A Modern Courtship

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Chapter One: Byakuya's Change of Heart


One minute Byakuya's vision was focused on the young, orange-haired ryoka, feelings of gratitude welling deep in his chest. The next minute his vision was completely black. Gin's shinso had pierced him through completely, after all, and he was still heavily injured from his fight with Ichigo. It was no wonder that he could feel that aching pain even as he was unconscious. Images swirled through his head as his body slept. Hisana's smiling face. Rukia's grateful one. Ichigo's defiance, a type of pride in its own right.

Byakuya had failed. He had failed to uphold the law and see Rukia executed; he had failed to follow his heart and see Rukia saved by his own hand. There had been two paths open to Byakuya, and at first he had been too weak to choose between them. Then while he had ambled down one with doubt in his heart, Ichigo had pushed straight through the other, without wavering or looking back. The boy's strength of will made Byakuya question his own convictions. What had he been doing up until now? It had been so easy for his father to uphold the law while following his own heart. . . Byakuya felt as though he had failed to do either.

He slowly came back to consciousness, his mind taking in details even before his eyes opened. There were bandages wrapped around his chest and shoulder, reminding him of the recent fight even if the dull pain didn't. His hair was free of the weight of his kenseikan, making him feel almost naked. But where was he?

The air smelled artificially clean, a mix of antiseptics and a liberal use of cleaning products. The sheets below him and the blanket above him were crisp and rough, not at all like the bedding at his estate. The fourth division hospital. Light footsteps came into the room, echoing on the tiled floor, coming to a stop in front of Byakuya's bed. Byakuya opened his eyes to see a young female shinigami smiling down at him.

"How do you feel, Kuchiki-taichou?"

"I wish to be seated," he said, choosing to ignore her inquiry into his state of health.

Her eyes widened a little, but she was quick to acquiesce to his commands. "Of course, sir."

She walked close to his bed. As he rose up she positioned and fluffed the pillows behind him. After she was done he leaned back, pleased to note that his upper body was almost vertical in this position.

"Open the window," he said, "then you may leave."

"Yes, sir." The young girl rushed to the window and flung it open before scampering away, the purpose of her visit forgotten in the face of Byakuya's commanding presence.

Byakuya breathed in as the fresh air drifted into the room. This was much better. He saw now that he was on the third floor of the hospital, and he could see down into the busy streets of Seireitei. He supposed there was much to be done. Three captains gone, countless others injured, the Central 46 dead. He would not have much time for recovery.

A different set of footsteps came down the hallway then. Byakuya didn't have to turn to see who they belonged to, didn't have to turn to see his vice captain walk into the room. He heard Renji stop at the door, hesitating, before coming in and taking a seat in a wooden chair against the wall. He didn't say anything, and Byakuya didn't turn to face him. Their last conversation was flashing through Byakuya's mind.

"Since when have you been able to use ban kai?" he had asked.

"You wouldn't know," Renji had replied, "since you never did give a damn about your subordinates."

And the hatred that had dripped from every word had managed to surprise even Byakuya. He had left Renji barely alive afterwards, leaving fate to decide if help would arrive soon enough, if Renji should live or die.

Renji, who had fought with every ounce of his strength to save Rukia. Byakuya knew the history between them, of course. Rukia had been Renji's family, and Byakuya had taken her away. Byakuya had never felt that had been a negative thing; on the contrary, he had always believed it a great fortune for Rukia to have such an opportunity. Until now. At the very least, Renji had tried to save her. Renji would have been a much better man for someone like Rukia to call her family. . . he wouldn't forsake a sworn sister, or even a friend, for something as cold and unyielding as the law. A law whose application had proven to be a falsehood, issued by men long dead.

"You probably wish," Byakuya said, "that I were dead."

There was silence for between them for a few moments. He could hear the folds of Renji's shihakushou move as the other man shifted in his chair.

"No. . ." Renji finally said, surprising Byakuya again. "If you were to die, I wouldn't have a reason to become stronger."

The words comforted him, somehow. Funny how a few days ago Byakuya could care less what Renji thought or said. But now, after Byakuya had fought to see Rukia killed, after Renji had fought to near death to save her, Renji's words were almost an absolution. He didn't hate Byakuya, after all, didn't blame him for the path he had taken. He was a bigger man than Byakuya had ever given him credit for.

