Title: Three Parts Dead
Chapter: Reconciliation
Rating: NC-17 | MA
Pairing/Character/s: Renji x Byakuya, Inoue
Word Count: 13,049
Warning/s: Spoilers. Angst. Man Sex.
Summary: Inoue gives Byakuya a heart attack, forcing him to have a heart to heart with Renji.
A/N: Senbonzakura is REALLY PRETTY; the Shun Shun Rikka agree.

Chapter 7: Reconciliation
"Our lives begin to end
the day we become silent about things that matter."
- Martin Luther King Jr.

If Byakuya thought he had slept badly before, the night after their rather heated argument was absolute hell. It had taken hours to sleep, with his temper still simmering and his mind still moving rapidly even as he had finally managed to doze off. Thus, another night of much-needed sleep lost.

He was awoken rudely by the sun pouring into the window again and wincing, Byakuya rolled over, cursing the sun and the day and everything in between. Most likely, the noble would have simply rolled over and continued sleeping, but his almost aching reiatsu pleaded for nourishment, especially at the scent of breakfast being cooked coming upstairs. Though Renji's presence was not something he wanted to deal with right now, the need for food outweighed it and after making himself presentable, he left the room and quietly crept into the kitchen.

Inoue looked up from the plates of yesterday's left-overs she'd been carefully warming up to see who was slinking into the kitchen. She smiled at the noble, glad to know that her suggestion that Chie and Renji go out for breakfast had been adhered to; even though they'd been gone for well over an hour, they'd kept away from the house. Most likely, this was due to Renji dragging the stoic sixth seat around in an attempt not to think about the confrontation about to occur.

Realizing she'd spaced out for a moment - and she'd been getting so much better at that too! - Inoue brought one of the finished plates over to the table and set it down in front of the shinigami. "Good morning, Byakuya-san~ did you sleep well?"

Giving a small nod of thanks, the noble more or less began to focus on eating and not much else. He was surprised that Renji was not around but relieved - extremely relieved, in fact - that he wasn't. Relaxing visibly with that thought, Byakuya lifted his eyes to glance at Orihime. "...Not particularly," he answered truthfully, deciding she deserved a true sentiment for once, "but I'll be fine. Thank you for breakfast, Inoue-san."

Taking a seat at the table herself, she frowned slightly, honestly concerned at his response. "Is there anything I can do to help you sleep better?" She thought she knew the cause, but it could just as easily have been a bad bed and if so, she wanted to fix it.

"No," was the only response Byakuya offered, not interested in in-depth conversations on this subject. With that, he turned back to his meal, considering the topic dropped and not wanting any further conversation in full, actually.

"Maybe you'd sleep better if Renji was with you?" She offered innocently, watching for the noble's response.

Immediately, the noble was on guard. The only outward proof of this was the slight deepening of his frown, which was accentuated by the frost that all but fell from his gaze when his eyes slid back to Orihime. "I think I will be just fine without him, Inoue," was the flat, neutral response.

Expressive eyes blinked confusedly at Byakuya's response. "Well then what's the point of being with him?" she questioned as earnestly as she could, remaining completely unfazed by the man's so far negative reaction.

That question completely threw Byakuya and he almost choked on his mouthful of tea. Managing to keep his composure, he swallowed, blinking, and turned back to Inoue with a glance that was obviously trying to remain as rigid as before. Unfortunately, the effect was gone, thanks to the clear surprise present there. "Excuse me?" He really must have heard wrong - she couldn't know.

Inwardly pleased with the new reaction, Inoue smiled brightly at the shinigami, mixing in just the right amount of innocence to keep his guard down. "It's just that if you're fine without him, then what's the point of sharing a relationship with him? Is it only for his sake?" She added a curious tone as if they were having a normal conversation and she honestly didn't understand Byakuya's response.

Hesitating visibly, the noble struggled with what he deemed an appropriate reaction as his mind wrapped around the fact that not only did Inoue know, but she was trying to dig into their relationship. Byakuya's lips pursed and he turned away from the girl. "This conversation is over, Inoue-san." He began to rise from his chair and head towards the kitchen door.

"You don't want to -" Orihime was half out of her chair already, but wasn't fast enough to keep the man from walking straight into the barrier barring the doorway. She winced visibly, knowing for a fact how much that hurt, having accidently done so herself when learning the technique. "-leave," she finished lamely and then sighed, standing up completely from her chair. So much for the easy way. "Byakuya-san, we are going to talk," she announced firmly.

The pain that jolted through his system was enough to make him stumble back and grasp for the wall in spite of himself, and all the while, he inwardly cursed his weakened state. Anger quickly replaced pain, however, and Byakuya whirled, eyes narrowed as he gave Orihime an especially dark glare. "I have nothing to say to you," he bit out, temper rising and what spirit energy had recovered doing so as well, or, at least, attempting to. He did not appreciate his personal affairs to be impressed upon like this, /especially/ when he was intentionally trapped.

"Just like you have nothing to say to Renji?" Inoue returned, crossing her arms. "You're hurting him... and you're hurting yourself, Byakuya-san. You won't speak with him about it and when you do you can't hear him, so I'm going to talk with you about." Her gaze softened a bit, "He really cares about you, you know.... And it's painful when you honestly care for someone that much and they just... don't hear you."

At that, Byakuya's anger faltered. His mind acknowledged that Inoue was correct, completely right in fact; he was conscious of the fact that Renji was hurting, and certainly that /he/ was, but the only reaction he could produce was one born of pride and propriety. "Our personal lives are none of your business, Inoue-san." His head inclined slightly. "And if he has chosen to make it your business, then please realize I have not."

"I suggested it to him and he only agreed because he's at the end of his rope, Byakuya-san!" She uncrossed her arms with a sigh. "Don't expect this to just go away - just because he's still there doesn't mean everything's fine." Inoue stated forcefully and moved closer. "You can't just ignore what you don't like; you're just setting both of you up for a lot of pain. And as far as that is the road you're on, then, yes, your personal lives are my business, because I am not about just sit here and let my friends get hurt."

Byakuya forced himself not to step back as Inoue moved forward. "Your concern is kind but - " He sighed, cutting himself off and leaning back against the wall, suddenly tired. His defenses were beginning to wear somewhat thin, but not enough that he could speak freely. He absently wished for some form of strength in his reiatsu, or at least, his zanpakutou, to get through the barrier on the door, no matter how much Orihime's words may help. It was just... too uncomfortable to speak on things like this.

