First, big thanks and lot of hugs to Katy for all your work and effort and I'm sending you best wishes. ^^ Second, I must - once again - buy another 'Arigato' coffee to my dear friend Noxi (you know why).
Disclamer: -I don't own Bleach ...every time I write this sentence a part of me dies :$
-Song Master of Puppets belongs to Metallica
"Thank you, come again." The automatic sliding doors of the convenience store closed behind Renji.
Fortunately for them they are opened on Sundays otherwise I would have to break-in; they can't expect me to start functioning without morning dose of caffeine, he thought and ignored the fact that it was already way past noon.
It was his day off and after yesterday's unexpected meeting with Di Roy, he needed it. They should've killed me when they had the chance.
After six hours of a dead-man-sleep his vague plan already started to form. But first I need something with double shots of caffeine...
His daydreaming of a big breakfast was disturbed when a phone started vibrating in his back pocket.
The screen informed him that the call is coming from someone marked as 'Spam'. Crap, and the day started so nicely. Not even trying to hide his agitation he tapped the screen and answered.
"What, Rukia? I already paid the rent last week, remember."
"That's not why I'm calling." She sounded out of breath. "Somebody broke into your apartment." Renji froze but his thoughts sped up, heading immediately towards a certain white-haired fiend.
Breaking an entry in the middle of the day; that's stupid even for Ganryu's goons.
Rukia was still talking and making sounds that vaguely resembled the standard-issue 911 rules as if reading from a manual on 'How to react when robbed'.
"I called the police but the thugs that did it already got away. You better come home; check if anything is missing and..."
He cut her off in the middle of a sentence, just enough to thank her for the heads-up before hanging up. Is it just a coincidence? Yea' right and pink is a manly color.
Increasing his pace he reached the building at the same time as the police car arrived. Were they always that quick? Useless public service...
Without hesitation Renji rushed to the seventh floor; a bunch of curious neighbors were already standing in front of his apartment chatting as if they are at some mingling party.
"It's no wonder; I'm just surprised something like this didn't happen sooner. I told my husband on the day he moved in that there will be trouble with this one, he better mark my words..."
Both women were facing his apartment and failed to notice his approach. At the sight of his neighbors reenacting a perfect hairdresser chit-chat on his expense, Renji's annoyance spiked a little higher.
"I know. And all those tattoos and stupid red hair; he could at least try to fit in. I'm telling you, I'm not letting my kids near him..."
Said one toad to another.
"Please, you have nothing to worry about my dear, you raised them well. They would never go near some ex-convict."
"So you heard it too. Supposedly he was involved in..."
Renji coughed to catch the attention of the gibberishing women.
"Don't worry 'maam. Your kids are doing just fine. I saw them buying crack all on their own."
Shock, fear and shame reflected on their faces when they let him pass.
The door of his apartment was open but there was no sign of forced entrance. Lock-picking then.
The inside of the apartment was in chaos; broken furniture, shattered TV-screen, torn papers everywhere, couch and his bed in shreds and so were his clothes. They did a bang up job.
He picked up a piece of military green cloth that was once his favorite sleeveless shirt. Is this supposed to scare me? Yeah right. I'm facing a serious threat of walking around in my boxers. Amateurs.
"You in here?" Not waiting for invitation Rukia walked in. "I'm so sorry; I should have been more vigilant." Please don't.
She carefully stepped over a pile of broken glass. "I gave a statement to the police officer but he would like to speak to you too; in case you have any crucial information about the culprit."
"No point. They won't find them anyway."
She looked at him as if he was a lost puppy. "I feel responsible. Tell you what, you don't have to pay rent for the next month."
Wow, that's a surprise; maybe you do deserve a proper name in my phone book.
With a faint blush forming on her cheeks she started sliding her foot across the floor.
"In the meantime you can sleep at my place... At least, you know, until this mess is cleaned..." Scratch that, I'm renaming you - 'Horny'.