"Taichou, I-"

But then a rush of wind came through the open window, bright orange hair appearing in its frame. Byakuya's eyes widened as his hair fluttered to the side. As soon as the ryoka was in the window Renji was out of his seat, and then the two were arguing right over Byakuya's bed, their loud voices ringing in his ear drums. He heard Rukia's name in there, but most of it was too loud and fast for him to catch. And then his given name fell from the ryoka's lips.

"Sorry, Renji, Byakuya. We gotta go."

The sound of it made Byakuya bristle. Renji was staring out the window, but then he turned to look at Byakuya. Concern fluttered over Renji's features.

"What's wrong, Taichou?"

"Nothing," Byakuya said, schooling his features into their usual countenance. "It's just that boy. He needs to learn to respect his elders."

Renji just blinked at him several times, brown eyes gazing into gray. And then he laughed. A loud, boisterous chuckle. "Yeah, well, that's Ichigo for you."

Byakuya wasn't sure what surprised him more. The fact that Renji was on a first name basis with Ichigo, or the fact that Renji had just laughed in front of him. Renji had always been tense and curt around him. Obedient, but in the way a stray dog was to someone who regularly fed it scraps, ready to turn and bite if ever given the incentive. But this Renji wasn't so uncomfortable around him. This Renji had just laughed, light gleaming in his eyes as he did so. And Byakuya wasn't sure how he felt about it.

"Still," Byakuya said, grasping onto a topic in order to distract himself, "if I ever see him again, I will be sure to correct his behavior."

It sounded suspiciously like Renji was suppressing another chuckle. "Yeah. You should do that."

They stared at each other for a few moments before Renji backed up a little bit. There was a small smile on Renji's face, and Byakuya wondered what he was thinking.

"Do you need anything else, Taichou? I have to check in with Commander Yamamoto, but I can come back with anything you need."

"That won't be necessary," Byakuya said. He was sure one of his servants would be here momentarily, now that he was awake. "Please get me Unohana-taichou. I'm sure she won't allow me to leave before she gives her clearance, and I'd like to get back to headquarters as soon as possible."

"Yes, taichou." Renji bowed slightly before he left, leaving Byakuya to his own thoughts.

As he was left alone, Byakuya fond his mind wondering back on his conversation with Renji. Renji had been about to say something before they were interrupted, and he wondered what it was. He would have to remember to ask him about it later.

Thankfully it didn't take long for Unohana to arrive. Byakuya had pride in his abilities, but he knew enough about the deceptively gentle woman not to cross her. And leaving her hospital without her permission would no doubt throw him onto her bad side. She gave him a quick examination before nodding.

"I'm sure you're anxious, confined to a hospital bed," she said, "and everything seems to be fine. You're free to go."

Byakuya nodded. "Thank you, Unohana-taichou."

She smiled as she walked out of the room, and Byakuya got out of bed. He disrobed and folded the off-white hospital yukata on the bed, replacing it with the shinigami uniform he found in the closet. A servant must have left it there while he had been unconscious. As he pulled the white captain's haori over his shoulders he felt a little bit more complete. Now he would only have to go home to have a new set of kenseikan put back into his hair.

The next day Byakuya was feeling more like himself. Yamamoto had spoken to all the vice captains and captains that weren't incapacitated the day before, and he spoke to the rest this afternoon. There actually wasn't much to discuss, and the major goals for the time being were clear enough: monitor Aizen's activities as best they could; investigate the fifth division, central 46 chambers, and great spirit library to see if they could discover Aizen's intentions; find shinigami talented enough to take over the vacancies left by Aizen, Gin, and Tousen; and prepare for war, because it seemed as though Aizen's ambitions would lead to one.

After the meeting Byakuya left the first division conference room and was surprised to find Renji there. His vice captain was waiting against a wall, fidgeting a little on his feet. When he saw Byakuya he ran over to him, mild concern written over his features.

"Taichou," he said, as he got closer, "I've been looking for you. How was the meeting?"

"Fine, Renji." But Byakuya gathered that the other man wasn't here to talk about that. "Can I help you with something?"