Inoue closed the remaining space between them, gently taking the noble's hand. "You can't fight everything, Byakuya-san, please just let me help."

Tension immediately settled over his body, and his fingers curled away from the girl's touch at first. Briefly, his icy gaze dropped and he heaved out a slow, unhappy sigh as his fingers slowly uncurled and laid flat against hers. "...Fine," he murmured, obviously not pleased about being backed into a corner such as this.

Smiling warmly, Orihime stepped back, drawing the shinigami with her. "Let's sit down again," she suggested, heading back to the table. "Why don't we start with the arrancar? Renji seemed pretty upset about that. Tell me what happened?"

Still wary, Byakuya slowly followed her, withdrawing his hand as he took his seat again. His reiatsu had settled somewhat, but still curled in small, anxious waves about him that he didn't bother to control. "...There were six of the arrancar... but only four were really a threat, around captain level. When we arrived, two had already been taken out, and Renji went after one of them. I took on the other three and after killing the first two, the third wasn't going down as easily and Renji stepped in and killed it." He sighed tiredly, leaning his head in one hand. "After that, we argued on the basis he couldn't trust my judgment, and that I wasn't trusting his ability - yet he seemed to neglect that after five years of not seeing him, I did not have the opportunity to realize he had improved so much and did not wish to have him in a situation that was not in his favor. That apparently equates that I was underestimating him and perhaps I was, but I had no possible way of knowing he had developed as well as he had so really, his argument has no basis."

"Ahhh... so that's it." Inoue shook her head lightly, still smiling faintly. "Are you sure he was arguing over ability? He's most upset that you don't trust him, so I have to think that is what he was upset over. I've worked with Renji-kun for the past two years, and while it's not as long as you've known him, it has been, essentially, on a battlefield. He knows what he's doing... and I'm not saying this to counter you, Byakuya-san, I'm saying it because Renji would understand that you haven't seen him fight for five years." She paused a moment, looking thoughtful.

"I think it's a difference in methods. Whenever Renji had to work with people he didn't usually supervise or hadn't seen in a while, he expected them to know their limits and adjust. Usually he asked, but sometimes that just wasn't possible, so it's really a matter of trust. You seem to prefer doing things yourself - not relying on others. Renji prefers to support or protect them - to trust that they'll know what they can and can't handle in return for the trust they place in him to lead them. He probably just expected you to trust him the same way by letting him decide what he's capable of, rather than letting you decide for him. I'm sure seeing you in the state you were when you came here didn't help much either... he really hates to see anyone he's fighting beside get that banged up - prefers to take the hits if he can." She made a slightly amused and annoyed face, "I've tried telling him not to - it's much more tiring trying to heal all of him then some of everyone else."

"I trusted him as far as I knew I could," Byakuya replied, exasperated. "I am very aware that he knows what he's doing, to a certain extent - but I can't trust him beyond that, it's too risky, and at the time..." Trailing off, the noble found himself digging his own grave and just stopped before it could get any deeper. "It's always a difference in methods with us." Shaking his head, the man reclined back into his chair, unable to sit still thanks to his anxiety and hating it. He hated this situation in all of its entirety, actually, and wished he could just go upstairs and curl up in bed for the rest of the afternoon, despite the fact he would get no sleep. The solitude would at least give him a chance to block all of this out again.

"I was the one at fault for being injured, not he, so Renji should not have taken it to heart. He had enough to deal with on the field, so I took on what I could to help - because of my doubts in him, yes, but I've already explained that. I do not see why this is such a big issue over something as simple as differing methods and I am tired of discussing this!" The last statement came out in a rush of breath, the noble obviously becoming more frustrated and upset by the moment.

Despite Byakuya's obvious exasperation, Inoue had a rather bemused expression. "Why don't you want to talk about any of this, Byakuya-san?"

"Because if I can't settle it with Renji by myself, then obviously I'm not going to be able to settle it with you and it's a complete waste of my time!" Byakuya snapped, his tolerance for the situation at hand fading fast. "You know nothing about me and nothing about my relationship with Renji aside from what he has told you and honestly, I don't want to know how much he's told you. I've told him he can tell his friends about us if he wishes, but that does not mean I want their input, yours included, in our personal life." All but giving up on composure, he raked a hand back through his hair with a shuddering sigh. "I am tired of this place, this war, and above all, all of this damned arguing. I am just tired, Inoue-san, and having someone pry into my thoughts is not helping with all the other things I have to balance right now."

"Then you're willing to simply give up?" She asked quietly, aware she'd hurt the shinigami, but unable to simply let things lie as they were. "You're tired of arguing, and you don't think you can settle it with Renji and you refuse to actually give myself a chance... then what's left?"

"If I cannot communicate with Renji, then I hardly think I would be able to communicate with anyone else," he answered bluntly, able to recognize that, despite the problems he and Renji had, Byakuya allowed himself to be more open with him than any other person. "I am not willing to give up... but I am just so sick of this, all of it, that I am... completely at a loss as to what to do next," the noble admitted, "and you have not helped your cause so far, Inoue, if you want me to give you 'a chance.'"

"You never really listen, do you?" Inoue answered, somewhat curious and exasperated at the same time. No wonder Renji was tired of fighting with the noble - just having a conversation with the man was usually out of the question and making him reply, especially about something he didn't want to talk about, was exhausting.

Slightly startled by the question, the noble eyed the girl for a moment before sighing slowly and glancing away. "I try to," he ventured quietly, the question striking a nerve, seeing as Renji had asked it so many times in anger.

"I don't think you know how to," Orihime said with a small amount of wonderment. "You hear but you don't listen, and you allow but you never concede... no wonder Renji's so frustrated. You're always in complete control even when you think you're giving it up." The revelation passed with a sigh as her features grew dim. "You don't have any equals.... that must be so lonely."

"You have no idea." The whispered words came automatically before Byakuya's mind could even process biting them back. He kept his gaze downcast, focused on nothing but most certainly not Orihime. Her words shook him to the core, and with deep-seated bitterness he managed to wrench up, he wondered why he had not simply followed Hisana when he had reason to. It would have made more sense, really, than to continue on like this, and make not only himself, but Renji miserable as well.

