Secrets

Tomorrow had finally arrived at Kuchiki Manor. Renji’s eyes popped open at slivers of morning light falling across his face. Bold upright in bed he sat, inhaling deeply from a dead stop of nearly comatose sleep. From his shoulders and chest fell satin sheets baring him to his waist. One of his feet was tangled up in another muscular thigh, which was slowly moving.

“Right… I’m at the manor,” Renji mumbled, rubbing his eyes. He reached over to pat the bed, and found his hand sliding along a warm body, belonging to the owner of the entire complex.

“Indeed it is the manor. Did you anticipate that a Senkaimon gate opened up and transported us elsewhere?” answered Byakuya sleepily.

“Sir… you’re still here,” Renji lamely chuckled, flopping back down in the bed. A foolish grin spread over his face automatically because of how damn well his body felt.

Lying on his side as well Byakuya regarded him with a rare upturn of his lips, hiding behind flyaway tendrils of hair. His steel blue eyes gleamed with amusement as he extended a hand and tucked a few red strands behind Renji’s right ear. “I should hope so. I live here, remember?”

“Guess it’s a pretty damn stupid thing t’ say to ya first thing in the morning sir, sorry,” Renji hastily apologized.

Immediately Byakuya shook his head. “You are not the one that should apologize of all people considering my breach of trust regarding you last night. I am compelled to continue to list reasons why I was in the wrong…”

“Well before we get into all that again, can I just say good mornin’ Captain?”

“A good morning to you, Renji. Say whatever you wish,” Byakuya reminded him.

“Did ya sleep all right?”

“I slept well, Renji. Was your slumber restful?”

“Slept like I was in a coma. Whoever makes your mattress should give a testimonial.”

Renji knew he was chattering like a baboon of all things because he was still nervous about their damaged relationship. While he felt they had hashed out a great deal of things, he still felt shy as if something else was going to go horribly wrong. Shyly he kept the blanket pulled up to his waist. Disappointed when Byakuya turned away, Renji felt relief watching the noble climbing out of bed to grab a pale sky blue robe from a nearby closet and slide it on. He glimpsed the lavender tattoo before it vanished under the fine silk until Byakuya turned and walked back to the bed. In his hand, he held another robe that he neatly laid across Renji’s lap.

“Thanks,” Renji said accepting it. He spun around to slip on the borrowed garment, belting it before he turned around to see Byakuya padding around the room as if searching for something.

“You’re welcome.”

Renji took a deep breath. There was no time like the present to bring up the question. “So… work today… eh?”

“We had best not dally. Breakfast should be ready, and I have sent for a spare uniform for you from Squad Six.”

“Ya didn’t haveta sir, but thanks,” Renji said, moving over and wrapping his arms around Byakuya from behind. To his delight, the noble turned around and kissed him on the cheek. Sliding his arms down Byakuya’s waist Renji locked them around the small of his back and smiled down at his lover.

Byakuya looked off to the side but did not pull away. He stiffly folded his arms in a similar manner at the small of Renji’s back. “You are welcome.”

“Renji?” Byakuya began, lips still parted and eyes diverting to the wall.

Hand closing around the handle of a nearby hairbrush Renji already dragged it through locks of his hair. “Yeah?”

“Are we reconciled after our argument? I am under the impression that the demeanor between us may continue to be strained due to my lack of consideration and oversight…”

“Don’t worry about it. We’re good, okay. Let’s just start fresh an’ leave the hurt for now?” Renji reassured him, and then bent down to steal a quick kiss.

No sooner had Byakuya’s lips touched his then someone knocked quietly at the screen. “Milord? I have tea for you. Breakfast is ready, and your clothes are set out.”

“We will take the tea in my dressing room,” Byakuya called back. Renji’s heart leapt so hard in his chest he was sure it bruised against his rib cage.

“As you wish milord,” the older steward’s voice replied.

“Shall we?” Byakuya asked, nodding towards a chamber that adjoined his. He strode towards it still in his robe, while Renji followed at a distance. Both screens slid open to reveal a large walk in closet with multiple garments suspended from racks set deep into either wall.

