Sunglasses

Disclaimer: Don't own Bleach, Tite Kubo does. No harm intended to characters. Though I wish Bya were mine...
***
“Captain, what’s the matter? You not gonna release your Zanpakuto?” Renji had asked at the start of their training session, swinging Zabimaru back and forth.

“I could ask you the same question, Abarai,” Byakuya then had answered, light dancing off the blade of his unreleased weapon. “Can you last five minutes against me without extending Zabimaru, and I’ll not release Senbonzakura for the rest of this exercise…”

“Oh, you’re on!” Renji whooped, seeing the gleam dancing in his captain’s eye. A fortnight had passed since their first kiss in Byakuya’s office, and already the Captain seemed to be coming out of his shell. Small changes such as a twinkle in the steely blue eyes or an occasional chuckle that escaped Byakuya’s lips. An unspoken rule remained that they should keep their public interactions to a minimum, until Byakuya felt more comfortable with the nature of this relationship upgrade.

This was why the training ground of Squad 6 was reserved until noon. None of the other members were admitted, which meant on pain of death in Kuchiki terms. At least three times a week Byakuya and Renji dueled now, their sparring sessions increasing in complexity and oddity.

After a series of blows traded back and forth, Byakuya zipped in and out using flash step, while Renji blocked each of his strokes. Reflexes were increasing, Byakuya noted to delight. Renji was still far too slow, so getting him to fight at closer quarters without relying on Zabimaru’s large area of effect was essential.

Randomly Byakuya slashed to the side, only to see Renji flick Zabimaru back over his left shoulder and block. Next he spun, tugging the sword up by its handle forwards, carrying his blade with it. Smiling wickedly Byakuya twisted his wrist around Zabimaru’s tines, simultaneously traveling with Renji’s stroke. Senbonzakura slipped free, its owner bringing up his weapon to counter Renji’s next one-armed swing.

“Damn,” Renji gritted, as Byakuya positioned his weapon at the juncture of one of the spikes. Despite Renji’s shove forward, he saw only a minimal sweat break over Byakuya’s pale skin as he held his position.

“Now… you see there is more… to me than merely relying on my bankai, Abarai…” Byakuya cautioned.

“Let’s see. Who can push back the HARDEST,” Renji answered, pulling back his blade and then Zabimaru flickered in a flash of green to a simple unreleased state. Twisting his weapon around Renji broke free, then baked away. However, Byakuya thrust forwards with the motion. Renji leaned to the side, thrusting back. The next thing he felt was a solid blow from the side of Byakuya’s sword, and a twisting motion that caught the hilt of his.

“Oh no you don’t,” Renji whispered, leaning forwards as his hand throbbed. Pivoting, the vice captain toppled forwards towards his captain. Byakuya relaxed his body, letting himself fall along so they ended up almost on top of one another.

Zabimaru’s point stuck fast in the ground, but Renji thrust his unarmed hand and grabbed Byakuya’s wrist, pinning his arm across his captain’s chest. “You… did surprise me Abarai, I must admit… but don’t let it…go to your head.” Byakuya panted, glaring up at his vice captain’s eager face.

“Got you now, where I want ya, sir,” Renji crowed, straddling his captain’s slender hips. Byakuya’s eyes gleamed with something other than frustration, but as he saw Renji’s head descend, Byakuya squirmed.

A kiss touched Byakuya’s cheek, while Renji leaned heavily on his captain and held his sword wrist fast while trying to tug Zabimaru free. However, Byakuya moved his free hand up and onto Renji’s shoulder, blinking up at his captain grinning at him. Shapely lips descended on Byakuya’s, massaging and teasing.

Byakuya gave in for the moment to the stolen kiss, allowing his mouth to open enough for Renji’s tongue to plunge inside. Murmuring in the back of his throat Byakuya slipped his tongue across and around his Vice Captain’s, squeezing Renji’s shoulder tightly with his free hand. Then Renji pulled back, smirking at him.

“Sorry Captain couldn’t resist. With ya under me and all.”

“Acknowledged, Renji. Yet shall we save this activity for later and focus on resuming the fight?” Byakuya rumbled, his serious face allowing a small smile on it.

“You bet,” Renji nodded.

“Then don’t lose your HEAD,” Byakuya scolded, snapping his neck forwards. Renji grunted with surprise and shock as his captain’s forehead slammed into his this time, three sharp points digging through his headband.

“Damn!” Renji swore. The next second Byakuya shoved him up and off so he tumbled to the side. Head still ringing a bit Renji realized he had freed his sword and Byakuya was on his feet, hovering over him with the point of his weapon slashing down. Zabimaru blocked Senbonzakura as Renji blinked through stars.

“Enough,” Byakuya commanded.

“Shit, captain, did ya HAVE to do that?” Renji gritted, blinking up at him.

“You insisted on playing dirty. I simply wanted to illustrate a point, Abarai,” Byakuya said, retracting his sword. Renji grumbled and rubbed his forehead, rolling over to a crouch. HE was surprised to see a silver gloved hand reach down, its pale fingers bare. Extending his large hand he grabbed his captain’s and felt the strength and minimal effort as Byakuya hauled him to his feet.