"He deserves so much better," Byakuya murmured a few moments later, "and I don't think... I'm good enough to give it to him. I don't understand... why he has stayed as long as he has."

Unable to hold back when the man before her was in such obvious pain, Orihime slid from her chair and walked over quickly to embrace him. "If you let him stand beside you, Byakuya-san... you wouldn't be as lonely. Just as angry and frustrated as he is now... he's been that happy because of you, or that lonely without you; I've seen it." She smiled gently, even though he couldn't see it. "You won him over and you don't even know it, do you?"

The initial, reflexive tension flooded his limbs before the noble could not help but lean into Inoue's arms, his head resting upon her shoulder. "...I thought I was trying to let him be by my side, but... obviously not, as all we've done since he came back is argue. I don't... remember the last time I actually made him happy. All he ever does is try to make me happy..." A shuddering sigh wracked his body and his eyes slid shut. "How could I win him over when I'm like this?"

A soft, warm laugh drifted out of Inoue as she pulled back enough to look at Byakuya. "I'd imagine seeing you smile would be quite a reward," she answered lightly, and then added, "You're not a bad person, Byakuya-san... And really, you have a lot of good qualities. You're very devoted... strong... smart - I'm sure Renji loves those parts of you."

Snorting softly, Byakuya turned his head aside and continued to avert his gaze. "When the negative aspects of my personality do not overshadow them, I'm sure he does." The noble reached up to brush his hair from his face out of nervous habit. "...And in my defense, I do try to smile around him," he mumbled, "but it's not exactly the easiest thing to accomplish when one is instructed their entire life to remain aloof, as apparently, such expressions are not 'useful.'"

Inoue outright rolled her eyes at that. "If you don't express yourself, how do you expect anyone to understand? No one would ever know if they did something right, or amused you or made you happy, or even if they'd done some wrong since you always have that gloomy expression on your face," she prattled and then looked back at him. "You always have a lot on your mind, don't you?" she observed, abruptly switching topics. "It's very hard if not impossible to ever live up to someone else's expectations... especially if they never expect you to. In that respect I think Renji may understand you more than you think. It's why he's always looking beyond what you show everyone else."

"I realize that, but..." Byakuya sighed, looking tired again. "Yes, I am fully aware Renji understands me perhaps more than I understand myself at times. Yes, I know I can't expect anyone to really understand unless I express myself. And yes, I always have a lot on my mind, which mostly relates to the latter." At that, he glanced up at her. "I don't know what Renji's told you about my family, but I hope it is negative. The fact of the matter is, if I'm seen happily socializing with my vice captain in public, it would practically cause a scandal in my household. Of course, I try to do all I can with Renji in private... but you'd be surprised how infrequent our private time really is.

"...I sound like I'm making excuses," he said apologetically, dropping his eyes again, "but please be aware I want no excuse not to be open with Renji, it's just - not only a conflict with myself. Outside influences are not helping, and I know he has been upset about my family's opinions as of late also."

Frowning slightly, Orihime gently pushed back some of the hair that fell in front of the man's face. "It's hard to care for someone you have to constantly be ready to give up," she murmured, referring to both men, rather than one or the other. "... And he'd never ask you to decide which was more important to you, but you have to realize you won't be able to keep this a secret forever, Byakuya-san... do you have any idea what you'll do when that time comes? I know you don't want to think about it, but I think if you knew for certain, you would relax a lot of the tension between you both."

A long pause followed Orihime's words and Byakuya shut his eyes briefly. He drew in a slow, steadying breath before stating softly but quite firmly, "If my family comes to know and they have an overtly negative reaction - such as threatening to disown me, as they have done before... then I would rather they disown me so I could at least be with him in peace." A slight shake of his head accompanied those words. "I am not giving him up so easily."

"I think... you should tell him that and make him understand that you will do that - that you intend to fight for him," she advised quietly, "because I don't think he knows... or if you've said it, he doesn't believe you. Your position and your family's... status is obviously important to you - and that's fine, really - but as much as he'd want to fight... he really seems ready to let you have that. He hates being a burden, Byakuya-san... if you don't let him stand on his own and you don't make him believe you want him over everything else... he will remove himself if you start to..." she searched for the word, "if you start to stumble because of him."

It was extremely difficult to imagine a scenario Renji wouldn't fight in, but Byakuya knew Orihime was right. Renji always seemed to relent to whatever he had to with Byakuya and the noble couldn't help but wince at the thought of Renji conceding to his family. "...I will make sure to tell him," he affirmed softly. "He is not the burden in this situation... and needs to know that."

She nodded, accepting his promise. "Thank you." Inoue pulled back a bit, watching him carefully, "And just so you know, Byakuya-san... Renji never told me," she added with a faint smile.

The noble blinked, glancing up at her and looking a bit flustered. "...Are we that obvious, then?" he asked weakly, rather worried now.

She shook her head lightly, retracting her arms now and connecting her hands behind her. "It was obvious Renji got pretty lonely, but nothing he ever did pointed to you. I admit I went looking, I knew you both got along better," she laughed softly, "but I didn't really figure it out until a week ago when he went back to Seireitei.... although you did confirm my thoughts simply by how you watched him when you brought him back."

Byakuya couldn't help but be relieved that that was all it was. He sighed, relaxing again with a small nod. "All right. If that's all it is, then..." He paused before asking, "Do you... know when he'll be back? I'd like to see him..." Before I lose the courage to talk to him, he added silently.

Glancing at the watch on her wrist, Orihime answered, "He's been out for a couple of hours, so he shouldn't be gone for too much longer." She looked up with a smile, "You should finish your breakfast first, though. I don't think he'd be terribly happy if all this kept you from eating." Looking beyond Byakuya to the door he'd tried to leave, she called out, "Hinagiku, Baigon, Lily! You can come back now, thank you!"

The moment the three fairies appeared, flying by Byakuya with a tingle of merriment, a soft, almost tentative touch brushed the back of the noble's senses, cooling and gentle and questioning all at once.

Giving another nod in response, Byakuya tried not to give the fairies an absent, perplexed glance as he made to turn back this breakfast. Really, he'd have to ask about them later - but those thoughts, too, were interrupted by a familiar settling of energy in his mind. Grey-blue eyes slid half-way shut as he acknowledged the soothing touch with a gentle tug, letting the spirit know it was all right and that his presence would be welcomed if he wished to manifest.

