Bleach Fan Fiction ❯ Strawberry Poison ❯ Boo-Boos's, Eggs, and Secrets ( Chapter 2 )

Damn, where do I begin? Last night…was a total blur. I don't know when or even how I got out of that place. All that I knew at the moment was that somehow, someway, I found myself alone in Renji's giant-ass bed and no, I wasn't sleeping with him, you pervert.

I looked at the alarm clock that was sitting on the oak night stand next to me and saw `9:23'. I groaned and then rolled back into the fluffy giant mattress, not wanting to leave the comfy bed, but I couldn't go back to sleep now that I was half-awake. It was then that I just realized that I wasn't in the clothes I was wearing from last night. That, plus I still didn't know what the hell was going on.

In the midst of my confusion, I heard the sound of a dish breaking, which was followed the yelling of a really upset Renji. By then, I was fully awake and I was curious to see just what that idiot was flipping out about.

I walk into the kitchen and see Shuhei on the floor, cleaning the remains of one of Renji's good plates while that redhead was scolding him as he was making breakfast with his back turned towards him.

“Add a bit of salt to my eggs, will you?” Shuhei said as he got the pieces together and threw them into the metallic trashcan at the side.

“No, you can put your own damn salt in your own damn eggs. These are my eggs,” Renji growled.

“So, I'm guessing I'm going to have to get my own breakfast?” I ask, surprising both of the men.

“I thought you'd sleep in and wake up around lunch time,” Renji said as he cracked open an egg over the frying pan.

“Oh, she gets eggs but I don't?” The black-haired man scowled.

“Yes, because she didn't break my plates!”

“Chill out. It's just plates,” Shuehi burbled as he took a seat to the dining table. The man motioned me to sit across from him, so I did. He scratched his head as he stares directly at me, which was a bit unnerving.

“So, did you enjoy yourself last night?”

“More or less. As being as confused as I am, it was pretty fun for a night out.”

“Good. So, are ya coming back?”

“Dunno. Like I said, I'm confused as hell.”

“Well, the boss has been boastin' about how good of a bartender she was, even if it was only for an hour or so.”

“Okay, that's nice and all,” I said, interrupting them, “But how in the bloody hell did I get here?”

“Simple,” Shuhei butted in. “You got drugged, raped, and robbed, the classic combo. And we just so happened to find you wearing a grocery bag on the side of the road, singing `No Woman, No Cry'.

My jaw dropped open, but it quickly closed back up once I heard the stifled chuckles of the dark-haired man. I can't believe I'd ever believe such bullshit, but then again, I was hungry as hell and I can't think straight on an empty stomach. I saw Renji making a shushing motion with one hand while the other held a wooden ladle. He snuck up behind Shuhei and swung it down, hitting him right on the top of his head and in return, got a nasty scowl.

“The fuck did I do?” He growled, glaring at the redhead with those cold cobalt eyes of his.

“Break three of my plates, that's whatcha did,” he mumbled as he made his way back into the kitchen.

“Hey, I apologized, didn't I?”

“Indeed you did, but words are nothing. Tell you what,” Renji said as he scooped up the eggs from the pan and onto a dish and then cut it in half with his fork, “What if we have ourselves a little `wager'?”

“I'm listening,” Shuhei grinned.

“It's simple. You win, I'll forget all about this little `incident'. But, if you lose, you will have to pay back every dime,” The redhead smirked as he brought the dish over to me and sat next to me, urging me to eat at least half of the eggs.

“But, uh, just how much are the dishes?” I asked out of curiosity, which made Renji break out a grin that made him look like a deranged psychopath.

“Well, if you must know,” He said, chuckling to himself, “$250. Each.”

Shuhei shot up out of his seat and slammed his hands onto the table, glaring at the man across from him.

“Bullshit!” He yelled, “I've heard some stupid shit from your mouth before, but this is just plain ridiculous. You actually expect me to believe that? Hell no.”

“So, will you pay with cash or check?”

“The hell…? Did you not hear what the fuck I just said?”

“I heard you loud and clear, but get real. When was the last time you ever won a bet against me?”