“Aw hell you did that deliberately to get me back for the last few times you did that,” Renji complained, pressing a hand to his brow.

“It isn’t without its… problems,” Byakuya also muttered, covering the front of his face with one hand.

“Captain you okay?” Renji asked, forgetting his pain for the moment when he saw Byakuya's face concealed by that slender shapely hand of his. He shivered thinking in horror that he had caused his captain pain.

“I will survive. Apparently I miscalculated the proper angle and only succeeded in causing discomfort to myself,” he commented.

“I didn’t break your Kenseikan did I?” Renji panicked, reaching over and gently grasping Byakuya’s hand so he could pry it off his captain’s face. The gleaming semi tubes seemed unaffected by wear with no bends or cracks.

“They are capable of withstanding most forms of impact, surprisingly enough,” Byakuya reassured him, surprised and slightly touched by Renji’s fussing. Blushing he realized he was still holding Byakuya’s wrist, so he released it.

“That headpiece of yours is wicked… first time I ever thought you could use it as a weapon,” Renji laughed. Byakuya clutched the hilt of his weapon with the blade facing down, and raised his hand to finger the white band on Renji’s brow.

“Allow me to see,” Byakuya said, noticing three spots of blood soaking into the cloth.

“Nah, don’t worry about me. Had far worse, sir,” Renji backed away.

“Stand still, Abarai,” Byakuya ordered, and Renji froze. Delicately Byakuya slipped the material up and his silver eyes widened slightly at the sight of blood pooling in a triple pattern that directly matched his elaborate headpiece. Although it was hard to see among the tattoos and fall of scarlet hair, Byakuya could see the markings and feel them with his fingertips.

“No need ta fuss, I’ll just go t’ squad four an' have Hanataro look at it,” Renji muttered.

Byakuya tugged the band back into place and said, “See that you report there promptly, and then join me for lunch on your return.”

“You sure?”

“That is an order Abarai,” Byakuya said sternly.

“Right sir, sorry.”

“Oh, and Abarai, I left a box on your desk. Make certain you open it before you see me, and follow the enclosed instructions,” Byakuya continued.

“Box on my desk?” Renji blinked. “Okay… right…”

***
“Richiki, deliver this report to Captain Ukitake in Squad 13,” Byakuya ordered, passing the sealed envelope across his desk.

“Yes sir, Captain Kuchiki, right away!” Richiki bowed, nervous to even look his captain in the face. Clutching the document with its waxed seal affixed, he waited.

“You are dismissed,” Byakuya added. Richiki scurried away, slipping out the ornate door.

Pressing his hand to his head Byakuya swore he still felt a bit woozy. Quick glances in the mirror earlier revealed his Kenseikan were indeed still intact. A quick look at the clock showed the hands at one PM.

“This is becoming tiresome.”

Sitting at his desk again, Byakuya pushed more papers around. Something sweet and warm still tingled on his lips. The memory of a forceful strong tongue crossing them and rubbing over his palate lingered, causing Byakuya to flush. Blasted emotions again. What had transpired two weeks before initiated a chain of events leading up to a new daily ritual. Tempered with discretion of course for Byakuya's sake.

"Good afternoon Captain," his cheerful voice broke in, as the door opened wide.

Blinking up from his stack of papers Byakuya glanced into the smiling face of his vice Captain. A flash of light shimmered over the sleek curve of the headgear bound around Renji's brow, almost mirroring that on his captain's hair ornaments.

"Abarai," he said impatiently. "Could you please dampen your voice?"

"Oops, sorry sir.” Bending down Renji gently kissed his captain on his temple, in front of the side set of his Kenseikan.

Byakuya leaned up, kissing Renji’s cheek in response. He asked, "When precisely did you see Hanataro? You’re an hour late,”

Renji set the tray on his desk and tipped the cup over. He poured the steaming hot stream into that one, and another he overturned. “There was a back up at Squad four. Captain Zaraki went a bit nuts training the new recruits and they were filling the room. Hanataro was quick though. But then I was held up trying to get your lunch, sir," Renji informed him. Byakuya did not look directly at him; rather he listened to the various sounds of items being unpacked and set neatly on the lacquered tray.

"Mmm," Byakuya mumbled, rubbing his forehead again. "In future I suggest we both refrain from resorting to that crude defensive tactic.”

"I know sir. Didn't feel very good to me either actually. That headpiece of yours sure hurts like hell," Renji said sheepishly, setting the portions of the bento before Byakuya with a pair of ivory chopsticks. Dragging over one of the office chair, he placed it right next to his captain’s, and then sat down beside him. Byakuya waited patiently until his vice captain settled himself, and then reached for his utensils. Renji did the same only a few seconds later. Arranged neatly on Byakuya’s desk was a considerable variety of foods including some of Renji’s favorites. All paperwork was neatly stacked to one side.

"And this is your attempt at an apology?” Byakuya commented, after completely and thoroughly chewing a mouthful of sashimi.