It was a little strange manifesting in the living world, and not something to which the sword spirit was accustomed, and so the manifestation itself was somewhat less dramatic than usual, with Senbonzakura carefully taking form in a manner more reminiscent of a normal release, additionally using as little energy as possible to do so. When he finally did fade into being it was with a sharp squeak of surprise from the owner of the house, fairies that were about to leave darting back out in front of her instinctively. He bowed formally, indicating with his manner that he meant no harm. "Please excuse my interruption -" he turned, lightly placing his hand on Byakuya's arm. "Thank you, Kuchiki-sama..." Sen continued much softer, letting some pride slip through in his tone, to subtly express his pleasure at how the situation had finally ended.

The zanpakutou's familiar presence immediately changed the noble's demeanor, helping him to settle into a somewhat content state. Byakuya's pale hand slid on top of the spirit's and he glanced up, meeting the crimson gaze with obvious affection. "Please thank Inoue-san, not me." A sideways look at the girl made him chuckle beneath his breath at her obvious surprise and bewilderment. "Ah - forgive me, Inoue. I suppose you have not been introduced to my zanpakutou. This is Senbonzakura."

"I intended to," he answered quietly, turning to face Orihime as he was introduced and bowing appropriately. "Pleased to make your acquaintance; I can think of few indeed both willing and able to speak with Kuchiki-sama as you have and for that you have my gratitude."

A little surprised still by the sudden presence, but no longer frightened by his sudden arrival, Inoue quickly recovered and smiled at the sword spirit. "I had no idea they could manifest like this!" she announced, obviously taken by their new companion. The three fairies in front of her floated closer in an extension of her curiosity, hovering about the sword spirit. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Senbonzakura-san~"

"He so pretty~" Lily crooned, speaking Orihime's thoughts for her as she zoomed in closer, trying to get a good look at him as he remained bowed.

Senbonzakura gracefully straightened, looking both surprised by the open compliment, and pleased in spite of himself at the same time. "Thank you," he responded softly, even with a faint hint of a flush as his eyes followed the fairy's movements. Since the night these fairies had helped heal Byakuya, he had been curious about them. Knowing Byakuya was intrigued as well; the spirit could not help but ask. "Inoue-san - Kuchiki-sama and I have never seen abilities like yours before..."

The noble nodded slightly, agreeing with his zanpakutou. "I was wondering about them as well," Byakuya murmured, catching Senbonzakura's hand when it slid back to rest upon his shoulder.

"We're apart of her, of course!" Shun'ou answered, flying out of Inoue's hairpieces and taking its place as spokesperson for the group. "The Shun Shun Rikka -” at this, the last two fairies, Ayame, the other one who'd healed Byakuya, and a new, black fairy flew out. Shun'ou turned to introduce them, "This is Ayame, Baigon, Lily, Hinagiku and-"

"Tsubaki," the black one interrupted, zooming up close to Senbonzakura and eyeing him closely. He snorted a bit and swirled up higher, "this thing's a zanpakutou? Looks too frilly ta fight."

"Tsubaki!" Orihime scolded instinctively, sighing a bit.

"Just ignore him," Shun'ou advised to shinigami and sword alike, "he's just grouchy because Inoue doesn't use him often."

Sanguine eyes blinked calmly back at Tsubaki, almost amused at being underestimated. "Pleased to make your acquaintance as well, Tsubaki," Senbonzakura responded with a hint of dryness that was reminiscent of his shinigami charge.

A bit amused as well, the noble accepted the explanation and settled back in his chair, absently sipping his tea. "Really, I didn't think Senbonzakura's presence would cause such a scene," he observed bemusedly.

Laughing at Byakuya's reaction and relieved Senbonzakura hadn't taken offense to Tsubaki's continual need for bravado, Inoue replied, "It's not every day we can interact with a zanpakutou, Byakuya-san." She turned her attention back to Sen, plucking Tsubaki from the air and holding the fiery fairy in her hand. "I can't tell if you're in spirit form or ... material," she half questioned, bursting with the need to touch the impossibly long trails of pristine white hair. He was just so... beautiful...

Lily too the opportunity to hover over to the sword spirit's shoulder and land there, unabashedly looking around and reaching out to touch his hair. "It's so soft~ Ayame come feel~" she encouraged the shier fairy still hovering a bit further away.

Shun'ou cast a critical eye over Senbonzakura and frowned a bit. "Your energy is really ragged - Inoue we're all rested now, we could try to help him too," she suggested.

Though not used to this sort of attention, the zanpakutou still managed to keep his composure and smile faintly at Orihime. "I assure you I am quite 'material', Inoue-san." A slim, pale hand lifted and slid across the girl's, the touch cool but pleasantly so. "See?" His attention turned from Orihime when he felt the fairies practically in his hair. He blinked, but didn't brush them away and simply allowed it, albeit fighting back a faint blush that threatened to tint his cheekbones.

The suggestion from Shun'ou made the spirit's eyes move back to Byakuya in question and the noble shrugged slightly. "If you think they can, Inoue, it would be appreciated," Byakuya said softly, "but I am not sure it would be as easily done, considering."
It took a moment to draw her attention away from the sword spirit's ethereal touch, but eventually Orihime manage to look first to Shun'ou and then to Byakuya, contemplating silently for a moment. Surprisingly, Senbonzakura's gentle touch was very soothing and almost seemed to make things easier to contemplate. He certainly fit the noble well, she decided and turned her mind once more to Shun'ou's proposal.

"I wouldn't be able to do the same with you," she began, thinking out loud, "because I can't... return two things at the same time...  especially not something like reiatsu... it's half you and half... not... and I'm really only good at returning you ... people..." her gaze slipped back to Senbonzakura thoughtfully, "but you and your energy are exactly the same thing," she observed quietly.

"I'd like to try," Ayame offered quietly from halfway into the zanpakutou's hair, half hiding and half being pulled through it by Lily.

After a moment Inoue nodded and glance between Byakuya and Senbonzakura, "If you both are all right with it."

Distracted slightly by the two fairies tangled into his hair, the spirit looked to Byakuya. "It is all right with me, Kuchiki-sama," Senbonzakura murmured quietly, absently brushing a strand of hair back from his face and adding to the tangle of white that was hiding Ayame and Lily.

"Then it is all right with me as well," the noble decided, glancing to Orihime. "If nothing can be done, then I understand. He should be able to recover on his own, regardless."