"Yeah, umm. . ." Now that Renji had his attention, he seemed a little hesitant to speak. "Just. . . some of the other officers came to me about some stuff that happened this morning, with you, and they wanted me to make sure you were feeling okay."

Byakuya blinked. He had no idea what Renji was talking about. He had spent the morning in the sixth division headquarters, attending to his duties and making sure everything was running correctly.

"Well, you know, Mihane said that you told her she did a good job on a report she filed last week. She said she burst into tears when you said that, said she'd never heard one word of praise from you towards her or her father. Then Rikichi said you asked him if he wanted to spar. He nearly had a heart attack, by the way, just from you talking to him."

"It is vital that we prepare for the worse with Aizen," Byakuya said. "This includes combat abilities, and Rikichi is in dire need of more training."

"Yeah, but, you've never asked anyone to spar out of the blue like that. We're always the ones asking you."

Byakuya blinked some more. This line of questioning was a little preposterous. He was only attending to his duties as captain, after all.

Renji placed a hand on Byakuya's forehead. "You got a fever or something?"

Byakuya flushed a little at the human contact, partly insulted and partly. . . confused. He swatted Renji's hand away. "Renji. I admit that we have grown to understand one another more than we used to, but you are still out of bounds to touch me so casually."

Renji frowned and looked a little bit sheepish. "Yeah, you're right. Sorry, Taichou."

"It is fine," Byakuya replied, happy enough to leave Renji with that gentle reprimand. "And in regards to your concern over my health, when we fought, you accused me of being apathetic to the skills and activities of those under my command. From now on, I will be careful to regard my subordinates more closely."

Now it was Renji blinking at him in a daze. "Oh. Okay."

"Is that all, Renji?"

"Yeah. Oh, wait, no. You probably won't want to come, but we're seeing Ichigo off now, and Rukia wanted me to at least ask if you were inter-"

"I will come," Byakuya said, not sure if he should be even further insulted by the way Renji's eyes widened in surprise. "I owe Kurosaki Ichigo a debt of gratitude. He saved Rukia, when I could not."

His last line was spoken in a softer tone than the rest of his words, and after he said it Byakuya was vaguely embarrassed to have spoken it aloud. It was a private sentiment, after all, and he wasn't sure what had compelled him to share it with Renji. So he was relieved when understanding flooded Renji's features.

"Yeah," Renji said. "I get that."

"Let us go, then."

Renji nodded as he led the way, Byakuya following after him. They made their way to a clearing where Ukitake had prepared a senkaimon. Byakuya was mildly surprised by the number of people who had come to see Ichigo off. The young boy had made a surprising number of friends, considering he was their enemy not so long ago. Most of the captains and vice captains of the Gotei 13 were here.

Byakuya and Renji were standing close enough that they could hear Ichigo speaking with Ukitake, and Byakuya was irked to no end when he heard Ichigo actually refer to the man as "Ukitake-san." So the impertinent brat was capable of showing proper respect when he wanted to. Afterwards Ichigo shared a short goodbye with almost everyone there, though Byakuya was content to stand back and watch. He had already said his thanks; his presence was now all that was required. Ichigo shared a longer goodbye with Rukia, and then he and his friends were stepping through the gate. The crowd watched them disappear.

"Now that Ichigo's gone," Rangiku said, "we should celebrate his successful homecoming. Who wants to drink?"

Hisagi and Kira paled as Hitsugaya rolled his eyes.

"I'm going back to headquarters," Hitsugaya said, disappearing in a flash.

"Nii-sama?" Rukia asked, her voice hesitant. "Would you like to come?"

It was clear that she didn't expect him to come, and Byakuya didn't have the intention of going. But then he felt an arm wrap around his shoulders, and looked to the side to see Ukitake smiling at him.

"You should come, Byakuya. Some of the other captains will be there, so it will be a good opportunity for inter-division communication."

When Ukitake phrased it in a way that made it seem work-related, it made it hard for Byakuya to say no. He still thought of protesting, but Rukia was beaming at him now. And at any rate Ukitake was already pulling him forward. He decided to join them for one cup of sake before leaving.

A good number of the original crowd soon found themselves in a Seireitei bar nearby, and Byakuya felt himself ushered to a table with Ukitake, Kyoraku,and Zaraki. He frowned to see Zaraki sitting there, but the other man just grinned at him.