"Kind offer but I'll crash at a friend's place." Looks like my plan will start a little sooner than expected.
"Of course. Well if you need anything..." Visibly disappointed Rukia left him alone in the middle of his trashed living room.
Before he could changed his mind Renji searched for Hisagi's number and pressed the call button. After the thing ringed for the seventh time his hands started to sweat. So typical, as soon as you actually need someone...
A clear voice caught him unprepared: "Well, this is a surprise. Thought you'd still be asleep or do you need a hand to get up?"
I would fuck you out of pure principle. But business comes first. Evading the taunting he switched on the ignore mode.
"You need information about the Nameless and Ganryu and I need a place to crash for a couple of days. Do we have a deal?"
Silence lasted less then a minute though it stretched too long for Renji's comfort. Finally the answer came in the same cold tone he used, before the line was disconnected.
"Pack light."
Exactly twenty two minutes later a sound of a roaring engine announced the approaching of some heavy machinery; a black Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14 stopped right in front of bemused Renji, who was waiting on the lot not far from his building.
Holy mother of bikes! Renji was not a big "machinery fan" – he never understood why spend a fortune on something that only gets you from point A to point B - but he recognize a masterpiece when he saw it.
One of the most powerful motorbikes in the world; 1352cc four-stroke engine, four valves per cylinder it accelerates from 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds, top speed 299 km/h. Would it be possible to fuck a bike this would be my choice.
Turning to the driver wearing a black helmet with dark orange lines forming a simple pattern that matched his leather jacket perfectly, Renji played with the thought of negotiating for one lap with this baby. Except, when the driver removed his helmet Renji forgot to breathe.
Really?! What are you: fangirl addicted?
Shuhei's lips twitched into a smirk. "Aren't you happy to see me?"
Regaining his voice Renji stepped closer as if he hadn't just been thoroughly t mind-fucked and slid his hand gently over a smooth seat.
"You weren't kidding; it's a fucking beauty!"
"You like?" He leaned closer to Renji's ear. "I'll let you on a little secret: by adding 4mm to the engine's stroke this baby's displacement went from 1352cc to 1441cc."
He had the balls to remodel this work of art? Not being fully ignorant in the field at matter, Renji's quickly found a flaw.
"But longer stroke can cause some serious interference from the crank counterweights to the bottom of the cylinders. You fucking crazy?"
"Please. All you need is an hour or two of a very careful grinding and you gain enough room to avoid that problem."
The level of Renji's endorphins just spiked pictured a very clear image of him fucking Shuhei's brains out on the goddamn ZX-14.
They could have driven across the whole country and it would still be over too soon.
That was the best ride of my life; it felt like being banged by a fucking porn-god.
His enthusiasm over the ride was a complete opposite of the shabby looking diner in front of which they stopped.
When the waitress filled Renji's second cup of coffee Shuhei brought out the reason why they're sitting in an almost empty diner instead of his place.
"I'm not that easy to twist around as your usagi-fan-girl; show me the cash."
"The deal was for a room not cheap coffee; I have standards."
Looking around Renji didn't do justice to the place; it was small but clean and the other three customers were regular men in suits, nothing too suspicious. One with the spiky orange locks was sitting by the counter and was trying unsuccessfully to flirt with the waitress..
Shuhei tilted his head. "I never go back on my word. It's just that we have more privacy here or do you wish to see my sister so badly."
"I'll live." Taking another sip while calculating his options on how much to say while at the same time not saying much, Renji started talking.
"I was Ganryu's minion for only six months however I'd known him before he became all high and mighty. He wasn't a stray dog like most of us; he had a home and a family. I'm not to judge others but man was he a rotten egg. When I was still learning how to pick a lock he was already setting up dog fights between mutts of his neighbor's kids."
Waitress with long wavy cyan hair giggled at apparently funny orange-man's remark – a sound that didn't fit his memory lane. Renji felt isolated; like he would be looking them from outside of an impenetrable bubble.