"You did say ya wanted to try some more 'common' foods. I think yer finding they're not so 'common' after all.” So saying Renji held a piece of food in front of his captain’s face with his chopsticks. Byakuya leaned over and delicately accepted the morsel.

"Hisana did introduce me to some of these already," Byakuya informed him. "Though I have not tasted many in years."

"Mm hmm, does it taste like ya remember?" This time Renji bent down to nip the bit of sushi Byakuya waved before his nose.

"Adequately," Byakuya agreed. In companionable silence, they continued their meal, simply enjoying the various flavors of their shared meal. Picking up one of the taiyaki, Renji divided it and presented small pieces to his captain between the chopsticks. Slowly the captain of squad 6 chewed each morsel, amused how intently Renji watched him.

Renji found that he did not have to fill silence with idle chatter. With pride, Byakuya realized his vice captain knew keeping him company just by being there was all he needed. His Vice Captain quickly caught on to his more stoic nature. If he glanced at Renji, Byakuya watched him sweeping bits of rice that happened to fall on his robe away with a napkin.

"Headache still bothering ya?” Renji asked.

"It seems to have abated for now," Byakuya said.

"Glad ta hear it. Never thought though that your head would be as hard as mine... oh damn sorry I said that...” Renji blushed, pissed that his tongue had loosened itself.

"Perhaps that is why it's taken you this long to determine the reason to cease using it on your captain. I imagine you must be weary of those noticeable dents in your forehead that already you take such great pains to conceal. You've reason enough already with your markings," Byakuya commented, mouth hidden by the edge of a teacup. Fortunately, Renji knew him well enough now to know when his Captain was joking.

"Well you could say you leave a lasting impression on me?” Renji teased.

"As must your current sunglasses are affecting passersby?"

"About that sir?” Renji fumbled as a bit of rice fell from his chopsticks into his bowl. His hand appeared to shake a bit, Byakuya noticed. Apparently, he had followed Byakuya’s second order, the captain of Squad 6 noted with pride. In addition, the luminescent blush almost the same shade as Renji’s hair told Byakuya how much his vice captain appreciated his gesture.

"No complaints?"

"I um it’s a big surprise sir. I ah… didn’t know what t’ think at first, but man, they have reiatsu tracking function and everything. Just like the pair I had before, but even more stylish. It’s just that... damn how do I put this..."

"You have something to say to me, Abarai? Be direct and forthcoming. I dislike verbal subterfuge."

"No sir, of course not. It's just that well... these are even nicer than the ones that I've got and uh... how am I ever gonna thank ya?"

"You can do so by wearing them at all times when on duty, Renji. You would not want to seem ungrateful for a present from your commanding officer," Byakuya ordered.

"No sir, I mean yes... I really like 'em."

"Then they are satisfactory and to your liking? Perhaps not the same style as those you attempted to purchase for me from the living world, but far less... garish and still within the regulations of Shinigami uniform."

"That they are! I keep gettin' looks from people left and right when I first put 'em on."

"Indeed. So why do I sense you still have something to say regarding them?"

"Um... well... it was damn nice of you to give them to me sir," Renji murmured, staring into his cup. "I just... um... wondered if there was some reason for it."

"Does every action I perform require a detailed explanation?” Byakuya glared at him.

"No I guess not Captain. It's quite kind of ya. Just that ya know my track record with sunglasses lately."

"These are insured for the next fifty years for accidental breakage, Abarai."

"That's a relief," Renji wiped sweat from his cheek. "But my main worry was that people might um... ask me how I could afford 'em and who got 'em for me. And in the interest of bein' discreet about well... what happened."

"You are concerned with the opinions of those who cannot mind their own business and insist on satiating their curiosity regarding the nature of our relationship?"

"That's it. I don't wanna cause you any scandal. You're a member of one of the four noble families and um... I'm a guy from Rukongai."

"Inform them it is none of their affair. If they wish to clatter their tongues in future refer them to me personally," Byakuya instructed, feeling a twinge of guilt that he constantly reminded Renji of the fact so often before. In reality Renji was far better suited to him than any of the stuffy nobles he had known.

"Thanks a lot Captain. That's a huge load off my mind," Renji said with gratitude. Rising from his chair, he bent over, placed one hand on Byakuya’s knee, and pressed a soft kiss to the noble’s lips.

Byakuya smirked to himself against Renji’s kiss. He seized Renji’s chin, slowly tracing his tongue along the slightly chapped mouth to taste red bean paste there. Renji didn’t need to learn one of the true purposes behind the glasses was a preventive measure. To stop Renji from head butting him in future combat drills. Only breaking the kiss for a moment, they angled their chairs so their knees pressed together. The captain of Squad 6 lifted a hand and tilted the sunglasses so they were straight.

"They do suit you, Abarai. Were you not aware that you could receive an officer's discount by virtue of the fact you are in Squad 6? Especially since the store is run by one of our seated officers?"