"Zaraki," Ukitake said, willfully oblivious to the tension between Byakuya and Zaraki. "I didn't see you at the send-off for Ichigo."

"Yeah," Zaraki replied. "Got lost. It's a shame, I was looking to fight him at least one more time. But at least I made it for the alcohol."

"Well, it's always good to see you," Ukitake continued, the consummate diplomat.

Throughout his conversation with Ukitake, Zaraki was still staring at Byakuya.

"Too bad the execution didn't go through," Zaraki said to him. "Bet you're real upset."

Byakuya didn't even bother with an response. Instead he sat down, noticing that the other tables were already ordering rounds of whatever the cheapest sake and beer the bar had. Ukitake flagged down a waitress, mumbling something about how the first round was on him.

"What bottles of dai ginjo sake do you have today?" he asked her.

Byakuya was relieved to remember that Ukitake had a sophisticated enough palette when it came to sake. Well, he was aristocracy after all, even if his family was among the lower-class. The waitress described the different dai ginjo sakes they had in stock as the captains waited.

Zaraki's fingers tapped against the table in a repeated melody, apparently the only one of the four without the patience to wait quietly. "Do we even need to bother with this dye gingo crap? Alcohol's alcohol, let's just get something that'll get us drunk already."

"Already taken care of," Ukitake said, as the waitress rushed off to fulfill their order.

"Of course," Byakuya said to Zaraki, "I would hardly expect you to appreciate good sake. It seems a waste to let you drink it."

"In that case, I'll make sure to drink lots."

Byakuya didn't know why he had even spoken. The best way to deal with Zaraki was to ignore him. If Byakuya had still been an impetuous youth, no doubt he would have risen to Zaraki's constant taunts. But as it was the anger only simmered quietly within him, his expression still and movements minimal.

The waitress soon reappeared with a bottle of sake and four sake cups, and placed them done in front of the captains before rushing to another table. Even though Ukitake paid, Kyoraku did the honors of serving them, and soon they were all lifting the small porcelain cups into the air.

"Kanpai!" Kyoraku said, chugging his sake down in one gulp.

Zaraki was soon to follow, and the two poured themselves more. Byakuya cringed at the spectacle. At least Ukitake knew to sip and savor the taste of the fine sake.

As the conversation turned to the state of the Gotei 13 and Aizen's betrayal, Byakuya found his eyes wondering to where Renji was sitting with Rukia. They were at a table overcrowded with other shinigami; apparently people had just kept dragging seats over until they couldn't fit anymore. Byakuya didn't recognize most of them, but there were some familiar faces. The vice-captains of the third and ninth divisions, and several seated officers from the eleventh.

They were all being loud and obnoxious. Byakuya's sister included, to his shock and chagrin. And she had always been so reserved around him. Renji especially was causing a stir, slamming his beer mug down ever few minutes and telling jokes that made the whole table laugh. He really did seem like an eleventh division man, through and through. Byakuya couldn't help but note the fact that everyone there seemed to enjoy Renji's company very much. Then he couldn't help but wonder if this was the first time Renji and Rukia had been able to spend meaningful time together since Rukia became a Kuchiki. Well, as meaningful as time spent in a bar could be.

An hour later, Byakuya wondered what he was still doing at the bar. He felt a little lightheaded, never one to handle his alcohol particularly well. He had decided he would leave after one cup, but his cup still wasn't finished. He looked down. Actually, it was still quite full. He looked over at Ukitake, who only smiled gently back at him, a bottle of sake in his hands. Oh. Byakuya narrowed his eyes. He should have known the other captains wouldn't let him go with just one cup. At any rate, he was leaving now.

Byakuya pushed his chair backwards and stood up. The room spun a little around him, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. He excused himself from the table, noting Ukitake and Kyoraku's disappointed expressions and Zaraki's indifferent one. He had made it outside when Renji appeared next to him.

"Taichou? Are you leaving already?"

Byakuya nodded. "I have imbibed enough for the afternoon. I'm going back to headquarters now."

Byakuya took another step forward, eyes widening when he, Kuchiki Byakuya, stumbled a step. Renji's hand wrapped around his arm to steady him, but it's not as though he couldn't catch himself on his own. Renji's fingers were much too hot on his skin, and he yanked his arm from Renji's grasp.