“You may change here if you wish,” Byakuya suggested, waving one hand. Renji followed its direction with his eyes towards a neatly piled bundle of clothes. On the very top gleamed and polished sat his Adjunct’s badge. Beside it sat a white strip of cloth neatly folded.

“No sunglasses?” Renji asked.

“The sunglasses are yours to where when and where you wish, Renji. It is not for me to dictate your choice in apparel,” Byakuya answered. Halfway out the door Byakuya looked back to where Renji had just picked up the badge in his hands, reverently turning it over. Although he failed to smile, Byakuya nodded fondly at the glow of delight in Renji’s eyes.

Through the opened panel, Byakuya saw the elder steward striding in carrying a bundle of clothes. His eyes met Renji’s for a moment, yet he looked quickly away. Bowing his head he placed the folded uniform on a small table to Byakuya’s left. Back facing Renji with the door open behind him Byakuya held out his arms. Another steward in cotton robes joined the first, reaching down to untie Byakuya’s sash. Quickly Renji turned away to pick up his own bundle of clothes. Only the whisper of Byakuya’s robe pulled away met his ears. He stole another glimpse of Byakuya’s bared shoulder, the tattoo disappearing soon under an undershirt the one steward slid over Byakuya’s arms.

Just why Byakuya kept the door open, Renji was not sure. However, he figured it would be smart to let it stay open. If Byakuya left it ajar on two servants dressing him that meant they could see him in the walk in closet wearing a dressing gown. The vice captain of squad six tied the strings of his hakama and sash without having to see what he was doing. By the time he reached for his cloth headband he noticed a black silk hair tie hidden under where his uniform sat.

Still the stewards moved about holding up Byakuya’s captain’s coat for him to slip his arm into. One of them brushed past Renji saying, “Excuse me milord…”

“No problem,” Renji mumbled his eyes wide at the suffix.

“Renji, would you please hand me my scarf?” Byakuya asked.

“Ya sure you want me to get it and not…” Renji asked, pointing towards the steward who had walked past. He returned carrying a velvet box Renji recalled putting Byakuya’s kenseikan into last night.

“Please, I would appreciate it,” Byakuya insisted, head only partly turned because the elder steward was hard at work dragging a comb down the top and parting Byakuya’s hair in three places.

Through a combination of tugging upward with the brush and wrapping his hand around each raised piece of hair Renji pulled his hair back. Using his other hand to smooth the sides he then twisted the black silk tie around and tightened it into its customary topknot. In comparison, the elder steward already placed the top set of silver tubes and used a long tool shaped like a crochet hook to pull the forward strands through and position them just so over Byakuya’s face.

“So that’s how they do it,” Renji mumbled to himself. “I’ll be damned.”

“You wish a shave?” Byakuya asked.

“Ah yeah… but just show me where…”

“Please fetch a guest basin and razor for Abarai,” Byakuya spoke to the younger steward.

“Um… thanks,” Renji said, stopping himself from telling Byakuya’s steward not to bother. He instead wandered back into the bedroom to see two servants already changing the sheets and carrying the bundle out for laundry. They moved past Renji as if he were not even there, or if he was a piece of furniture to avoid. None of them even met eyes with him or even dared to. He dodged around another woman sweeping the floor to grab the box he knew contained the silk scarf, and then dashed back towards the walk in closet.

“Um… here… you are... sir…” Renji asked.

“Thank you Renji,” Byakuya said, still looking straight ahead. Now the steward stood on Byakuya’s right side, pulling hair through a side set of the kenseikan and smoothing it with a silk-gloved hand.

Renji moved around to face him, and saw Byakuya look him directly in the eyes, though he kept his head statue still for the benefit of his hairdresser. Renji opened the box and held it up to him. “Here ya are…”

“Thank you Renji,” Byakuya answered, lifting the green gossamer silk out of its container. Before Renji could leave, Byakuya caught his arm.

“Stay, if you will?”

“I won’t get in the way will I?” Renji asked.

“They have your shaving items assembled,” Byakuya indicated with the sweep of a gloved hand. Therefore, that was what the other wooden carved piece of furniture was with the basin. Renji had figured it was a traditional manual pitcher and bowl for washing hands, but was not sure that Byakuya actually shaved himself.