"Yeah sir, but it just seemed kind of unfair. I bought those glasses when I got my first vice captain's paycheck, and well... they just remind me of how far I've come from Rukongai, see?” Renji explained, taking Byakuya's gloved hand and kissing the silver fabric.

"I see. They are analogous to my symbols of nobility then?” Byakuya inclined his head, showing his series of tubes clamped to his hair. "I was accurate in my assessment of their symbolism."

"Didn't quite think of them that way sir, but yeah," Renji said and blushed.

"You and I share the commonality of elaborate headgear then," Byakuya quipped, the corner of his lip twitching. His knees parted discretely while he tugged Renji's hand.

"I AM sorry I gave you those headaches though," Renji apologized, scooting closer. He knew the nonverbal cue that temporarily removed one of the barriers. Keeping a firm grip on Renji's hand, Byakuya scooted his chair closer, so his knees bracketed Renji’s. This allowed Byakuya to place his other hand around Renji's neck and finger the pieces of hair dangling from his topknot.

Using it like a handle Byakuya pushed Renji's face forwards, angling his head to the optimum slant to avoid the collision of headgear. Three pieces of dark hair twitched Renji's nose, before he brushed his lips to Byakuya's. Letting his captain initiate the kiss was an unspoken rule, yet Byakuya allowed Renji the privilege of teasing his soft lips with his tongue, and coaxing his Captain's mouth open.

"Mmm," Renji hummed in the back of his throat, carefully fingering the pieces of Byakuya's coif without messing it up. He simply slid his hand around and caressed his pale cheek instead with his fingers.

Byakuya panted as they surfaced for air, fingering Renji's angular sideburns. Then his fingers trailed up and traced over one dark eyebrow, beneath the sunglasses. Renji slid his arm between the chair and his captain's back, so that his cheek came to the level of the V of flesh left between Byakuya's scarf. Carefully he pressed a soft teasing kiss there, lingering his mouth.

"Your discretion and restraint is admirable, Renji," Byakuya rumbled in his ear. "We must not arouse undue suspicion, but this contact is permitted."

"So many damn rules sir, if ya don't mind me saying," Renji huffed in frustration. "Can't touch ya and can't muss up yer hair... even though I want to and know it'd be stupid."

"You are permitted to feel its texture, but do not unduly disrupt its style," Byakuya panted, eyes flickering to the three points obscuring his face. Renji touched his cheeks to them, rubbing lightly to feel they were as silky as his own were.

"Thank you Sir," he whispered.

"Kuchiki," Byakuya whispered, still not ready to allow Renji to use his first name. Still Renji seemed to grasp the significance because his chin wobbled a bit in shock.

"S... I mean Kuchiki," Renji nodded, his eyes partly closed. The steel in Byakuya's gaze had softened to that of lustrous silver blue, a hue quite different from those of another pair of eyes he longed to lose himself in. Byakuya carefully pushed Renji's sunglasses up so they were on the top of his head, and traced his fingers over the extended marks. The bruise was still there, and he lightly touched his lips to each mark.

Then their lips found their way to one another from their separate tracks. Byakuya felt Renji's lips tentatively gliding over his before he plunged his tongue inside. The Vice captain sighed, relaxing against Byakuya and leaning further into the kiss. Hands were exploring and caressing through his clothing, sliding over the rich cloth and rubbing tantalizingly. Continually combing fingers through Renji's ponytail Byakuya brushed his tongue strongly against Renji's, tasting and feasting on the shared warmth pulsing through their mouths.

His tongue glided along sharp canines, while his fingers slid along the angular jaw and strong neck marked with black like his forehead. His other hand dipped down and slid the V of Renji's kimono slightly to the side, showing a hint of the pattern there. A scent of rick perfume stung Renji's nose as he inhaled the scent that was purely his Captain. Instead of a clean simple scent of lilies, like Rukia smelled, it was something far more complex.

Byakuya's lips tasted far different, but were far more tempting than Rukia’s had been, or Shuuhi's. The assistant captain of squad nine and he shared a similar preference. They found comfort and a relationship in one another's arms. Though Renji's passion burned for Rukia, it also burned for his classmate. Kira was enamored with Gin, and Momo with Aizen.

How ironic that he would kiss the lips of the very man he called enemy for stealing Rukia from him. Both were terribly lonely and needed solace. Would Byakuya throw him aside when he wearied of him? Shuuhi and he had parted on open terms, because the former knew that Renji already gave his heart to Rukia. She was a dream that was far out of reach.

Strange in how reaching for the stars, he found something far different in exchange.

*I have lost Rukia,* Byakuya mused. *But gained the loyal attention of this loyal man...Yet what is he to me? Affair, diversion, significant other, or lover?*

Byakuya wondered if Renji clung to him out of duty, or pity. Was it because Byakuya was the only part of Rukia he could still touch? Transferring the affections of a lifetime to him for a woman, he would always have out of reach. On the other hand, was this born of another long-standing desire? Tasting the passion on Renji's lips held just out of reach, Byakuya knew hic vice captain would give him so much more if allowed.

Devotion, and love possibly? To care for another who needed his protection?