"Thank you, Renji," he said, "but I can handle myself."

Renji looked like he wanted to say something, but he didn't. He bit his lip slightly before opening his mouth again. "Oh. Okay."

"Nii-sama?"

Byakuya inwardly sighed. And now Rukia was there.

"Are you leaving?"

"Yes," Byakuya replied. "I have duties to attend to."

"Well, thank you for coming. I know it meant a lot to Ichigo."

Byakuya doubted it, but he nodded anyway. Rukia and Renji were sharing a look between them, a concerned type of expression, and it irked Byakuya that they were most likely silently communicating about him. He wasn't that obviously intoxicated, was he?

"I think I'm going to go home," Rukia said. "Do you think you and Renji could accompany me?"

It was an obvious ploy to get Byakuya to go home instead of to the division headquarters. Byakuya was well aware of that, but found himself nodding regardless. It would be wise to lay down and perhaps sleep off a little bit of the alcohol; it would make him more effective when he did eventually return to work. Still, having Renji come with them was a bit of overkill in his mind. He supposed they thought it a precaution, in case Byakuya fainted and needed someone to carry him, though nothing of the sort was sure to happen.

The three of them walked towards the Kuchiki estate in silence. Byakuya's head was still spinning, and he could feel Renji's body heat radiate from beside him. For some reason it made Byakuya flush, but he gathered it was the fault of the alcohol. It wasn't long before they found there way to the gates of the Kuchiki estate.

It was a sprawling estate, reminiscent of feudal Japanese castles and compounds. The gates opened up into what looked like a small town, with rectangular wooden houses built around one larger building. The grounds were perfectly manicured, as were the many courtyards and gardens that were scattered throughout, though those were invisible from their current perspective. As Byakuya made his way towards the main house, he couldn't help but notice that Renji was doing his best to look in every direction at once, eyes open in wonder.

"Please," Byakuya said, as they entered the main dwelling house, "make yourself at home. I'll be retiring to me quarters for a bit."

Renji nodded as Byakuya left them in the entrance way. Byakuya made his way to his bedroom. The servants, having realized he was home, ran ahead and opened the door before he had to. He dismissed them with his hand as he entered his room, and the door was shut behind him. As soon as he laid down on his mattress his eyes shut, his mind eager to sleep off the effects of the alcohol.

When Byakuya awoke, there was still daylight outside. However long he had been asleep, it couldn't have been too much time. But he felt worlds better. He stood up and adjusted his shihakushou and kenseikan, making sure everything was in order before he left the room. Pleased with his appearance, he made his way out. He was walking back to the front door when he couldn't help but notice that there were voices inside the tea room.

Byakuya slowed down as he approached. The voices belonged to Renji and Rukia, there was no doubt about it. So they were taking the time to converse with one another. Byakuya drew closer. He could see in through the half-open door, now, and to his surprise he saw Rukia in a prostrate position. They were both sitting in seiza position on the tatami mats, of course, but Rukia was bent over, her palms pressed against the floor.

"I'm sorry," she said.

Byakuya knew this was a private moment. He knew that he should leave, but for some reason he couldn't bring himself to go.

"Hey," Renji said, grabbing Rukia's shoulder and lifting her up, "what are you apologizing for? It's my first visit to the famous Kuchiki mansion, you should be a better host than this. Order us some cake or something."

If he was jesting, Rukia didn't really respond to it. Her lips turned up a little bit, but it was a slight, forced movement. Her eyes were focused on the ground, a somberness to them that Byakuya had seen all too many times. Whenever Byakuya was distant towards her, whenever anyone spoke of Shiba Kaien. And all those times when she had just sat and stared out the window of the southern-most room, the one facing in the direction of the Inuzuri, no doubt thinking about Renji and the distance Byakuya had put between them.

"I left you behind," Rukia continued. "Just like Hisana left me behind. You were my family, and I left you for a better life."

"What are you talking about?" Renji chuckled, but it was a stiff, strange sound.

Renji punched Rukia's shoulder, and Byakuya was shocked to see that he didn't hold back much. Rukia all but crashed onto the floor before picking herself up.