Rather have my screw up life that worrying if my lighter matches my underpants. He returned to his own world of memories.
"I turned fifteen just before Ganryu became part of the Nameless. He was a regular costumer at one of the dealer's post until Zaraki found out that Ganryu is reselling his stuff for a higher price, keeping the profit for himself. It was then that he got that scar on his face. After that Zaraki recruited him as a collector; better to have the devil working for you then against you. Ganryu proved a valuable addition to the group - no debt stayed unpaid, no double-cross unpunished."
"If he was that great - what went wrong?"
Despite Shuhei kept uninterested expression he couldn't hide the eagerness of his voice which didn't escape Renji. He knew he had him hooked and that, at least for now, a simple travel to the past will be enough to buy him at least one night. At the same time he pushed aside a brush of comfort, that he can talk about such thing so openly with someone without fearing the consequences.
"Everything went south after Zaraki's death; he was the only one Ganryu truly feared. Once, when Ganryu tried to expand the market to schools without his approval - Zaraki almost killed him; he wasn't big on corrupting the youngs. 'If they wann it they'll come to us' - that was his philosophy."
Renji sighed. "Nothing is forever and even the big ones fall; even Kenpachi. After that we were out for revenge. But after we busted into the hideout of the gang that killed him... they were waiting for us. It was a bloodshed and we were on the losing team. Their boss finally showed up, gloating... I was out of ammo and too far. With one bullet Ganryu send him to hell. After that he became the leader and nothing held him back anymore."
"And your moral suddenly woken up?"
Shuhei's sarcastic remark made Renji's blood boil; he slammed his fist on the table making all eyes turned into their direction, then barely holding on to his manners hissed through his teeth.
"Who are you to judge me?! Yes, I lied. I stole. I killed. But I never took pleasure in it! It was my choice to live that way and I would do it again. I chose to fight; it as hell beats being the victim."
An angry light flickered behind the calm greyness of Shuhei's eyes and was gone before Renji's brains even comprehended what he saw.
"Sorry. I was over the line." Shuhei looked genuinely sorry. "I'm glad you didn't stick with him; I wouldn't want to kill you."
"Aren't you full of yourself." As quickly as the tension rose just, it subsided and they sat in an awkward silence, both too stubborn to speak first until Shuhei finally gave in.
"So, you left... but I don't understand why he wants to dispose of you now."
Rotating an already empty cup Renji sensed unfamiliar desire to talk, to share just a little, and he pushed it somewhere to the don't-open section of his brain once again.
"After Ganryu 'crowned' himself, things changed; the Nameless slowly turned to nothing more then a bunch of goons hungry for blood. Ganryu was like a flame for every scum (moth) out there. We, the old ones, were soon outnumbered and many decided to leave and unless they managed to join and get the protection of another gang their bodies eventually washed up on the shore. I had nowhere to go; it was the only life I knew, beside I owed to Ken that much; they were still my family."
"But..."
Renji clutched his fists. "Yeah, there's a but. Even I have a line and Ganryu crossed it; this was no longer a family - it was just another sick boy's wet dream where he could satisfy his filthy desires. But leaving is one thing; leaving with a pissed psycho on your ass is another. First couple of months I was constantly on the move, never settling down. However I got tired and after Urahara gave me a steady job... I realized: what's the point of leaving the gang if you still live as one of them. ... And then it all came around and bit me in the ass; I was too naive thinking he'll just let me be if I keep my mouth shut."
Shuhei didn't press further but his silence spoke louder than words; the silver in his eyes became darker. And Renji read his mind: He knows... That wish... longing for bliss of ignorance; to sleep in peace without cries swallowing your mind... powerless... Shaking his head as if he wanted to discard the unpleasant thoughts Renji threw two bills on the table ready to leave.
A hand caught his. "Running again?"
"Screw you." Still under the influence of unsought feelings Renji's reaction was more a result of an irritation he felt over himself when allowing to be influenced by a mere glance, rather than the touch itself.