"He already feels better than he did two nights ago," Orihime agreed, looking the zanpakutou over carefully, "Of course, that will probably make it feel strange... even backwards or wrong," she lamented. "In the beginning at least, because I can't take you from where you are and make you better; I have to take you from where you are and move you back to when you were better, which normally isn't a problem, but since you regenerated so quickly, you'll notice a regression before anything improves... will that affect your ability to remain manifested?" she queried a little worriedly.

"It might," the spirit admitted softly, then paused as Byakuya's hand brushed his arm.

"If it does, borrow some of my energy. Just a small amount would be enough to keep your manifestation." Byakuya's eyes caught his zanpakutou’s as Senbonzakura opened his mouth to argue. "It is not the end of the world if I have to depend on Renji to get back to Seireitei, or if I have to wait another day," he assured him, already knowing the reasons the spirit would protest.

Defeated, Senbonzakura nodded carefully, as to not jar the two fairies in his hair.

"If that's all it will take, I can work around it," Orihime agreed with a smile. "Now, we should probably move-"

"They're back!" Hinagiku announced in his slightly screechy tone of voice.

As if on cue, the sound of the door closing was quickly followed by Renji pausing at the second entrance to the kitchen, Chie standing behind him rather uncertainly. The moment the scene registered, the redhead visibly relaxed. "Oi! Ya' had me worried there," he sighed, walking in.

"Worried? Whatever for?" Inoue chimed, smiling back at him. "Ne, Chie-chan... you don't have to stay in the doorway.”

"I..." The shinigami glanced to the side, feeling simultaneously embarrassed for intruding and intimidated by those present.

"What're you doin' out?" Renji interjected before the girl could properly answer, casting a worried glance at Senbonzakura.

A bit startled by the presence of so many, the zanpakutou compulsively shifted back to Byakuya. "Properly thanking Inoue," he responded to Renji's query. Pale fingers curled into the noble's shoulder as he felt the man becoming increasingly anxious with Renji's arrival, causing Senbonzakura to spare a reassuring glance to the shinigami. He then turned his crimson gaze upon Inoue. "...Perhaps now is not a good time for healing, Inoue-san. You can try later tonight, if you like."

Relaxing beneath the spirit's gesture and giving Orihime a last grateful look, Byakuya climbed from his chair and turned his head to catch Renji's eyes in a sideways glance. "Renji. May I speak to you? Chie, I suggest you rest and relax, as you do not look fully recovered as of yet."

"Hai, Kuchiki-Taichou," she rambled off instinctively, bowing shortly and - to her credit - calmly taking her leave of the room.

Inoue turned to Senbonzakura. "I don't see why now is such a bad time... If you want, though, I'll wait." She smiled and a little embarrassedly added, "Anou... Even if we do wait, will you stay manifested? Lily and Ayame seem quite fond of you."

Renji sighed lightly, looking from Senbonzakura to Byakuya, to Chie, feeling bad for putting the sixth seat in such an awkward position, and then slid his attention back to his captain. Given the current situation, he could only assume that things had gone moderately well at the very least - since Inoue wasn't a ghost and Senbonzakura didn't look frightened, upset, or particularly worried... or protective, which probably would have been the worst of all possible reactions. Nodding slightly, Renji agreed with a neutral, "Of course, Taichou," instinctively turning to leave and find a more secluded area.

"I would rather you not attempt healing when Kuchiki-sama is not around," the zanpakutou explained softly, then smiled faintly. "But until then, yes, I will stay manifested." Senbonzakura's eyes slid to Renji, following his form as he turned to leave the room. Silently wishing the redhead luck in handling Byakuya, the spirit's hand brushed the noble's arm once more as he stepped past him.

Grey-blue eyes caught Senbonzakura's and soaked in the reassurance his zanpakutou offered. Giving a small nod of thanks, Byakuya stepped from the room, leading Renji away from the kitchen and up to their room where they could speak in private.

Inoue's gaze lingered on the two shinigami for a long moment before shifting back to Senbonzakura slowly. "You really care for him don't you?" She smiled warmly, finally releasing Tsubaki from her hold and setting him firmly at her shoulder. "I'm sure everything will work out, Senbonzakura-san... Why don't we move to the living room? It's much more comfortable there."

-

Renji followed Byakuya's directions silently, mind far too active just then to really say anything in the interim. He glanced at Byakuya and then away, foremost wondering what Inoue had actually said and hedging on whether or not to apologize for letting her interfere. It wasn't something he liked doing, especially when he wasn't truly sorry, but it seemed to be a needed action between them. Being unable to decide on what to say, he merely remained silent even as they entered the guest room, and leaned against the side wall; trying to ease his nerves.

After shutting the door behind them, Byakuya turned towards the redhead, exhaling slowly. "...Before I say anything else, an apology is in order." His eyes lifted hesitantly toward Renji's. "I am sorry for not listening... or trusting you as much as I should... and I am sorry that you do so much without anything in return... but it is far from easy..." He sighed softly. "Regardless, I am tired of making excuses."

It took a long moment for Renji to fully process what the other man had said, mostly from disbelief. He wanted to be shocked, but part of him remained cautious - Byakuya had said and done similar things before and nothing came of it. Finally, Renji slipped his gaze to the side, unable to bear the honest blue gaze when all that came to mind were weak statements and strong excuses. He'd never felt like he'd been fighting a losing battle before this week. He'd never been prepared to give up before, and it was weighing heavily on him.

"... Even so...  that can't change anything," he answered, quietly.

"...I know." Byakuya stepped closer to the other man, gently resting his hand upon his cheek. "I know that, and for that, I am sorry as well. I... have made everything difficult so far, and I don't want it to be like that. I don't want to give up on this - or you." His eyes dropped, unable to meet Renji's eyes, the fear of seeing doubt and disbelief there too strong now. "If it would help at all, I would like you to know that no matter what my family threatens me with... I would not abandon you." Voice dropping, Byakuya added in a soft murmur, "I would sooner be an outcast of my household with you than bound to my family without you."

Renji's gaze swung around at that, taking in the invisible weight sinking the noble's proud shoulders and the fear anchoring his eyes. The man's words soothed the tension in him. Even if he'd had to let go... he'd known he'd never be free of this man, but knowing Byakuya preferred it that way made the thought seem less of a prison and more a gentle assurance. Mimicking Byakuya's own gesture, Renji raised his hand to the other man's cheek, and then slipped it around behind his head, pulling him closer and into a strong embrace.