The black-haired didn't say anything as Renji picked up a piece of his eggs and ate it, then pointing the fork to Shuhei.

“Exactly.”

“Wait! There was that time last year, for Bear's birthday? Remember? We bet $100 on how much he could drink and in the end, he drank your two bottles of Southern Comfort whiskey and chardonnay?”

“Nope,” Renji muttered as he shook some pepper onto his portion of the eggs, ignoring the man the entire way, “But I do remember that you're a hopeless and pathetic liar.”

“Says the one who supposedly has dishes over $100.”

“Which you broke.”

“Now hold up a goddamned second! I-”

“What's the bet anyway?” I ask right before Shuhei blew a fuse, “Who knows? You just might win, Shuhei.”

“…That's a good point Rukia. Just what is the bet anyway?”

“Hold on, I have to think about it for a minute. But in the meantime,” He said as he chewed, pointing to my food and looked at me intently with those emerald eyes of his, “Eat.”

And so I did. While the two debated on the terms and issues of their gamble, I stared off into the window that was at my side, overlooking the slow street of Vermilyea Avenue. It wasn't as packed as my street, but still busy nonetheless. However, it was more serene (in a way) in comparison. There were fewer cars, but more people out and about. Some were walking on the sidewalk, while some were several stories high, sipping their morning coffee on their balcony. The sight made me miss my home, even though it hasn't been more than 24 hours since I left my cozy abode. But then, I started thinking.

Why couldn't I remember what happened last night? Was what Shuhei said really true? At first, I thought I may have drunk too much, but that wasn't possible. I always have a massive migraine that day after if I drank a lot. So, alcohol was off the list. Then, there was the idea of drugs. Dude, you have no fucking idea how scared I suddenly got. Like, I got goosebumps the instant I thought of it. But I know for sure I didn't take any pills because I absolutely refuse to take them, under the influence or not. But my self-investigation was broken by the sudden `That's perfect!' from Shuhei and it startled me so bad that I jumped in my seat.

“Easy there, Rukia. You okay?” Renji asked with a concerned look on his face.

“Uh, yeah, I'm fine. I just…”

“You just?”

“I was just thinking about some things. But don't worry, it's nothing major,” I assured him, putting my hand on his shoulder to make my smiling façade somewhat convincing.

“You're a bad liar too, you know that?” He said as he took the last bite of his eggs, “But whatever. If you don't wanna tell me, I understand.”

“You tell me your secret, I'll tell you mine,” I muttered.

“She's got you there,” Shuhei chuckled.

“What?” I growled, glaring at him, then at Renji, “You told him but not me?”

“Whoever said he told me?”

I turn to look at Shuhei, who had a look on his face that pissed me off so bad, I just wanted to slap him.

“What do you mean?” I ask.

And that instant, Renji gave him the look from hell, but then he quickly changed it as he changed his view to me.

“He means that someone else told him and-”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold up a sec there. You mean to tell me that someone else knows about this? Ha, figures. Ever since all of this weird shit started happening, it's like I don't even know you anymore. I'm so fucking confused and I don't know what to do. I honestly don't,” I said as I got up out of my seat and started to make my way for the door, but a hand pulled me back.

 

“Rukia, don't.”

 

 

I turn back and raise my eyebrows at the redhead, confused by what he wanted.

“Sit down.”

I hesitated for a moment, but I slowly did as he said, but I was still glaring at him the entire way.

“I dunno what you want me to say. Yes, I've been hiding a secret. Doesn't everyone?”

To his left I saw Shuhei nod in agreement. To be honest, I didn't know what to say either. I was brain-dead and at a loss for words. True, I could've just asked what it was, but something in my gut told me that it'd be better for me to wait and find out for myself. However, I didn't want to risk the chance of hearing `bad news', Although most people may think I have a cold, impenetrable heart, I am actually very sensitive about these kind of things, especially when it involves those close to me. I was happy as a clam and then all of a sudden, `boom'. `Your brother got shot'. If that's not fucked up, then I don't know what is.

“Hey, look at me when I'm talking to you,” Renji snapped.

Damn my thoughts for always making me look like a dumbass.

“And uhm, who do you think you are telling me what to do?”

“Your best friend.”