"I'm taking a shit later, wanna watch?!" Ignoring the stares he stormed out only to find out he has no fucking clue where he is. Shit! There goes another half of my pay for a cab.
Unexpected touch on his shoulder awakened his instinct; in a flash he turned around, firmly grabbed the wrist in an attempt to twist the attackers arm but Shuhei was also fast to react. Before being immobilized he hit Renji's elbow juncture, forcing him to let go and at the same time used his body weight to push Renji against a billboard which was advertising a new movie with a famous bluenet as a lead star and Renji could just kick himself for going easy enough on Shuuhei to notice that. In a split second before his back hit the board Renji pulled a knife and in a well trained smooth movement pressed it against Shuhei's throat.
Still locked in each others grip, eye to eye, Renji felt Shuhei's ragged breath on his face when he spoke.
"Nice response. I call it a tie."
The words were provoking however the rapid heart beat matched Renji's.
"Are you trying to get killed?!"
Shoving him back Renji put away the knife, noticing a red mark on Shuhei's neck where the blade was pushed against the skin.
"You must do better than that." A smirk was more like a challenge then an indication of a joke.
"Don't you have a job or something?" Like a bounty hunter or black ops. "I don't need a babysitter."
"I have a very flexible schedule. So, where are we going?" Like the argument is solved Shuhei pushed his hands in the jacket pocket and waited with an expression that didn't allow 'no' for an answer.
Seriously! Do you have an IQ of a road kill?!
Renji's annoyance had to be written all over his face since Shuhei gave him a 'one-eyebrow-risen' serious look.
"Are you always such a pain in the ass or am I special?"
Valid question...
Renji was not the type to indulge in deep self-searching; if there was something, he wanted he took it; if someone stepped on his path he eliminated them; it was his way of life. And a good sense for judging characters helped him to quickly recognize a friend from foe but Shuhei...
He keeps a one-way-see-through wall up, showing only bits; confusing inconsistent pieces – one moment alluring, next stoic but always in the presence of distrust... Or is it just... that I don't wanna see myself... God, when did I grow a vagina! Aaaah! He. Pisses. Me. Off.
"You made a deal; whether you like it or not we're partners now, tied with a common goal or - if you're more of a cliche guy - an enemy of my enemy..."
Stepping at Renji's side Shuhei kept his gaze turned into the cloudy sky; the tattooed 69 filling Renji's side visual field.
"I know you don't trust me, it would be fatuous to expect something I can not give; but I do assume you will keep your word." Gray sky was lost in the silverness of Shuhei's irises when he looked at Renji. "A pack is stronger then a lone wolf."
"Fuck it." What are you; a fucking priest?!
Renji rubbed his forehead as if trying to prevent a headache. "If I have to listen to any more of your crap I'm gonna be forced to rearrange your face."
Moving toward the bike he didn't catch Shuhei's content smirk.
"Let's go; I'm driving." It was a long shot and Renji wasn't surprised when Shuhei didn't let him take the wheel.
"I'm not sure you can handle such power between your legs."
And there it is again; provocation bordering on flirtation. Which is your true face? What do you truly want?
"Didn't know you're interested what's between my legs?"
He sat behind Shuhei, placing his hands around his waist. Is revenge for your family which is long gone the only thing pushing you forward?
"Rukon district; you know where."
You are not someone who lives in the past... Why go through all this trouble just to avenge rotten bodies? Streets were flying by while they rushed toward south side of Karakura town. There's more... hiding it... It's your right. As is mine.
Before they exited the elevator they were already greeted by a loud music coming from the apartment number 85. Renji immediately recognized Noi's favorite song:
Blinded by me
You can't see a thing
Just call my name 'cause I'll hear you scream
Master
Master...
"He's not very fond of visitors, is he?"
Renji just shrugged in a 'what-do-I-care' manner but in reality he was pretty damn nervous.