"Ah," he confirmed quietly, "that helps."

Gratefully sinking into the embrace, Byakuya heaved out a sigh as tension left his body and relief flooded it. At least he had said something right for once. He buried his face into the redhead's chest as his arms slid around his waist, holding quite tightly to him as if he was afraid Renji would still leave. "I truly am sorry if that isn't enough," he murmured helplessly against Renji, eyes shut tightly. "I promise am trying..."

"... We still have a lot ta work on," the redhead pointed out quietly and then with a sigh kissed the top of Byakuya's head, holding him closer. "I... there's somethin' I wait to say... but I'm... afraid you'll pull away if I do," he admitted.

"Then I'll do the best I can to fix everything," the older man responded softly, not lifting his head. He nestled into the other man's embrace. "...and I won't pull away. Whatever you want to say, say it." If anything, he tightened his arms around Renji's waist at those words.

Taking a steadying breath, Renji threaded his fingers through the loose ends of Byakuya's hair and nearly whispered, "I think I'm in love with you."

A jolt of shock spread through the noble's body the second Renji spoke, eyes snapping open and arms compulsively tightening around Renji's waist. The hitching breath he managed to take in was not nearly enough and Byakuya felt a bit breathless as his mind wrapped around the words. They seemed to settle far more easily in his thoughts that he expected, and the conversation he had had with Senbonzakura on the subject of love came to mind: 'Love is not something you understand, it is something you feel.'

Perhaps... Renji's words were easy to understand because Byakuya, in the back of his mind, had already accepted that... he felt the same way.

Byakuya lifted his head slightly, peering at the redhead through ebony hair that fell across his face. "You think? Or you know?" he asked softly, but not in a challenging way. The gentle affection was obvious in the noble's tone, especially as his fingers absently stroked Renji's lower back.

The noble's reaction was at the same time expected and not. While the tensing and other harsh responses had been anticipated, the fact that he hadn't pulled away and that he seemed to accept the expression came as a bit of a shock. Vaguely, he wondered who he should thank for that, having a sneaking suspicion he'd have to speak with a certain zanpakutou later. He felt Byakuya shift, and looked down as the noble posed his question.

A shiver not wholly caused by the hand on his back shot down his spine, instantly making him feel a million things at once. The entire situation was scaring him still, even after the initial reaction... and he hated himself for that fear - hated everything to do with fear because he knew that even if he could move past it, he'd never be free of it. It made him weak and he hated that almost as much as the fear. He'd thought of telling Byakuya so many times - contemplated bringing it up before - but every single time he never said a word, because he'd been too weak to risk it, and to afraid of what he might lose.

"... I know," he answered finally, knowing his voice was cracking and unable to stop it. Auburn eyes closed and leaned forward a bit, touching their foreheads together. "I've known," he corrected.

Byakuya's own eyes slid shut with the answer. "I thought so," he murmured without thinking, and unable to resist, leaned forward, gently brushing parted lips across Renji's, breathing in his air. One arm slid from Renji's waist to wrap about the broad shoulders, securing their close proximity so the noble could bask in the redhead's warmth. "Then I should apologize for this as well..." Slim fingers curled across the back of Renji's neck, holding firmly there. "...for preventing you from speaking on this sooner, I mean. Because," he breathed, "I am sure I feel the same way."

No longer willing to resist the urge, Renji pressed their lips together firmly; parting Byakuya's to coax the other man into a deep kiss. His hands slid to the noble's sides and then around to embrace him. "Then I think... we'll be able ta work this out," he murmured against Byakuya's lips, relief radiating off his still rather weak reiatsu.

A soft sound of pleasure escaped the noble's throat as he relaxed into the kiss, not bothering to fight the desire to melt. His fingers splayed across the back of Renji's neck and he used that as leverage to tug the redhead down for another slow, gentle kiss before replying in a low rumble, "I am... very glad to hear that..."

With a soft smile, the redhead kissed his companion once more, this time lightly so as to only display affection rather than passion. "We should... probably work out the rest before we get... distracted," he suggested lowly, unwilling to let this chance pass by even if he wanted nothing but to ravish the man then and there.

"Mm," the older man agreed quietly, knowing there was plenty of time to be 'distracted' after the important things had been taken care of. "We should sit down and get comfortable at least," Byakuya pointed out, sliding his hand down to gently tug on Renji's shirt and direct him toward the edge of the bed.

Renji nodded, letting himself be pulled to the bed and quickly taking a seat so that he could lean against the wall. He waited until Byakuya sat down as well, and then wrapped an arm around the man's waist, pulling him close enough for them both to rest against each other comfortably. "I don't know where to start," he admitted quietly.

Leaning into the other man's side, Byakuya caught Renji's hand in his own, looking down as he entwined their fingers. "Well… what about the fight with the arrancar? That was the worst of our most recent arguments..."

Auburn eyes lidded as the younger man considered their previous and rather heated debate on the subject. "I've been thinking about it..." he sighed lightly, "I ... I never expected you to just suddenly know my combat skills, 'kuya - don't take this the wrong way, but you never kept track before so I never expected you to know. I don't really know why I expected you to give me th' decision, though," he added quietly. "Even if ... even if we're together, you're still my captain and I..." It was proving almost too hard for him to say - hurt his pride far too much too admit, but he pushed on anyway. "And I need ta respect your decisions," he managed, curling his fingers against Byakuya's lightly.

Renji was visibly swallowing his pride and it hurt more than Byakuya cared to admit. Sighing, the noble shook his head, absently nuzzling his lover's shoulder. "Yes, you need to respect my decisions, but I understand that I was underestimating you. Despite the fact I had no idea you had improved so much, you are my vice captain and I should have instilled a bit more trust in you, for the sake of our Division." He sighed again. "We were both at fault, Renji; do not try to take the blame for all of it."