"I wasn't some baby who couldn't look after myself," Renji continued. He puffed up his chest, grinning smugly. "I was a top student in the academy. I had a much better future as a shinigami than you did, Kuchiki or not. What seat are you again?"

"Idiot," Rukia said, but at least Renji's words brought a small smile to her lips. "You never visited me after I was adopted."

"You were a Kuchiki. How the hell was a street rat like me supposed to see you?" For a moment, something tortured passed through Renji's eyes before he shut it out.

Rukia, facing the floor, hadn't seen it, but Byakuya had. He had always dismissed Renji as just a simple street thug before. A lower-class mongrel who Byakuya was forced to take on as a vice captain, simply because there was no one else more qualified up for the position. But he saw now that Renji was more complicated than Byakuya had given him credit for, and had been shouldering a pain and a loss equal to anything a noble might feel.

"I'm so sorry, Renji," Rukia said. She sounded on the verge of tears as she apologized.

"Idiot," Renji said, reaching out to pull her against him. It was almost comical, seeing little Rukia pressed against Renji's broad chest. "I already said, don't apologize to me. If you're happy as a Kuchiki, than I'm happy. So don't you dare say sorry to me."

Renji's complete devotion to Rukia broke Byakuya's heart, for the simple reason that it reminded him of his own unreturned emotions towards Hisana. He remembered all too clearly what it felt like. He remembered how it was to want nothing more than another person's well-being. To love and not mind if that love was unreturned, as long as that one person was happy. But what would it be like, he thought, to have those feelings returned. . . to feel someone's unwavering devotion focused on him for once. To be the subject of, say, Renji's adoration.

Byakuya's eyes widened as he realized where his thoughts had strayed. He forgot to breath, such was the shock. But now the small thought was growing, taking on a life inside his mind. Renji, doting on him, supporting him. That fiery spirit inside the man completely and utterly devoted to Byakuya. Byakuya felt his cheeks warm, felt his hands warm. It was utterly ridiculous.

He shook his head. He was projecting. He had never felt that kind of affection directed towards himself, and now that he saw Renji displaying it towards his sister, he couldn't help but imagine what it would feel like. It meant nothing. He took a breath. There was a lull in the conversation, which meant it was the perfect time to make his presence known. He knocked on the door and then entered.

"I see that you two are still here," he said, his face a perfect mask. "I'm returning to headquarters now, so please feel free to make use of the premises."

But to his surprise, Renji was standing up. He thought for sure that Renji would have wanted to spend more time with Rukia; they had decades to make up for, after all.

"I'll come with you, Taichou," Renji said, walking towards him. Renji turned back to wave goodbye to Rukia, and the two men started to walk towards the front door.

Byakuya couldn't help but feel a little awkward given the scene he had just witness, given what he had just imagined about Renji. Though he doubted that it showed in his face or in his actions. He had to banish those thoughts from his head. He had done enough to Rukia, it was time to do something for her instead.

"If you wish to visit Rukia at the estate again," he said, feeling Renji perk up behind him at the words, "please feel free to do so. I know that she will enjoy your company."

"Thank you, Taichou."

"And if you wish to court her properly, than I give you my permission."

The words stopped Renji in his tracks. Byakuya stopped and turned around to see Renji standing there with an expression that was equal parts surprised and confused.

"I realize this must come as a shock, given your pedigree," Byakuya continued, "but I would be remiss if I stood in the way of my sister's happiness."

"Umm. . . taichou. . . I think you're misunderstanding something." Renji opened his mouth, then closed it, then opened it again. Then he shook his head altogether, apparently going with another approach. "Rukia's like family to me, it's not a romantic thing."

Byakuya raised a slender eyebrow. "I had heard rumors that you were popular among women. It couldn't be that you are just stringing my sister along, could it?"

"No, no! Course not!" Renji waved his hands frantically in front of him in protest. "It's just. . . I mean, yeah, the ladies like me-"

Byakuya glowered at the words.

"-but I'm not interested in them. And I'm not interested in Rukia, either, not as anything more than a really close friend. The truth is, well. . . I prefer the company of men."