Noi isn't someone to fuck around with... well, figuratively speaking. And last time... we… or I left some business unfinished; something he won't forget and it's all your fault, Hisagi Shuhei.
Overflowed with resentment over letting someone he hadn't even known influence his life, he banged on the door hard enough to overpower the music.
Without turning the music down a rowdy voice screamed from the inside loud enough to clearly get the message to the other side of the door.
"Piss off or I'm gonna shove that vacuum cleaner into your ass and use it to suck your brains out!"
"Charming."
Damn it Noi! Ignoring Shuhei's sarcasm he thumped the door even harder.
Sounds of stumbling approached the door and a minute later a tall silhouette was standing on the doorway.
"Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. You have some pretty hard balls to show up after lettin' me hanging like that."
Unwillingly an image of a cat clinging to a tree branch and a 'Hang in there' song popped into Renji's mind and he was hardly able to hold back the laughter.
"Yeah, yeah; I'm a big bad wolf." Let's get over this quickly.
Still slightly uncomfortable because of Shuhei's presence he wanted to avoid that specific topic but Nnoitra wasn't that easy to fool.
Blocking the way inside with his body, Nnoitra lit the cigarette, the song still rolling in the background.
"You know what happens to wolves; if you're not careful..." The threat lingered in the air.
An ignorant person may be think 'it was just sex' but Renji knew better; from Nnoitra's point of view it was insulting and degrading – two things that got you easily vanished and qualified for the 'unsolved case'.
The tension was broken by Shuhei who showed no fear in front of the dominating figure.
"Not to be rude but since we're not packing any vacuum cleaners... would you mind?" He gestured inside of Nnoitra's apartment.
Nnoitra surveyed Shuhei taking in every detail, including the three thin scars on the man's face. Then, as if Shuhei would present nothing more than an inanimate object, he continued talking to Renji.
"You could at least make an effort and put a bow on him; or do you two come in a package? I'm not big for threesomes but he does look interesting and... durable."
I should've known. "Fine, you got your joke; could we get down to business now?"
Still eying Shuhei he indicated them to enter and they accepted, entering in the dimmed apartment filled with screaming 'Master, master'.
Without offering them a seat Nnoitra turned down the volume of the sound system and slammed onto the couch while lighting another cigarette.
"If not for the sugar, which was by the way the best I ever had, specially the finishing touch.."
Go fuck yourself - oh wait you already did! ...were the words Renji wanted to utter but bit his tongue since he wasn't able to ignore Shuhei's presence. He noticed silver eyes scanning the apartment; from the entrance to the kitchen, to closed doors Renji knew lead to the bedroom and to the balcony doors. Trained procedure: observe the surroundings, find the possible escape routes and detect dangerous spots where the enemy may be hiding – life style of a survivor.
"...then you must be here to pay me for some bang time."
Redhead sighed taking in a deep breath. Does he even realize that everything he says insinuates him being a whore? And for some reason he felt uneasy at the thought that his new business partner would think he must pay to get laid.
"Listen lovebirds, could you pack your vaginas for some other time and get to the reason why we have to be in this reeking hole." The words itself did not describe the disgust emanating from the tone of his voice.
Shuhei didn't budge under Nnoitra's cold stare but, before things could get out of hands, Renji stepped in between.
"Sorry Noi, but he's right." How hard is it to open a window?! It smells like stale sex in here.
He browsed through his pocket and threw a fat pack of yen and a folded piece of paper on the table in front of Nnoitra.
"Needed it by tomorrow; shouldn't be too hard for you to finish off quickly." God! Are sex references contagious?!
Ignoring the money Nnoitra eyed Shuhei with narrowed eyes as if Renji wouldn't say a thing.
"You don't seem to have a problem with Ichimaru's place."
Slight flinch of uneasiness and surprise didn't escape Renji whose thoughts exploded, rushing from one question to another: You know someone in this area? Who's Ichimaru? Is he 'that friend' you were 'visiting' last time? What's your connection? Are you banging him? The last question sobered him to start thinking in a more rational direction. So, that's why Noi didn't ask who you are; he already knew.