A little relieved by Byakuya's words, Renji nevertheless shook his head lightly at his response. "It's not just that," the redhead replied, looking over at Byakuya. "It's hard... working with you on the battlefield. Not just because I don't want to see you hurt - although I don't and that does bother me," he added quickly, "it's just that I normally don't feel like I have ta worry about it, ya know? I mean we never really fight... together - you just went in an' started layin' waste an' that put a lot of stress on me 'cuz I was tryin' ta clear out the rest of the team and it just -" he made a noise of frustration, obviously having issue with the wording. "I can't think of a nice way ta say this, and it's as much my fault for the way I handled the fight if not more so for not adaptin' ta your approach, but I probably wouldn't have gotten so banged up if I didn't have ta cover their retreat on my own. Senbonzakura's much better at defense than Zabimaru and I just wish ya'd take things like that into account before pullin' all that fire like a frickin' martyr."

"You wouldn't have been able to retreat had I not stepped in and started 'laying waste'," Byakuya pointed out mildly. "There were four captain level arrancar that would have made it extremely difficult for you to clear out the team if I were not involved in taking them out. I do, however, see your point and realize I should have analyzed the situation more thoroughly before to prevent being a hindrance to you and your methods. I especially regret this, seeing as you were hurt to the point I feared for your life."

"And I apologize for that," Renji offered immediately. "I guess I'm just so used ta taking the hits, I don't try ta think of alternatives because I can just work through it." He sighed lightly, twisting his hand to gently rub against Byakuya's with his thumb. "I will work on that... I think it might be better if we both tried to work together more, though... I don't think we ever really have - in battle or otherwise - and that's something that, apparently, really needs ta change."

The captain nodded, gently squeezing his lover's hand in his own. "I agree that a change is needed. Our Division tends to suffer because of our lack of cooperation."

A red eyebrow rose at that. "Our division?" Renji couldn't help commenting.

Byakuya huffed slightly and looked a bit put out. "Would you prefer it to be mine and for me to never consider your decisions or input?" he remarked dryly.

    A laugh sprung from his lips before the redhead could stop it - not that he was particularly inclined to just then. “‘Course not," he answered with a grin. "I'm jus' surprised you... let go of it so easily." His gaze softened a bit then as he added, "I appreciate the sentiment, but it really is your division, Taichou. Everyone in it is proud to work for you - you made the division what it is and they are very loyal to you... as am I."

"I am not 'letting go of it'... I just think some things in the future may need your added input instead of just mine. I will still have the final say, of course, but that is besides the point..." An absent, almost-smile flickered across the noble's expression. "...Thank you, Renji. And you should know that it is your loyalty that I find quite admirable."

A light blush tinted the younger man's cheeks, but instead of turning away, he moved closer, kissing Byakuya's cheek affectionately. "Perhaps I should know... but I didn’t so thanks for mentioning it."

"Not only in the Division, but in personal matters as well, you have surprised me by staying around as long as you have," Byakuya said honestly, responding to the redhead's movements and shifting accordingly to almost rest against him completely. "Thank you," he repeated softly, kissing Renji's jaw lightly.

"I have a hard time letting go," the redhead answered softly, enjoying the feel of Byakuya's weight against him. His free hand threaded up into the noble's hair once more, dislodging the hair tie he wasn't used to removing and curling his fingers in the silken hair. It was very soothing to feel Byakuya's hair brush between his fingers. "Ne, 'kuya, can I ask you to answer my next question without thinking first?" he posed, glancing down at the other man curled against him.

The noble all but purred at the attention, his head tipping into Renji's hand with a murmur of pleasure. His left arm slid to drape across Renji's lap, fingers curling lightly around his right hip. "I will try to," Byakuya answered softly, sincerity clearly present in his voice.

"And to be honest... even if you think I won't like the answer?" Renji pressed, keeping his voice low, and his hand gently massaging Byakuya's scalp.

Blue eyes slid shut beneath the caress, the low rumble of contentment escaping his throat and resembling very closely a deep purr. "Even if I think you won't like the answer," the noble affirmed.

Exhaling softly, Renji finally asked, "Do you see me as an equal?"

"...No," Byakuya admitted, albeit reluctantly. If Renji wanted him to be honest - well, he had to be honest. "But I want to," he added quickly, looking up at the redhead with worry crossing his expression as he hoped Renji would not be angry.

Auburn eyes slid shut as Renji nodded lightly, the gentle motions of his hand never ceasing. "I didn' think so," he answered quietly and then fell thoughtfully silent. "What do you mean you 'want to'?" he asked finally.

Relaxing when Renji didn't seem all that upset, Byakuya allowed himself to be lulled and calmed by the touch. "...You have every right to be my equal. I recognize that." With an absent nuzzle to Renji's chest, he continued, "It is my own fault you are not, as I have not allowed myself to accept you as such for my own security."

"I need to earn it," the younger man answered, opening his eyes slightly and glancing down at his companion once more. "I stopped chasing you at some point... I can't remember where or why, I just... did," he lamented softly, taking some of the blame on himself. "It shouldn' be a matter of if you accept me as an equal... I need to prove it regardless."

"You are earning it, Renji," Byakuya chided gently. "You don't have to chase me to be my equal. You've reached that on your own, being here all these years - from what I did see on the field the other day, you have improved greatly. If you insist on proving it to me... you can in a friendly spar when we get home. I owe you one."

"If I don't prove it to you, you'd never believe it," Renji countered, bending to kiss Byakuya's forehead affectionately.

"Probably," the noble agreed, tipping his head back to catch Renji's lips with his own before he could pull away.

Renji returned the kiss gently, lulled by the overall atmosphere of the room. "...love ya', 'kuya," he murmured against the other man's lips, eyes straying along the noble's visage.

A soft sigh poured into the kiss and Byakuya all but melted from the words, unable to shake the caress of them from his mind. "...I love you, too, Renji," he quietly but firmly returned, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from his entire body after the words were finally spoken.

Smiling against the noble's lips, Renji once more carded his fingers through the man's silken black hair and deepened the kiss. "I hope there's nothin' else," he murmured, "'cuz I'm gettin' pretty distracted..."

Lifting his arm, Byakuya once more draped it around the redhead's neck, his fingers seeking the hair tie that bound up Renji's hair and quickly tugging it aside so his hands could thread through the brilliant mane. "If there's anything else, it can wait," the noble breathed, returning the kiss and parting his lips against Renji's invitingly.

Taking the invitation, the younger man slid his tongue between parted lips, refamiliarizing himself with the taste and feel of his lover. Carefully untangling their fingers, he hooked an arm around Byakuya's waist, pulling the noble completely into his lap and guiding him to turn so they faced each other. His other hand slid to the base of Byakuya's neck, curling in the hair there and using it as a way of tilting the other man's head so he had a better angle.