Byakuya blinked, fighting to control the flush that threatened to spread over his face. Soul Society was similar to feudal Japan and the pre-modern West in that people were not considered homosexual or heterosexual; only sexual acts themselves were classified that way. It was rare for someone to identify as a lover of just one gender, even if heterosexual marriages were the norm. But here was Renji, saying that he only liked men.

"I see," Byakuya finally said. "In that case, I suppose you will not need my permission to court Rukia."

"No. I'm good."

"Very well then." Deciding they no longer needed to discuss this topic, Byakuya turned and started to walk again. Soon after Renji's footsteps followed. They made their way to headquarters without saying another word to each other, and then disappeared into their respective offices.

Once Byakuya was in his office, door shut, he sat down at his desk. He stared down at the paper there, but couldn't read any of the words. His mind kept repeating one singular fact, over and over: Renji liked men. He didn't know why that piece of information was affecting him so much. Or maybe he did know, and he just didn't want to admit it. Byakuya wondered what he should do. . .

And then he realized. He was such a fool. He shouldn't do anything. Renji might like men, but that didn't mean that he would like Byakuya. Byakuya knew all too well from his experience with Hisana that romantic interest was not always reciprocated. And why would Renji be interested in a man like him, a man who had gone along with the execution of his own sister? A man who had tried to kill Renji's closest friend and confidant?

It was a ridiculous notion. Byakuya's chest clenched, but the words on the page before him became a little bit clearer. Renji was his vice captain. He was Renji's captain. There would be nothing more than that. A small part of Byakuya protested, but he pushed it down deep inside of himself and locked it away. This was their relationship, nothing more. He would not give in to some sophomoric intra-office crush.

Byakuya took one deep breath and picked up his pen. Completely calm, he could read the words on the paper perfectly, and he resumed his work for the day. He thought nothing of Renji until the end of the work day. The sun was setting as a knock sounded on his door.

"Come in," he said, and the shouji screen slid open. He knew that it was Renji, and couldn't even bring himself to look up at the man.

"Taichou. I just wanted to let you know that I'm leaving."

"Very good, Renji. I will see you tomorrow."

"Okay. Have a good night, Taichou."

Byakuya's pen stalled on the page. There was just half a moment before Renji would close that door again, and the part of Byakuya that he thought he had locked away was calling at him to say something. Byakuya couldn't help it. He looked up. "Renji."

Chocolate brown eyes looked down at him. "Yes?"

And now that he had his attention, Byakuya wasn't sure what to say. He had been a fool to stop the other man; it's not as though he was going to confess to his vice captain like a giggling schoolgirl. Byakuya grasped at straws, trying to remember unfinished conversations that they could take up.

"Yesterday in the hospital," Byakuya said, finally remembering something. "You were about to say something to me when we were interrupted. What was it?"

Renji looked a little sheepish as a hand came up to scratch at the back of his head. "Oh, that. You know, at the time, I thought it sounded cool, but it's actually kind of cheesy. Something about following you forever, or something like that."

Byakuya forgot to breath for just a second. He was careful that his expression didn't change, careful that his emotions didn't betray him. He knew that Renji didn't mean that in a romantic way, that he was speaking as a vice captain for his captain, but he couldn't help but feel the subject of at least a small part of Renji's devotion.

"I used to think I hated you," Renji said. "I thought that I hated you for taking Rukia away. I thought that one day I'd beat you and take her back. But I realized that wasn't it. When I first saw you, you were so strong, stronger than anyone I'd ever met. Your reiatsu froze me in my steps, made me break out in a sweat. You were amazing, Taichou. I think what I really wanted was for a man as great as you to acknowledge a man like me."

"Renji. . ." Byakuya didn't know what to say, couldn't think of anything that was adequate. His heart was pounding in his chest and Renji was looking at him expectantly. Waiting. "You are an accomplished man in your own right. I am happy to have you as my vice captain."

Renji's expression didn't change. He just nodded. Byakuya wondered if that wasn't enough. It didn't feel like enough. After all, Renji's confession had sent Byakuya's heart racing, but Byakuya's response didn't seem to have any effect on Renji.

"You may go," he finally said.

Renji nodded as he closed the door, his footsteps leading away. Byakuya leaned back in his chair, hands in his lap as he stared out into space. He couldn't deny it anymore. He wasn't sure when it had happened, but it was clear to him now: he was romantically interested in his vice captain.