After an initial shock Shuhei returned to the stoic attitude with none-of-your-fucking-business stance.
"At least I'm good enough that he doesn't leave me hanging."
Renji almost choked on his own saliva. Holy fucking shit! He understood Noi's allegations! He knows... fuck... he knows... Strange uneasiness started forming in the lower part of his abdomen, a feeling of embarrassment and awkwardness that his mind tried immediately dismiss with logical reasoning. Who cares; we're adults, we sex... apparently you do too... But the 'teenager's logic' didn't help much; surprisingly Nnoitra's laughter did, at least enough to stop the reminiscing unnecessary thoughts.
Nnoitra's mouth stretched from ear to ear, showing his abnormally large teeth that would better fit a cartoon character than a human being.
"You're cracking my ball's. I like you."
But Renji wasn't fooled; grey eyes were still as cold and speculative as they were a moment ago.
"Nice that we cleared that up; now all that's missing is 'peace on earth' and we can walk into the sunset holding hands and singing 'Let there be peace'." This is the best I can do about smartassing! Pathetic!
Renji could had dwelt long on the fact that his smartass go down the drain every time Shuhei is around, instead he stood up to leave before that and any more bickering could ensue, and half dragged Shuhei out of the apartment.
Pressing the button for the lobby two figures stood in silence that weighed heavily on Renji while different questions crossed his mind, each furthering away from his mission. Until Shuhei finally spoke.
"I don't."
Taken back with the sudden break of silence Renji wasn't sure what he was implied.
"You don't what?"
"I don't shag Ichimaru. I just said it to poke him; don't like to lose, even if it's just a word fight."
An unexpected relief that did nothing else but acknowledge his uncertainties, lit up a spark of anger toward himself. But Renji remained stoic on the outside. None of my business.
"Better hope that this Ichimaru guy is not resentful because Noi won't let it go that easily. Specially since he didn't get to have the last word."
"He's very adjustable." And with that the elevator door opened, revealing the dirty lobby filled with broken bicycles, stacks of nobody-cares ads and the smell of mold.
The dusk was just starting to fall when they parked in front of Shuhei's house.
"Here," he throw keys to Renji while he dragged the water repellent covering over the bike. "Let yourself in. Matsumoto is at work anyway."
Amazed at how well he remembered the inside of the house after being there only once and even then just rushing through, Renji found himself in a small hallway. He walked pass well known stairs leading up and found himself in a small and very clean kitchen noticing a small paper on the table covered in an unmistakably girly writing:
''You took your sweet time; were you afraid I'll bother you two? :P Dinner is in the microwave, just warm it up. The banana cupcake is for the redhead (I ate yours - punishment for taking so long). Kisses!''
He jumped when a voice came from behind.
"Your room is upstairs, second to the right. The bathroom is at the end of the hallway if you wish to take a shower before dinner."
"Yes, mother."
Shuhei snorted. "I would prefer if you called me by my name Renji. One child in the house is more than enough for me."
Answering only with a stop-with-the-drama look, Renji went upstairs and settled in the small quest room. He could hear the beeping of the microwave when Shuhei was setting the timer while the redhead went to wash off the daily stress.
The smell of pizza together with a growling stomach reminded him he hadn't eaten all day and impelled him to hurry up. Soon, he joined Shuhei on the floor of his room, across the hall to the quest room. It didn't escape him that Shuhei had changed into comfortable pants and a stretched dark blue T-shirt with a white print of a skull on it. Looking at himself wearing a forest green long-sleeve with a dagger printed on the left sleeve, he immediately got the pirate association. All that's missing is a bottle of rum and a Yo-Ho song. But soon he was distracted by the offered slice of pepperoni pizza.
When the plate was empty, Shuhei brought out two Play Station controllers.
"In the mood for some ass kicking?"