Another steward moved past him to hold a basin with a curve cut in its front just under Byakuya’s chin. The tonsure already dragged a razor over a leather strap, sharpening it. Renji picked up an identical one set to the side of the basin he stood before now. Lifting the lid off the solid alabaster jar, he used the moistened brush to work into lather. Through the mirror he glimpsed other servants working over Byakuya’s hair and face at the same time he covered his own face with the shaving cream. It only took him five minutes to swipe the excess growth and cleanly delineate his characteristic sideburns to their former limits. All that he needed to do next was apply the same scented aftershave and pat dry.

In the process of tying his cloth headband, he saw Byakuya’s barber and tonsure finishing up. He did not envy Byakuya still standing up with ramrod stiff posture for the entire process of his morning cleanup. Mumbling with amusement Renji tugged his adjunct badge into place on his upper right arm by its silk band. He left the shaving equipment as neat as he could before one of the other stewards began to clean it.

“Ready for breakfast?” Renji asked Byakuya.

“In approximately another moment,” the captain of squad six answered, finally lowering his arms while the servants all scuttled away. Shyly Renji turned around and saw his captain completely dressed and ready for a day of work, his clothing flawless and not a hair out of place.

“Got to admit that’s the first time you’ve let me see the whole shebang from start to finish,” Renji laughed, rubbing his neck.

“Thank you for allowing me to share my morning routine of preparation,” Byakuya answered, quite serious even though Renji chuckled.

“Must haveta get up pretty damn early for that rigmarole. Sheesh… I coulda done half of that for ya,” Renji snickered.

Byakuya nodded with a more open expression far from his usual indifferent one. However, it was serious and sober. “That would be quite entertaining, and I would welcome it, yet assisting me in morning preparation is what is expected in the job descriptions of the servants. After all, it is their livelihood and it would be dishonorable to deprive them of a job. This manor employs many from Rukongai as well as Sereitei.”

“I know… I guess if ya ever visit me in my place again…” Renji began.

“I would enjoy that, Renji,” the noble answered, his face still serious with many unanswered questions Renji figured.

Walking up to Byakuya his vice captain wrapped two strong arms clad in shikakusho around him. Only a few inches shorter than his captain, Renji inclined his head so they could rub noses together. Up Renji’s back Byakuya slid his silver-gloved hands with the fingers and palms bare. Comfortably Byakuya rested his chin in the groove between Renji’s shoulder and neck. Now wearing their uniforms, they felt strangely shy.

“What?” Renji whispered.

“I still regret how I dominated and attempted to subdue you, Renji. It was improper and unfair. Especially to keep this a secret from your friends and force you to choose between them and I.”

“Byakuya, I forgive ya. Yeah I’m still miffed but I want to make this work. You mean too much to me, and yer not used to how us commoners do things.”

“I do not deserve your understanding,” Byakuya murmured, voice low. “I am cold, unfeeling, and unaccustomed to treating you with the warmth you convey upon me.”

“Well yer stuck with me. That was a hell of a nasty first argument I’ll admit and yeah you screwed up, but I already said I forgave ya so why are ya continuin’ with the guilt trip huh?”

“Renji, you are no longer required to keep our relationship a secret from your friends. If there are those who object to it, please refer them to me if they have any questions. And I will inform them that it is a Kuchiki clan matter.”

“Guess that’ll shut ‘em up, huh?” Renji asked, sliding his hands down Byakuya’s waist. The noble widened is eyes as he felt strong hands pinching his backside. He gasped audibly with shock.

“Th… that is most unexpected and… improper…” the noble complained. He pulled back to see Renji’s devilish grin that he hadn’t seen for at least a week.

“No secrets, huh?” Renji asked. “I mean I won’t be doin’ that when we’re on duty just so ya know… but ya gotta be careful what ya mean.”

“I will inform the squad if they have any questions, and I will meet with your friends to explain my intentions,” Byakuya said.

“You mean with Kira an’ Hisagi? Are you sure?” Renji asked, pulling away.

“Kira is convinced I’ve an ulterior motive. I do not wish to slink around in the manner of a fox and contribute to unsavory rumors,” Byakuya sniffed.