*You give yourself to me now because my sister refused you. Perhaps you knew all along of my need. Because it matched your own. To serve and protect. You only have a fraction of my true power and still I admire how far you strain to reach me. Your fangs did reach me that day, but not in the way you think, Abarai.*

“Mmm hmm,” Renji hummed in his mouth once more, deliciously vibrating his lips. Byakuya suppressed the urge to laugh at how noisy his vice captain was, even in the activity of a kiss.

“Must you?” Byakuya asked, pulling his lips away and giving Renji a slightly annoyed look, though he really found it endearing his vice captain was enjoying this so much.

“I can’t help it, Kuchiki sir. You're delicious,” Renji laughed awkwardly. “Like rich chocolate.”

“You taste of cinnamon, and something far more elusive,” Byakuya said, blinking at him, realizing how ridiculous it sounded. “I was not aware I had a ‘flavor’.”

“Ah err, well that’s because nobody’s told ya? Is it so bad? Guess it’s my lame assed attempt to give you a complement.”

“I had thought you were becoming adept at keeping your mouth shut at the appropriate time. Now I see you still require some work in that area,” Byakuya sighed, clicking his tongue.

“You didn’t mind my mouth open a second ago,” Renji teased, rubbing Byakuya’s cheek.

“You’re loud, too talkative, and entirely exasperating,” he grumbled.

“Well you’re uptight, inflexible, and never smile, so that makes us even,” Renji countered.

“Which is precisely WHY you benefit from being in my presence,” Byakuya jibed.

“It wouldn’t kill ya to smile once in a while, Captain,” Renji commented, pressing soft kisses along his captain’s jaw.

“Insufferable idiot,” Byakuya continued.

“Now I know where Rukia got all her new insults from,” Renji stopped, and then snapped his jaw shut. Awkwardly he squirmed and pulled back.

“Why did you stop?” Byakuya asked.

“Sorry. Didn’t mean to bring her up. Don’t know when to keep my damn mouth shut.”

“Then be silent and continue what you were doing, Abarai,” Byakuya suggested, grabbing Renji by the shoulders and dragging him between his knees again. His forceful tongue choked Renji’s next words off effectively, transmuting a muffled grunt to a swallowed sigh. Tension diffused from Renji’s body as he relaxed into the dominant kiss. Sliding his arms from between them, he ran them up and down Byakuya’s thighs, clad in their hakama. When Byakuya made no protest, he rubbed more vigorously. Beneath the fabric he could feel fine muscles gliding, causing Renji to wonder what they looked like without clothes.

“We should… take this elsewhere,” Byakuya gasped, surfacing from the kiss. Indirectly he peered at Renji’s flushed face through his eyelashes.

“Does that mean ya want more, sir?” Renji asked, carefully cupping the back of his neck, but not mussing the hair parted painstakingly in back.

“Indeed I do, Abarai,” Byakuya said hoarsely, voice throaty and almost feral. “But we must proceed with caution.”

“I’ll go as fast or slow as you want Kuchiki,” Renji assured him. “Won’t do anything ya don’t want me to. Just tell me to back off and I will.”

“I will let you know,” Byakuya thanked him.

“Where… where do you want to go, Captain?” Renji asked. “Your place… or mine?”

“The estate,” Byakuya panted. “More discrete.”

“Ya sure?”

“My servants know better than to disobey their lord. They are sworn to secrecy, and my affairs are not their concern. The mere fact I have a developing interest in a significant other is not inappropriate,” Byakuya admitted.

Renji’s heart skipped beats hearing Byakuya put a name to their ‘thing’. What had been simply understood was now much clearer. Stolen kisses and the like were now blossoming into something more physical.

The vice captain’s arms wrapped around Byakuya as he stood up shakily. Sliding his arm around Renji’s waist, he whispered into his ear, “I shall illustrate the finer points of a flash step master.”
***
Heart pounding in his chest Byakuya soared across the city, his feet barely touching the rooftops. Tightly Renji grasped onto him, his arms wound just below the diamond shaped squad six logo on his captain’s white haori. Byakuya’s considerable reiatsu enclosed him like a cloud of blossoms, smelling sweet and like ozone at the same time. It wasn’t from carrying Renji that Byakuya panted, but the growing hunger burning through his body.

Against him, Byakuya seemed much shorter, and he was, only coming to Renji’s nose. Keeping a warm hand rubbing his captain’s back he whispered, “Ya sure this isn’t too much of a hastle? I can…”

“It is nothing to convey you and me, Abarai. Really, do you underestimate my power?” Byakuya laughed quietly.

“Damn, and Shunsui had the right to brag about being’ fast. Guess nobody but Yoruichi has anything on you.”

“Who do you think I played tag with as a child, and mastered this technique, Abarai?”

“Just can’t get my head around Yoruichi and you knowing each other as kids. Man… what a mental picture THAT is,” Renji laughed, his stomach left behind yet again. He himself was quite accomplished at the flash step, but he had to admit Byakuya was far and away the better at this. When flash stepping himself, Renji felt fine, but when someone carried him… he tended to throw up.

