Renji

It isn't unusual for the uncontrolled reiatsu of your fukutaichou to break your thoughts. He is, after all, supposed to spend tonight keeping up the guard around your home on some threat that you could possibly be in danger. The sixth division barracks aren't located far from the manor and even if you don't need it, a part of you is quite flattered that Renji took it upon himself to ensure your protection this night. You know he has things he'd rather be doing--it's not often he would drop everything for one he deems his rival.

"Is something the matter, Renji?" You ask before you bother to even turn around.

"No... nothing's wrong, taichou," he responds, stopping a fair distance away, not looking as if he's anymore encouraged to wander closer.

Finally, you turn to appraise him. He's your exact opposite. You are the epitome of grace and nobility. He is a street rat from Rukongai who has always had a close relationship with your sister. Your uniform represents your status while his, clean and pressed, is dramatically decreased in value with those sunglasses on his head. His skin is sunkissed and a healthy color while yours is pale. He's even younger than you by almost a hundred years, and yet taller than you.

He's the monkey and you are the moon. You've come to realize, though, that Renji's much closer to snatching you out of the sky than anyone you've considered decent company since Hisana's ****. Sometimes you want the moon to fall and show you that it's possible that you can maintain beauty and grace, even when you don't have the necessary knowledge to break from your routine and protocol.

"Then what are you doing here?" It seems cold and you really have no idea when your tone became so harsh, but you don't bother to correct it. If anyone can read you, it's Renji, even if it takes a while to get it through his thick skull.

"You looked kinda lonely out here, taichou."

The surprise doesn't show in your expression, but as he says those words and they sink in, you realize how true it is and how amazed you are that your fukutaichou was able to pick up on it so quickly. For fifty years you've wandered these paths and never once has anyone said to you those words, even the people who should know you best.