His stomach full and mind at rest Renji grinned at the challenge, not bothered the slightest by the thought of two grown men playing video games.
"Bring it on."
The noise of clashing fists and blasts of explosions mixed with silent curses when they tried to overpower each others character filled the room, taking away the perception of time; at least until Shuhei started losing big time because he was more interested in the digital clock on his nightstand than on the screen.
A little annoyed by literally wiping the virtual floor with Shuhei's character for the fifth time, Renji lost interest in the game.
"I can leave you alone if it's your bed time already." The clock blinked 22.37.
Clearly distracted, Shuhei shook his head. "No. Sorry, was just... It's ok."
Yeah, and my balls are pierced. Renji took the controller and restarted the game, trying to ignore the bitter mood his companion was in.
Yet Shuhei's losing streak continued while he started not only intensely gazing at the clock, but also frantically checking his phone and continuously mumbled: ''Where is she?'' or ''She better not wasting time gossiping!''
Even not being a quantum physicist, Renji figured out who Hisagi is so worried about.
"Why don't you call her if you're that worried?"
Usually composed Shuhei was starting to show more and more irritation. "She knows the rules."
"She's a big girl; she can take care of herself..." He was sharply cut off.
"Drop it!"
Wow, down bitch; forgot to take your pills? Still he had enough experience with irascible individuals that he didn't prey any further.
Minutes passed by in increasing fidgety and anxiety atmosphere. Renji didn't even have to try beating Shuhei since the man was so absent-minded he didn't even noticed what he's pressing; all of his attention was on the red digits telling the time.
The clock turned again, informing them it is one minute to eleven when the sound of the front door opening and closing accompanied with loud "I'm home." reached the room.
As if invisible cloak of anxiety had fallen of his shoulder Shuhei waited only couple of seconds, barely enough for Renji to beat him again, before excusing himself and rushing downstairs.
Left alone Renji pondered what would be the best action; Shuhei was clearly worried about his younger sister and Renji wasn't in the mood for ending in the middle of a fight. On the other hand it would be rude to not at least say "h" to her since she welcomed him in her home.
Guess I should at least thank her for the cupcake. And with that he left the room just to halt on the top of the stairs upon hearing arguing coming from below.
"If you knew you'll be late you should have called - or is picking up a phone too hard for you!"
"I'm not a child! I have a life, you know!"
"God dammit Rangiku, you should know better! We agreed that you'll be home at half past ten or you can forget about the job!"
The clatter of the dishes put in the dishwasher echoed the woman's anger, nevertheless her brother didn't get the hint or didn't want to. "Look at me when I talk to you."
"Stop!" As if taking a breath to let her voice let loose of the anger she continued calmly. "Stop, please. I'm sorry, I should've called. Isane mixed the reservations for tomorrow and we had to go through all of them. Really sorry, nii-chan."
Even though Renji couldn't see them he could clearly imagine her puppy look and Shuhei's fury melting away - he wasn't wrong.
"Well, let it be this time. But if it happens again..."
"Yeah, yeah. You gonna lock me up like a precious pet and stand guard until I grow old and ugly." Her chuckle loosened up the air and even Renji found himself exhaling the breath he didn't even notice he was holding.
"Here you are! I was wondering where he hid you."
Piercing blue eyes smiled at him from the bottom of the stairway; her brother following close behind her, still pouting a little. "I assume my beloved brother took good care of you."
"Rangiku!"
"What?" Her innocent-girl tone was spoiled by the wink she gave to Renji when she passed him, evoking a slight blush. "I'm just saying 'hi'."
Embarrassing memory from last time didn't want to stay put. Don't think about that!
"I'm feed and he let me beat the crap out of him; what more can a guy ask."
"You beat him?" She turned to her brother who joined them at the top of the stairs. "Shame on you."
Hisagi frowned his face almost in the manner of pouting. "It was your fault."