More flash steps later Renji was relieved he hadn’t puked over Byakuya’s robe. Still he leaned heavily on his captain, striding towards the barracks. A frown covered Byakuya’s face, and he wondered if it was prudent to take Renji to Squad 4 instead.

“Sorry… forgot to tell ya it makes me ill…”

“Bear with it longer. We are close to our destination,” Byakuya informed him, steadying Renji. He struggled to straighten up and stand on his own though his legs felt weak.

Gritting his teeth, he closed his eyes to the sudden motion. Ten more times it started and stopped before he came to a halt. The gentle breeze wafting against his face felt refreshing. Underneath his armpit, he felt his captain’s shoulder leaning heavily, bearing him up. Slowly he opened his eyes to glance down into those of his captain.

“S’cuse me sir. Sorry to be so… well…”

“It may be undignified but you aren’t a ghastly shade of green presently,” Byakuya reassured him. Letting go, Renji staggered a bit, but felt Byakuya’s hand reach out and catch his arm to steady him long enough to help him sit in the shade of one of the many trees.

“Remain there. I shall send for some tea, and have someone assist you to the house. I shall see you soon,” his captain reassured, reaching down to caress Renji’s cheek.

“Right, no problem,’ Renji panted, rubbing his swaying stomach. He slumped against the trunk, inhaling great draughts of fresh air with relief. Lightly the wind rustled the canopy of the tree overhead, only the sounds of birds reaching his ears. He only straightened up after hearing the voices of the servants addressing him and surrounding him.

“Vice Captain Abarai, come with us please… easy now…”
***
A few minutes’ walk with them steadying him later and he pulled off his sandals. They slid open the door, allowing him inside. Groaning he settled down to a kneeling position on silk pillows.

“Just my luck. Freaking get sick damn it,” he muttered crossly. Bracing himself with one hand, he managed to sit up at least.

“Here you are Vice Captain Abarai. Try drinking this. Lord Byakuya will join you shortly and requests you sit and rest.”

“Do you wish to lie down in one of the guest rooms? You look rather pale sir,” another asked.

“Actually I don’t wanna be a bother, but that’d be nice,” Renji pondered. He sipped at the peppermint tea slowly, feeling its soothing taste across his palate. Gradually his stomach stopped dancing so he could get a grip on himself and sit up.

“Renji, are you still unwell?” Byakuya asked. Renji judged he was sitting or kneeling only five feet away.

“Doin’ better, thank you,” Renji answered, opening his eyes. He saw his captain’s concerned face accompanied by the pressure of Byakuya’s hand squeezing his arm.

“Now you have a valid reason to remain. Convenient,” Byakuya nodded with approval.

“First time my bein’ sick was something you’d be glad of,” Renji managed to joke.

Byakuya shifted closer on the pillows, so his hip touched Renji’s. Still holding his arm, Byakuya pulled Renji towards him, toppling the vice captain off balance. Clumsily he landed with his head and shoulders across his captain’s lap. He turned over in confusing to see Byakuya arching over him with that same amused smile he rarely saw.

“Seems that motion sickness removes your loquacious nature,” Byakuya chuckled.

“Aww hell this is damn embarrassing,” Renji groaned, squeezing his eyes shut.

“You insist on familiarity on your terms, but when the roles are reversed you are reluctant,” Byakuya chided, tugging off the sunglasses. Renji turned over on his back so his head and shoulders lay in Byakuya’s lap. Or more correctly on his knees. Strong elegant fingers undid the hair band again, relief filling Renji at the sensation of his hair springing loose. It spilled over his captain’s lap, black contrasting against dark red.

“Damn if you don’t look good from this angle,” Renji whispered, and then snapped his mouth shut.

“Your appearance is drastically improved without that ridiculous hairstyle,” Byakuya observed, rubbing Renji’s temples. Kido tingled at his fingertips, his lips murmuring a healing incantation.

“Ohh thank you s… Kuchiki,” Renji sighed with relief.

“Such a simple matter to relieve motion sickness. It does not require a trip to squad 4 for such a trivial ailment, Renji.”

“I like it when you say my first name, Kuchiki, sir,” Renji purred, drinking in the soothing magenta energies that enveloped him. His captain’s touch was magic.

To this Byakuya said nothing, simply bending over and covering Renji’s mouth with his. His kiss was gentle and insistent, teasing at Renji’s lips. Raising his hand Renji slid it around his neck, rubbing with rough fingers along delicate white skin. With Rukia, he always felt he had to be careful for she was so small. In contrast, he could relax his control and use his full strength without breaking his captain. Byakuya could easily dispatch him with a spell or a thousand blades in an instant. To be in the presence of such power was staggering.

A low hum vibrated Byakuya’s throat, as he buried his tongue between Renji’s lips and tunneled his fingers through the other man’s hair. Leaning up Renji locked his arms around Byakuya’s torso, pressing into the Captain a bit more. Still he kept his hands clear of his captain’s hair, afraid to touch close to the flawless coif. Instead, he caressed Byakuya’s chest through his robe, and held him around the waist.