“Ya… yeah you’re right. But think of all the juicy gossip…”

“Shall we eat breakfast and commence work?” Byakuya interrupted, raising one of his brows. Hooking his hands behind Renji’s back he pulled his vice captain forwards. Renji’s next words muffled against the firm lips became a satisfied hum once Byakuya’s mouth caressed his.

Another knock interrupted them, yet Renji chuckled at Byakuya’s annoyed glare when their kiss broke. “Enter,” Byakuya said.

“Sir, forgive me for intruding, but your breakfast…”

“Of course… we are on our way,” said Byakuya, reaching for Renji’s hand. He tugged Renji after him, and then let go after they exited the private suite. Renji fell into step behind Byakuya automatically with the servant trotting after them.
***
Grateful Renji finished his sixth bowl of porridge, stacking it with the others. Opposite him knelt Byakuya, picking up pieces of banana with a pair of ivory chopsticks from the plate before him. Two empty bowls of porridge were neatly stacked to his left. Rubbing his hands together, Renji tugged his plate of freshly cut fruit in front of him.

Byakuya picked up his ceramic mug of tea to take a minute sip. Renji glanced up, in the process of shoving a piece of pineapple into his mouth to see the elder steward and the younger they had witnessed before helping Byakuya get dressed. He shot Byakuya a questioning glance seeing the sheathed Zanpakuto they carried.

“Lord Byakuya, Vice Captain Abarai, your zanpakuto,” the steward announced. With great reverence, the elder steward bowed, holding Senbonzakura in its lavender sheath before Byakuya. He set it down with a flourish. Likewise, the other steward, who appeared to be the man’s eldest son placed Zabimaru beside Renji.

“Thanks…” Renji answered, swallowing his mouthful. “Um… Byakuya…”

“Yes Renji?” the noble answered from behind his mug of tea.

“Where did ya store Zabimaru? I had almost forgotten him…”

“In the shrine area naturally. It seemed safest next to Senbonzakura,” Byakuya said with a casual shrug.

To this Renji widened his eyes, touching Zabimaru’s brown sheath with a tentative hand to stroke it. “An… and yer zanpakuto was okay with that?”

“It had no qualms since Zabimaru behaved himself, and spent a passable night with minimal disruption,” Byakuya answered, hiding a smile from Renji behind that same raised cup he sipped from seconds later.

“In yer shrine, with the set of sword stands… that’s where ya kept Zabimaru last night?” Renji further clarified, setting down his chopsticks.

“Must I repeat myself Renji? It does become tiresome and we’ve a long day of work ahead of us,” Byakuya answered with a labored sigh. However, the sparkle in his eyes showed Renji he was far from annoyed.

“Right, better get moving,” Renji said, grabbing his weapon and sliding it into his sash.

“Stop actin’ so surprised. Where would ya think he’d put me? In the basement?”

“Manor doesn’t have a basement,” Renji answered Zabimaru.

“Senbonzakura doesn’t’ talk at all. Pretty damn quiet.”

“Unlike you. Ya won’t shut up,” Renji mumbled, rising out of his kneeling position once Byakuya rose holding his own weapon. Without further comment, he followed Byakuya out of the manor through the maze of corridors.
***

From behind his desk, Renji groaned at the stacks of documents Richiki plunked on top of it. The teenaged squad member moved back and stood expectantly to the side. Dipping his brush into the ink Renji mumbled and fingered through the ‘priority’ pile.

“Sir, you need anything?”

“No Richiki. I’m fine,” Renji said, waiving him away. “It’s all good.”

“You sure? You’re really cranking them out today…”

“Well unless you want to do them… it IS my job,” Renji mumbled, pushing another set of papers aside into the done pile.

“Not to be a pest, but there’s something different about you today?”

“Yeah, and what’s that kid?” Renji asked, realizing Richiki was not going to just dash off without saying whatever it was on his mind.

“Your sunglasses um… did you um break them?”

“Just didn’t feel like wearing ‘em today that’s all,” Renji answered with a smile. “I mean it’s not like I’ve got orders to wear ‘em…”

“Oh ah yeah right,” Richiki chuckled. “Sorry to bug you, I just wondered. You seemed in a pretty good mood… and I’m um… glad… because Friday…”

“Well good night’s sleep works wonders on a man. You got something else on your mind?”