"Excuses, excuses." She almost dislocated her jaw when she gave a royal yawn. "You'll have to forgive me boys but I'm one step away from collapsing right here. Talk in the morning, good night." Just before she disappeared in the bathroom, she peered back. "No peeking."
"Don't flatter yourself, sis." But there was no answer from the closed doors though Renji could swear he heard another majestic yawn.
Yawning was apparently contagious since Renji could feel how his muscles try to stretch his mouth in two.
"Well, guess... Good night." He walked to the quest room after Shuhei murmured ''Night.'' back.
The room was small but cozy and the sheets had that fresh smell of a jasmine-scented softener that made you wanna bury your nose into them and just sleep. And that was precisely Renji's plan. Although...
There couldn't have passed more than ten minutes when a soft knock interrupted the redhead's passing out. Now what?! Somebody lost a cat?
"Yes?"
Light from the hallway revealed Shuhei's outline. "Can I come in?"
"It's your freaking house." His brains already in the shutdown process, he pulled the cover over his head and only after he felt the pressure of Shuhei's body occupying the bed space near his thighs, the blood restarted some of his basic functions - one of them was frantically searching for an answer: What the fuck are you doing in my room?
"Listen... About earlier..."
Renji looked from underneath the sheets, seeing only a shadow; his head bowed, staring at his own hands squirming in his lap.
"I was... harsh before..."
"Mildly put." So what; you wanna apologize? Get it over with, I wanna sleep!
"It was unnecessary and wrong of me to lash out on you. After all, you are our guest and... I wanted to say... I'm sorry."
Redhead was persistently pushing away the uncomfortable stirring of an emotions he long forsaken and concealed them with harsh attitude.
"Fine, apology accepted." Now move it.
On the contrary of expected the shadow still showed no signs of leaving his room and Renji realized he had no other choice but to sit up.
"Look man- I'm well aware of my position: I'm just a leech which you can benefit from. I don't need cuddling. And to be honest, your sister looks capable enough to take care for herself just fine. Loosen up."
Hardly detectable chuckle, as if in irony, escaped into the darkness of the room.
"That's just the point; she can't. I know she tries to act all tough around me but I can still hear her muffled screams when she has a nightmare."
In a simple act of sympathy Renji placed his palm on Shuhei's shoulder. Only then he realized that the shorter man was trembling and, for a moment, it left him lost for words.
Fuck! How is it that I always get dragged into some sappy shit? Despite that he couldn't deny a slight pinch of empathy and he suspected that 'Get over your sister-complex already!' won't help.
Observing the slouched figure Renji's protective wall of sarcasm started to crumble and an affection toward the always-in-control black-haired man slowly raised its head and a small signs of affection managed to sip through the cracks.
He could leave. Nothing holds him here.
Recognition struck Renji as the trembling under his fingers hasn't subdued – It doesn't matter why. He's here. No matter the reason, he sought the refuge, a place for him alone where he can crumble down and reassemble himself again... for another day, another battle... And he let me in... Because even the toughest warriors sometimes need quality vagina time.
Renji moved closer and put his hands around Shuhei's shoulders, pulling him into a comforting embrace. The darkness hid his face but couldn't hide the support-seeking touch of his palms resting atop of Renji's.
The warmth spread through one hand to another; from Shuhei's palm to Renji's wrist it traveled upon his skin... from skin to skin, from one touch to another it traveled, until it consumed them whole.
It's... nice... Being close to someone... No. Not just someone. Him.
He tightened the grasp, the only thing between their bodies a thin layer of Shuhei's shirt and, in any other situation, the touch may lead to something hot and physical, but right now... He felt no need to move, to break, to ruin the moment... that perfect moment...
To hold and still be held...
It may have been a minute or an hour before they broke apart, parting only with a touch of silver and brown glance before Shuhei left and both were left in the darkness of their own rooms only a hallway apart.
I realize that there is a lot of dialog in this chapter and not much action, but take some comfort in the fact that this is a transition chapter. I promise that the next one will be action packed. ;)