“Renji,” Byakuya whispered, savoring the taste that was elusively his subordinate. How much softer the hair framing his face made Renji appear. Raising him to kneel across from him, Byakuya set his head below Renji's.

“I… it’s been a while for me sir,” Renji admitted. “Well not THAT long but… I’m not with anyone now just so you know.”

“Fortunate, because I have no desire to share you with anyone else,” Byakuya said. Renji swallowed hard, relief filling him.

“I just have to ask you sir… are you…?”

“There is no one else at present.”

“Not even Zaraki?” Renji asked.

Byakuya’s lips twitched in amusement. “I enjoyed seeing the look on your face when you assumed that I had relations with your former captain. No, he is not my type.”

“You saw… you mean…”

“It was most amusing to both of us,” said Byakuya, with a mischievous smile on his usually stoic face.

“Oh hell you really had me going!” Renji laughed with relief.

“Your face is most entertaining. You have the widest range of expressions,” Byakuya commented, pressing down on Renji’s shoulders. He bracketed Renji’s knees with his own, shifting so he straddled his vice captain.

“Ahhh you feel good Captain,” Renji murmured, enjoying the weight resting on him. That pressure on his groin was delicious, especially when Byakuya shifted. Slipping both hands into Renji’s kimono, he pushed it open to bare his chest. Renji tossed his head back at the pressure of Byakuya’s lips along his neck, and the hands rubbing a path across his markings.

Slowly Byakuya tugged at his sash, amused that Renji was simply allowing him to have his way. Instead, Renji reached up to shrug off his kimono, and fumblingly help him. Together they tugged it up and out, and shoved it down. Bare chested, Renji saw the critical eye that Byakuya traced over him. One finger traced each angle and bold slash, steel blue eyes followed as well.

“So that is the extent of your markings from Zabimaru?” Byakuya questioned him.

“No… there’s… more,” Renji panted, skin crawling with small sparks of pleasure.

“Do not hold back your reiatsu Renji. I want to feel the extent of it against my own,” Byakuya instructed.

“In here?”

“Temper it against my own. Match me carefully,” Byakuya urged. With his deep voice rumbled waves of violet and white energies. Renji focused his own, crimson reiatsu spreading from the layer of his skin. Two auras surrounded and bled together, Byakuya’s stronger energy keeping its own discreet nature but rolling over his. Like dozens of snakes, Renji’s red reiatsu tentatively slithered out to see how Byakuya’s would respond. Much in the manner of thousands of blossoms, he felt the settling of his Captain’s reiatsu washing over him. It was almost too much and Renji shivered. In that instant he allowed his energy to thrust against Byakuya’s.

“You lack control and focus, Renji. You have power but no finesse. We will have to work on that,” Byakuya chided.

“Damn it,” Renji cursed, turning his face aside.

“Look at me Renji. Did I say that I no longer desire you? You require control, and I am the individual best suited to assist you.”

“You’d help me, knowing I see ya as a rival… someone I wanna best and become stronger than?” Renji asked mouth-dropping open.

“You offer yourself to me and question my sincerity?”

“No sir, I just… even now I’ll always be some damn stray…”

“Enough,” Byakuya pressed fingers to his lips. “You are a member of Squad six, and worthy of being appointed my vice captain. You have served me well in that post, even protecting my sister when duty prevented me from seeing the truth behind my actions. Noble reason tells me that you can cast off that stigma if you are willing to allow my aid.”

“You never offered before, sir,” Renji whispered.

“You were not my significant other before.”

“When Rukia chose Ichigo over me it almost killed me. But still the thought of besting you gave me a target,” Renji sighed, pressing his forehead to Byakuya’s. “But now…”

“I said nothing about you relinquishing that. You have far to go if you are to reach the moon. I will only guide the way. I did not say I would carry you along under my power.”

“Then ya still don’t mind if I try to best ya?”

“It is a burden to be the most powerful. That is the role of the nobility. To provide our subjects with a goal to which they can aspire, as well as rule wisely through our guidance. I am the standard, and you are the seeker. That is how it will remain. Rather I grow weary of being alone, Renji. I want you at my side.”

“I am at your side, Byakuya Kuchiki,” Renji reassured him. “And you’re not alone. I’m not goin’ anywhere.”

“Renji Abarai,” Byakuya uttered, then attacked his mouth hungrily. Sliding his hands up and down Byakuya’s legs Renji dared curve his hand over the Captain’s backside. It felt firm and strong, so Renji squeezed it. A low hiss seeped through his mouth. Hands massaged between the haori and captain’s kimono.

Wrapping his arms around his captain, Renji stood up. Byakuya blinked at his vice captain grabbing one thigh and pulling it to wrap around his hip. He grunted, rocking slightly against the taller man, who supported his backside with a large hand wrapped around it. The younger soul reaper gripped Byakuya’s back, obscuring the number six logo just below his hair. Boosted more to the level of Renji’s mouth Byakuya relaxed. Renji initiated the next kiss, eagerly thrusting his tongue past Byakuya’s lips.

“Which way sir?”