“Yes, sir I forgot to tell you that vice Captain Kira and vice Captain Hisagi arrived. They said they were joining you and Captain Kuchiki for lunch?”

Renji froze in place, hand poised over the next document on his to do stack. “Is that so?”

Scratching his head Richiki asked, “You seem surprised?”

“Um… guess I was just so deep in these damn reports I forgot,” Renji said with a nervous laugh. Byakuya was having them over TODAY? Had he missed something?

“Well they’re waiting… so when you’re done here…”

“They’re already here?” Renji mumbled, tossing down his brush. “Damn…”

“I’ll just go…”

“Richiki thanks for letting me know… damn damn… he really did mean it…” Renji mumbled. “Today… I thought he’d forget about it and put it off… geez.”

Papers fluttered from the burst of wind Renji generated flash stepping towards the office. Nimbly he threaded his way around other squad members moving back and forth. When he knocked on Kuchiki’s office, he saw the door was partly ajar. Inside at the small table knelt Byakuya with Hisagi and Kira already sipping tea together.

“Sorry I forgot Captain… I was busy…”

“We have only begun, Vice Captain Renji. You are not late,” Byakuya reassured him politely. Judging from the relaxed look on Shuuhei’s face at least one of his friends seemed fine. However, Kira appeared nervous, staring indirectly at invisible spots on the wall from behind his fall of blonde hair.

Probably just Kira being himself. The vice captain of squad 3 always looked slightly gloomy unless someone told a particularly funny joke or story to get him to smile. Better than both of them sitting so stiffly that they were trying to emulate Byakuya. Smiling he waved and moved over to kneel at the place set right next to Byakuya at the round table. As soon as Renji scooted his knees under, the hand Byakuya kept on his lap moved over to touch his vice captain’s thigh.

“Hi there Renji, good to see you,” Shuuhei said with a warm smile.

“We… we were just discussing how you throw yourself into your work lately…” Kira stammered.

“Yeah… I’ve got a lot to catch up on.”

“You’re telling me. Squad 9 we’re up to our eyeballs in it,” Shuuhei chuckled. Byakuya merely nodded, sipping more tea.

“Squad 3’s… well... we’re coping,” Kira said.

“Gentlemen we can refrain from discussing shop,” Byakuya interrupted with a wave of his hand after setting down his tea.

“Then sir… may we ask why you have called us to lunch?” Kira queried, still not looking Byakuya in the eyes. Rather he stared at Renji with a nervous tremble on his lips.

“Kira just wants to know if it’s business or a social call.”

“I understand there have been some rumors circulating Soul Society regarding Squad six,” Byakuya said after clearing his throat.

Immediately Kira’s eyes widened, and he spluttered. Shuuhei quickly intervened, “I see Captain Kuchiki. You wish to… clear those up?”

“Indeed,” Byakuya said, ignoring Kira and focusing on Shuuhei.

“If there was anything that was insulting regarding your person, I apologize if…” Kira stammered.

“Kira, relax, it’s all right,” Renji said, feeling Byakuya’s hand touching more firmly. “This isn’t an inquisition it’s just lunch okay? Captain Kuchiki just wants to get the story straight so nobody gets wrong ideas.”

“Naturally,” Byakuya added.

“I er… apologize for jumping to conclusions,” Kira mumbled, still glancing away.

“Your behavior is excusable considering recent events that have left many in Soul Society suspicious. It behooves all the squads to be open and clear with one another. Especially when its officers are acquainted.”

“Indeed… you are correct Captain Kuchiki, it is vital,” Kira said quickly, snapping his head up and straightening up to ramrod stiff posture.

“So as you were saying, sir?” Shuuhei put in, his hand disappearing under the table. He maneuvered his chopsticks easily to pick up pieces of fish from his plate.

“Well it’s about something we talked about before. You guys were worried about who I was involved with. And since I’m a Vice Captain, I worried you two because I didn’t give you a clear answer and I owe you one. Captain Kuchiki was worried about morale around Squad Six…”

“Oh…” Hisagi said, as Kira bit his lip. Renji hated seeing his friend squirming so much and trembling. Not to mention how pale the vice captain of squad 3 now appeared.

