" Now sharp electric blue eyes turned to him and the raven-head had to frown, wondering what the problem with him was.
"Yes it was indeed a coincidence, but why do you ask and what does it matter?" he asked, not understanding the sudden mood alteration.
Grimmjow on the other hand was inching closer to him, not even 5 centimeters away from him he hissed through clenched teeth: "If you hurt him I will destroy you."
Byakuya didn't understand what that was all about and simply retaliated: "I don't know what you are implying, but I don't desire to inflict him any kind of pain. We simply wanted to talk and considering the hour he offered us lunch."
"Tch. Just remember my words: If anything happens to him because of you, you will wish that your paths never crossed." He hissed again, fixing the raven-head with his eyes, electric-blue meeting steel-grey and not one of them faltered.
"Then I shall take good care of him, shouldn't I?" Byakuya asked not for a second breaking the eye contact.
"Good. I hope you are a man who keeps to his word. Ah yeah what's your name anyway?" Grimmjow asked, a bit relaxing his posture.
"Byakuya, Kuchiki Byakuya." He said, causing the eyes of his opposite to widen.
"Holy shit! Really? THE Kuchiki Byakuya?" of course Grimmjow heard the name, everyone did, but he had no face to connect the name with and now that he did he really hoped the man would have never entered Renji's life.
"Yes, is that a problem?" Byakuya asked, raising an eyebrow at the sudden change.
"Tch. Actually yeah it is. I know what he whispered into your ear. I know him since our childhood so I know him better than anyone else and thinking about you and who you are… Let's just say that should you two really, at some point, decide to try a relationship you better not hide him because of your fucking reputation." Now Grimmjow was grabbing the front of Byakuya's shirt.
"You are thinking about more than the near future, but regardless I can assure you that no such thing will happen. When I decide to involve myself with someone it is unconditionally and therefore I won't hide him should that really happen." He said and not once lying, what Grimmjow wouldn't know of course.
Releasing his tight grip he took a step back and scrutinized the man in front of him for a good minute until Grimmjow finally said: "I hope so." and resumed the task of putting away the groceries.
Just that moment Renji decided to enter the kitchen, he could feel the tension between them and could only assume that Grimmjow was a bit overprotective of him again.
"I take it you got to know each other?" Renji asked them, Grimmjow just glared at him for asking such a dumb question, Byakuya merely regarded him with an apologetic look for upsetting the blue-haired male. Renji waved Byakuya's concern away with a simple hand gesture, then stalked to Grimmjow and hit him hard on the head.
"OW! The fuck? What is wrong with you man? Why did you hit me?" Grimm yelled at his red-headed friend, rubbing the back of his head to ease the pain.
"Stop making things awkward Grimm. He is here, because I invited him and although I appreciate your protectiveness you can be really annoying sometimes." The red-head said, affectionately ruffling the blue hair.
Grimmjow, slapping Renji's hand away, just asked, "Yeah whatever… what do you plan to cook anyway?"
"Hm, some potatoes with meat and leeks I guess… Grimm be useful and skin the potatoes I'll do the rest." Renji ordered an already annoyed Grimmjow, who just accepted fate and took a knife and began to skin some potatoes.
Byakuya, not knowing what to do, first watched the two interact… they had an easy-going relationship, but somehow he had a feeling it was more than friendship, but not romantic love either. While he just stood there he watched them more closely. He saw why Sosuke would want the blue-haired one in his bed. He was aggressive and forward, never hiding his thoughts; something Sosuke would enjoy. While the red-head was the relaxed type, knowing when to say what and putting thought into his actions. Something that Byakuya never would have expected from him with all those tattoos and that muscular build he looked more like a mindless thug than everything else…
"You know you can go to the living room and wait there until we are finished, you don't have to stand here the whole time." The red-head said, bringing him out of his thoughts.