“Down the hall,” Byakuya panted, knowing the hunger in Renji’s dark eyes mirrored his.
***
Byakuya only stopped him long enough to shrug off his captain’s haori and drape it over a special hanger. When they first arrived, Byakuya had the servants place Senbonzakura in its special case, with Zabimaru close by on another empty stand. Next, to go was the scarf draping Byakuya’s neck, arranged neatly on a bed of velvet in a tray on his bureau.

Reverently Renji lowered his captain to the middle of the vast bed. Only clad in his own shihakusho, Byakuya reached up and pulled Renji down on top of him. Fingers quickly unfastened ties, and Renji helped push back the top revealing pale creamy skin. “Damn” Renji whispered his eyes wide in admiration.

Again they kissed, arms roaming more boldly. Somehow Byakuya grabbed hold of Renji’s sash and pulled it open, at the same time his vice captain pulled at his. Two white sashes landed tangled on the floor. Next, a large pair of pleated hakama was haphazardly draped over the end of the bed. Now he straddled Byakuya, admiring and kissing his exposed chest. Smooth sculpted arms gleamed like chiseled marble, soft and stretched over hard muscles. They shifted to lay side to side, legs tangling and Byakuya’s hands running rampant over his markings.

What started as careful exploration now exploded into a frenzy of hands grasping and rubbing. The only part of Byakuya Renji did not touch was his Kenseikan. Yet every other inch he licked, nibbled and kissed as his captain tossed his head back and moaned his name. Renji’s touch was even and experienced, in contrast to Byakuya’s hesitant groping. Pressed under the weight of his vice-captain Byakuya spread his legs and bucked up.

“Feel good?”

“Indeed,” Byakuya nodded. His white teeth graced Renji’s shoulder, biting down. This elicited a loud growl. His leg hitched around the back of Byakuya’s, his dark markings down the outside of his thighs a match for those on his upper arms.

“Kuchiki… Byakuya,” Renji whispered, feeling resistance. “Are ya all right with this?”

“Renji...” Byakuya murmured, and then both of them sat up looking at one another. As if waking from a vivid dream they awkwardly exchanged glances, realizing where they were and what they were doing.

“I can’t do this, sir, not right now,” Renji whispered. “I’m sorry sir. It’s just that ya seem nervous and I won’t force myself on ya.”

“You are correct. I am not ready to move… to the next level…. Not yet,” Byakuya almost interrupted. He turned over on his side, facing away from Renji.

“You want me to leave?”

“Do as you wish,” Byakuya answered, the warmth vanishing from his voice. He felt Renji’s weight shifting in the bed, and wrapped his arms around himself.

“I um… you want your um… sleeping robe?” Renji asked. “Maybe you’d feel more comfortable if we both had clothes on?”

“That would be prudent,” Byakuya nodded, feeling a sense of loss and fear clinging to him. While part of him regretted the sudden stop, the majority of him felt warmth at the fact that Renji had sensed his reluctance.

“Where is it?”

“Second drawer down,” Byakuya waved, still facing away from Renji. Something softly draped over top of him, and he turned over in bed. He saw Renji’s glorious tattooed back facing him, as he pulled up his hakama and tied them.

Quickly Byakuya wrapped himself in the robe, and slipped off his hakama. After belting his robe, he turned to see Renji standing there, his hair obscuring the black marks.

“You’re still here.” It was a statement though it could have been a question.

“I um… it’d seem cold of me t’ leave right now. Maybe you’re not um… comfortable with goin’ all the way, but ya look like ya need something else instead that’s just as important.”

“There’s another robe you may borrow if you wish. The blue one,” Byakuya interrupted him.

“Oh uh… thanks,” Renji muttered, searching through the closet. He found the garment and quickly slipped it on, tying the front of it, over the loose shorts that matched.

“I apologize for being so abrupt. I clearly am not ready,” Byakuya murmured, lying on his side. Renji turned around and saw him wearing a plum colored sleeping robe, embroidered with the flower symbol of the sixth division.

“Don’t blame ya. If you want, I’ll just um… go sleep in one of the guest rooms. And if ya need me…”

“You… are permitted to sleep here, Renji,” Byakuya murmured.

“Ya sure?”

“If you wish. The bed is large enough for two people,” Byakuya added, still not looking at him. Again, weight shifted and Byakuya felt someone sliding into bed behind him. Arms wrapped around him from behind, while Renji softly kissed the back of his neck.

“Goodnight Kuchiki sir,” Renji whispered.

“It is not necessary for you to do this, Renji,” Byakuya repeated.

“Sometimes ya need this though. Someone t’ let ya know you’re not alone. Maybe I’m outta line, but I just well… it feels like ya do…” Renji whispered.

“Mmm, it is not unpleasant,” Byakuya said quietly, as Renji’s arms wrapped around his chest.

“We don’t haveta do anything. I just want to be with you,” Renji reassured him. Feeling secure in Renji’s arm’s, Byakuya lay his head on his vice captain’s chest and allowed himself to fall asleep listening to Renji’s heartbeat.