“Best friends don't tell each other lies.”

“I was just trying to protect you from-”

“`Protect'? From what?”

“From getting your stupid ass self in trouble,” Shuhei muttered as he dug for his cigarettes, but I ignored his little comment.

“In a way, he's right.”

I raise my eyebrows in question at Renji at the remark.

“I'm not saying that you're that naïve that you would get into a lot of shit, but it was precautionary. I wasn't sure how'd you react about the place and everything. But even though you're my best friend,” The redhead said, locking his deep brown eyes with mine, “I expect you to keep your trap shut.”

“Have I ever told one of your secrets before?”

“No…”

“So what makes you think I'll tell now?”

“I…dunno.”

And with a `mhmm', I ate the rest of my breakfast and took it to the sink, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw Shuhei get up and make his way towards me. I glanced at the reflection at the sink to see if I looked somewhat decent, but it was too filthy to see. So, when he finally came along (I was washing the dishes at this point), I had just finished cleaning the last dish, but he just booty-bumped me to the side and took over.

“You ain't a maid,” Shuhei said, not even glancing at me, “So don't act like it.”

“It's common courtesy, something you clearly seem to be lacking. Besides, when was the last time Renji cleaned up after himself?”

“I'm right here,” The redhead mumbled as he chewed his last bite. The man next to me rolled his eyes and let out a deep sigh before he put the dish in the other sink and turn off the faucet, finally meeting me eye-to-eye (which was a bit intimidating, to tell you the truth).

“You talk too much. If you enjoy cleaning, then by all means, clean `til your arms fall off. I'm just trying to help you out after all of this shit you're going through.”

I scoffed as I walk past him and to the bedroom, when all of the sudden, I just remembered that I was still in pajamas, unlike the other two, who I just noticed were all dressed and looked as if they were going somewhere.

“Hey, Renji?”

“Yeah?”

“What happened to my purse and clothes from last night?”

“We sold them for weed,” Shuhei said.

“I wouldn't be surprised if you did,” Renji mumbled, then changing his view to me, “Check in the closet, but…come back here for a second.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Don't ask, just do it,” He said as he walked over to me and started to drag me behind him. I didn't know what was going through his mind, but I know it must've been something important. Otherwise, he would've left me alone.

“I finally figured out what the bet should be,” He said as he smiled deviously, which could only mean one thing—he was up to something.

“Well, spit it out,” I said.

“Well, I think you need to sit down,” He gestured towards the couches. I planted my bottom into the leathery cushion of the sofa against the wall. Renji took the seat next to me and Shuhei sat in the green velvety chair across from us.

“Kay. I bet that by the end of the week,” The redhead said, looking down at me, “Rukia will have a boyfriend.”

“WHAT?!” I screech.

“I will gladly take that bet,” Shuhei smirked as he shook hands with the other man, sealing the deal, “And in addition, let's add a $50, shall we?”

“Well, damn, Shuhei. You make her sound as ugly as hell.”

“She's attractive and all, but with an attitude like hers, there's just no way.”

“Hey!” I said.

“Sorry, hun, but looks aren't going to get you far. Now, I feel now's the time to go over a few `conditions'.”

“Don't I get a say in this?” I ask, getting sly smirks from both men in response.

“'Course you do,” Renji said as he slung his arm over my back, “You'll get a…reward.”

“What kind of reward?”

“Correction, rewards,” He said, emphasizing the last letter, “One, you'll have a boyfriend, which will boost your overall mood. Two, you won't be as lonely and three, I'll get my plates back,” He said, grinning.

“So, about those conditions—” Shuhei started, but I didn't let him finish.

“I'll make the `conditions' here, thank you very much,” I growled.

“Go on,” Renji said as he got out his box of Marlboro 100's.

“Well, for starters, neither of you can set me up with anybody.”

“Okay…” They both murmured.

“And he can't know about this.”

“That's all?”

“Pretty much. You two wanna add anything?”

“Hmmm…to make things interesting,” Shuhei said, “You need to be an actual relationship with the guy. Pick a number.”

“Uh, seven?”

“For seven days.”

“And if she breaks up with the guy before then, then she has 3