"Actually I wanted to lend you hand, if you don't mind." he replied, somehow hoping the man wouldn't refuse him; he simply didn't know what else to do…
"Hm, sure if you want… you can wash the leeks and cut it into thin strips." He ordered while preparing the meat.
Byakuya nodded his head and went to do as ordered. When he was done he watched the red-head more closely, not that he saw last night not enough of the man, but in his home and clothed in house clothing, which was just like Byakuya's own more for comfort, he was somehow a whole different man… He argued with that Grimmjow a lot, but it was more friendly banter and ended mostly with a mad grinning red-head and an annoyed looking blue-head. The longer he watched them interact the more he came to the conclusion that they behaved more like siblings than ex-lover, but they didn't resembled each other at all… so maybe one of them was adopted? He didn't know and didn't dare to ask… He may have claimed to be friends with him in front of his sister, but what should he have told her? 'I met him yesterday in a strip-club' sounded not that good…
"So done!" the red-head announced and Byakuya couldn't believe that he stood there the whole time. Renji put the food on the plates and the three of them brought all into the living room, where they found Ichigo and Rukia watching TV in total silence…
Grimmjow took his seat on his couch and began to devour the meal, typical Renji thought while watching the idiot; Ichigo and Rukia tried to avoid each other awkwardly while maneuvering themselves on the couch… 'So he likes her? Man the guy is always awkward when a girl is in his proximity he likes… he needs lessons in social intercourse; dumbass' the red-head thought and was surprised that the raven-head made himself comfortable in his corner of the couch… where all his pillows where… his spot… taken… by the cutie… groaning out of sheer disbelieve he took his seat next to the man. Usually everyone avoided his corner, because of the pillows, to encounter now a man who took the corner was something he couldn't belief, but maybe that was a sign? A sign that they both liked it to cuddle and to have it comfortable? Oh now he was over thinking it! He didn't even know if the man was interested in men in that way… So he could just eat his meal in silence and think of a way to excuse them from the group to speak alone with him… That sister of his would be the biggest challenge in doing so. To get Grimmjow and Ichigo away wasn't that much of a problem… Although Grimm certainly threatened the raven-head he knew that Renji had interest and would leave and in doing so he would drag Ichigo along if the berry wanted or not.
Byakuya found the meal very delicious and was soon finished; Renji and Grimmjow on the other hand argued over the last pieces… really they found everything worth arguing over, didn't they? Not paying them further mind he thought the pillows on the couch to be most comfortable, and leaned into them watching his sister and thinking of a way to speak alone with the red-head… Rukia seemed relaxed next to the orange-head, although she didn't shows it openly, maybe his sister found someone of interest on her own? It certainly would benefit her, lately she isolated herself more and more in her room, studying, but he had a feeling she was just sad that she had no one to share her love with; maybe that would end now? After all she was stealing the one or other glance at the orangenette… He looked again at Renji and thought about the last night…
He couldn't deny that he found the red-head handsome, that he felt hot when the red-head joined them in their lounge and sat next to him, or the shiver that ran down his spine when he whispered those words into his ear… so physically he was definitely interested in the man, but there should be more… A one night stand was out of the option to begin with… there was no way Byakuya would do such a thing, it was not only disgraceful for both of them but it would clash with his principles, than again he already decided that didn't he? That he would agree to a relationship, if they would be compatible and comfortable around each other. He didn't want for the red-head to feel awkward in his presence or because of who he is… just because he was heir of Kuchiki Industries didn't mean that a normal relationship wasn't an option, it seemed those things would solve themselves over time; at least that was what he hoped for.
He had to frown… Daichi would cause them trouble, he knew. He seemed very eager to have contact with Renji, although the red-head refused, whatever it was that once was between them Byakuya had to show the red-head that he could trust him. Byakuya was no fool, after their interactions and the way Grimmjow spoke to him he knew that there was some trouble, he didn't know the extend, but knowing Daichi the way he did it wasn't pleasant and he surely would put more pressure on Renji with time.