“What Abarai is attempting to explain is simple. He is in a relationship that I am quite aware of. Considering you are his classmates and friends I owe you both an explanation that you will be satisfied with that will avert suspicion and alleviate concern.”

“And you wish to tell us who this is?” Shuuhei guessed. “Are we at liberty to discuss this with people who question us, or is it to remain between us.”

“Considering the relationship is in its formative stages it would be prudent to only inform if asked. Abarai’s interests were conflicted and…”

“I’m sorry I freaked out guys,” Renji apologized.

“That’s all right. We were just worried,” Shuuhei said, nodding to him.

“So, you know who it is, Captain Kuchiki?” Kira said, daring to look him in the eyes.

“The person with whom Abarai is involved is the Captain of this squad,” Byakuya answered. Kira shivered from head to toe while Hisagi’s eyes widened. The spiky hair on his scalp shifted with the muscles attached to his eyebrows rising.

“No wonder…” Hisagi trailed off.
“Vice Captain Kira, are you unwell?” Byakuya asked with genuine concern.

“Forgive my Captain Kuchiki. I had guessed your identity and that led to Renji’s discomfort the other day. I am truly sorry,” Kira stammered, inclining his head and backing away.

“You are excused for your concern. That is why I wished you present to clarify my intentions. Abarai and I have been involved in a relationship for a short period. It is my intention to pursue a more permanent situation with him.”

“Congratulations sir,” said the vice captain of squad nine with a warm smile. He reached out to Renji who felt a huge weight lifting off his shoulders. Panting Kira seemed quite pale still, slamming his hands on the table to catch himself from falling over.

“Perhaps you should take Kira to Squad 4 for medical attention?” Byakuya observed, nodding towards Kira.

“Yes sir I will. If you’ll excuse us,” said Hisagi with a wide grin. He gently nudged Kira who was hyperventilating by now.

“Kira… oi… relax…” Renji urged, moving around to steady him.

“Richiki!” Byakuya shouted. “Bring some water for our guests!”

“At once sir!” Richiki called back, rushing away.

“Was I too direct in my method of informing them?” Byakuya asked as Renji glanced apologetically at him.

“No sir, it was fine,” Shuuhei answered his arm around Kira’s shoulders. His lover’s head of pale hair slumped onto Hisagi’s chest as Renji tried to pull his knees out from under him.

Richiki suddenly returned, carrying a tray with a ceramic pitcher of water, and a paper bag. Renji shot him a look of surprise as he grabbed the item and put it over Kira's mouth. Slowly he breathed in and out, gasping. Richiki passed a glass of water he poured which Hisagi offered to Kira once he came round. Nervously Kira blinked up at his friends.

"Is he all right?" Byakuya asked, standing nearby as if he was not sure what to do.

"How did you know?" Renji asked Richiki.

"Something Hanatarou told me when I was over at squad 4 getting patched up. I happened to see him using that to help other people there who were... nervous about things..." mumbled Richiki.

"If you are unwell, you may leave, perhaps?” Byakuya continued, his brows mildly wrinkled However Renji realized it was far more concern then Byakuya had shown anyone in public.

“My apologies Captain Kuchiki… for an embarrassing show of weakness,” Kira mumbled, squeezing his eyes shut.

“No offense taken.”

“Kira, maybe you should just let Shuuhei take ya to squad 4. Now ya guys know what’s goin’ on with me an Captain Kuchiki?”

“You are at liberty to mention the relationship if questioned. Otherwise I trust your discretion till I make a more formal announcement?” Byakuya asked with a slight question.

“Of course sir. Thank you for your time,” Shuuhei said, steadying Kira. Renji moved back when Shuuhei leaned close and shook his hand, and Kira patted Renji weakly on the arm.


"It's all right, I've got it covered... not to worry."

“You are dismissed,” Byakuya finally said. "Richiki, show them out...And thank you for your timely action."

"No problem Captain Kuchiki," the young squad member nodded, moving on Kira's other side as he and Shuuhei helped him out. Renji moved to help them, but Shuuhei shook his head. The blonde vice captain managed a smile when they finally carried him out of the office.