He had to interfere with that… but how? He couldn't stick to the red-head the whole time, that would just be too suspicious, but a friendship surely would be the proper way to do so and in addition it would strengthen their bond and maybe a romantic relationship would blossom out of it? He didn't know and to speculate about it was somewhat a waste of time, seeing as no one knew of the future, sighing he decided to drop the thoughts and let time take its course… there really was nothing else to do…
A nervous exhale of breath caught his attention and he looked at the red-head, who was squirming where he sat "Is there a problem Renji?" he asked with a raised eyebrow, watching him.
"Well… actually yeah. You sit on my spot and well no one sits on my spot." He answered nervously rubbing his neck. He knew that it was ridiculous, but he couldn't help himself… nothing could compare with his spot after all… well the arms and embrace of the beauty sitting right there maybe, but it would be inappropriate to point that out now, so he sticked with the pillows.
"Oh I didn't know, I'm sorry we can change if you want." Byakuya said, not knowing and wondering if Renji was this whole time uncomfortable where he sat, had he known he would have changed sooner…
Rukia couldn't believe that someone even dared to speak against her Nii-san, well expect Yoruichi, Kisuke, Sosuke and Gin… but the nerve of that man! Her Nii-san was comfortable there so shouldn't he, as a guest, have the privilege to sit there? And her Nii-san shouldn't even consider changing the spot, for such a strange man! But somehow, strange as the day already was, Byakuya and Renji changed seats… she openly gaped at both men, to her luck neither seemed to notice, well except an orange-haired one that is, the blue-headed man would have noticed too, if wouldn't be lying and snoring on his couch…
"Shut your mouth or you will catch a fly, you know?" he whispered into her ear and closed her jaw with his pointer. She turned her head to him, coming dangerously close to his lips. Rukia had to swallow, that was way too close for her comfort and so she backed away. She couldn't like someone she just met and exchanged just few words, could she? Somehow her heart tried to tell her otherwise, but she refused to acknowledge it, her logical brain said that it wasn't appropriate and so she settled with it, her brain was always right after all…
A sudden ringing sound disturbed all of them… making Grimmjow fall from the couch in sudden shock, to everyone's amusement; it turned out it was Renji's phone.
After fishing his phone out of his pocket he answered it, after checking the caller-ID. "Moshi, Moshi…. Yeah it's me….Really? Oh yeah I'll tell them, but what do you want?... Oh….. Yeah I'm all right…. Nah really I'm fine…. Yeah that won't be a problem, but you might check out Grimm when he comes, he has bruises and hickeys everywhere on his upper body….. wha? No I won't look there!... Yeah I'll tell him… Okay see you later Kyouraku-san!" was the only side of the conversation they could hear. He ended the call with a sigh, turning his attention to his roommates.
"Kyouraku-san called, you idiots should turn on your phones…" he didn't get more attention, because both grabbed their phones and checked their batteries. When both were on the charger Renji was allowed to continue: "Just so you know Grimm Kyouraku will check out your bruises and you probably will be a waiter today…" an annoyed groan was his only answer as the blue-head was again hanging over the couch…
Rukia was confused with that… waiter? He never saw either of them, so where do they work? Her curiosity got the better of her and the question blurted out of her: "Where are you guys working anyway?"
Silence greeted her, neither knowing what to say… well with one exception: Grimmjow was quite oblivious to the awkwardness raining down on them and blurted out, with equally less thought: "Sodom, we're strippers there, why?"
All stared at him, Renji the only one who let his annoyance and anger out: first he dragged a hand over his face, he couldn't believe that idiot, after that he stood up and punched Grimmjow so hard on his head that he writhed in pain.
Rukia found that she wasn't that surprised about their work… they were all well build… but something was there: "Didn't you tell me, that he isn't a thug?" she whispered into Ichigo's ear, who looked with a blank expression at her, he expected an entirely different reaction from her and could only shrug at her; Renji made himself again comfortable on his pillows.
End of chap 7! I hope you enjoyed it ^^
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