Settling into the other man's lap, the noble braced his legs on either side of Renji's thighs and slowly canted his hips forward as he sunk against Renji, nearly flush against him. Obediently, Byakuya tipped his head to the side and relented to Renji's kiss, grasping at his shoulders and groaning lowly at the familiar heat and taste.

Renji's hands swiftly moved to the front of the noble's barrowed shirt, making quick work of the buttons and removing it from Byakuya's shoulders. He broke the kiss then, tugging up the t-shirt that remained. "You may not care for them... but these clothes are much easier to remove than our uniforms," he announced with a smirk, pulling the material up over the other man's head and regulating it to the floor as well.

"That's one good thing about them, then," Byakuya agreed, his own hands pushing aside Renji's already unbuttoned shirt from his shoulders, and then peeled away the shirt beneath it. "Though I think I prefer you without anything..." The older man half-smirked before dipping his head and pressing a firm kiss to Renji's throat as his left hand's fingers traced the familiar pattern of tattoos down the broad chest.

A cross between a growl and a groan fled Renji's lips at the complex touch to his chest, but a smirk graced his lips from the comment. "Just naked, eh? Not in bed, or on th' couch or against the wall?" he teased, eyes lidding as he leaned back against the wall, allowing Byakuya better access.

His nails grazed slowly down tanned skin, scraping lightly over a sensitive nipple before his thumb rubbed over the nub soothingly. "As long as you're naked, I don't really care where we are," Byakuya purred against Renji's neck as he leaned forward, teeth nipping and tugging at a soft earlobe before his tongue ran languidly over the same spot.

Renji shuddered, hooking his fingers over the hem of Byakuya's pants, his grip tightening as he moaned and arched forward slightly, leaning into the touch. "Every time..." he whispered, eyelids fluttering slightly as he tried to focus. “How do you that with such simple touches?" he questioned roughly, splaying his fingers against the firm muscle of Byakuya's stomach and massaging them gently.

A slow sigh of pleasure escaped the noble's lips, breath warm against Renji's neck as his lips grazed down and suckled slowly on the thudding pulse there. "Mm...? Do what?" Byakuya questioned with feigned innocence, bracing one hand against the wall behind Renji as he shifted. He slid deeper into his companion's lap until their hips met in firm friction as Byakuya deliberately moved against him, lips fastening to his neck and drawing out the sensation.

The redhead instinctively arched back against Byakuya's movements, groaning at the friction it created. His hand instantly sought out the noble's arm, gripping it as the man's less than soft worrying of his throat heated his already far too responsive body. "Take over," Renji answered, tilting his head back against the wall. "Ya barely touch me an' ... an' I can't even think."

Taking advantage of the exposed throat, desire-clouded blue eyes slid half-way shut as his teeth grazed over Renji's Adam's apple and sucked a bit roughly to muffle his own low moan. His hips arced automatically, meeting the redhead half-way and eliciting a hitching, breathy groan from the noble. "Would you rather -" he began a bit breathlessly as his fingers slid down to Renji's pants, undoing the top button and unzipping them, "- I stopped?"

"No." The answer was immediate and emphasized the shift in Renji's position; his gaze dropping back to watch the other man. His pulse thudded hard against Byakuya's lips as if trying to escape into the noble's mouth. "Don't stop," he whispered against the man's ear, slipping his free hand down Byakuya's front and into the other man's pants with a careful cupping motion.

A slightly ragged keen tore from Byakuya's throat, his hips automatically thrusting against the errant hand. Pulling his lips from Renji's neck to catch his breath, he panted quietly against his shoulder, shivering at the sensation of Renji's breath across sensitive skin. "Now you're the one who's making it difficult to think," the noble managed with a breathless laugh, bracing heavily against the wall as he sought some semblance of control and composure again.

Renji laughed softly and began to stroke the noble's growing erection. "Yeah, but I had ta try," he murmured, nipping at Byakuya's chin. "You look beautiful like this," he added lowly, fully appreciating the view he was given.

Giving up on control and composure quite eagerly, the older man arched his back, pressing forward into Renji's hand with a soft moan. His head fell back with a catching sigh, exposing a white throat to his lover's ministrations as his eyes slid shut, unwilling to catch Renji's eye and let him see the flustered state he was in after that compliment. Really, had it been anyone but Renji, it would have meant nothing, but to know that the younger man did approve felt surprisingly good - to the point Byakuya had to fight back a blush, even, wherein he failed miserably.

"Mmm... absolutely edible," the redhead added with a smirk, enjoying the slight darkening of Byakuya's skin at his compliment. He leaned forward, placing one hand at the base of the noble's back to support him and slowly dragged his lips along the curve of the older mans' neck, coming to rest at the juncture he so loved to tease, nibbling there with a hint of roughness. The hand at Byakuya's back clenched partially, digging blunt nails into otherwise pristine skin. "Just... perfect," he whispered against bruising skin.

Eyelashes fluttering wildly, Byakuya struggled not to completely melt but found he was failing at that as well. "Renji -” he panted out, hand dropping from the wall to grasp the redhead's shoulder firmly for support as his back arched again beneath Renji's nails, another moan escaping. Heat sparked through his body, starting from that damned tender spot on his neck that made him all but writhe like a virgin every time. The noble shuddered, body threatening to simply give out. "Don't make me wait any more..."

"I'm not making you wait," Renji rumbled lowly, rubbing the other man's erection more firmly now. "...Unless you want more." Auburn eyes flicked up to the noble's face, watching the reaction.

A sound reminiscent of a whine fled Byakuya's lips as he shifted further into Renji's lap and into his hand, his hips thrusting into the calloused palm. "You know I want more," the noble managed between ragged breaths, licking his lips in anxious desire.

"How am I supposed ta' know if you don't tell me?" Renji teased, a gleam in his eye as nevertheless relented to the noble's desire. Both hands slid to Byakuya's hips, lifting and holding them in place to aid his sudden movement; sliding down on the bed until his torso lay beneath the noble's hips and his lips rested a hair's breadth from the tip of the other man's length. With nothing but a smirk as a warning, he quickly enveloped the hard flesh in the hot cavern of his mouth, sucking lightly.

Gasping loudly, the noble forcibly restrained himself from moving against the sudden heat, his thighs trembling to support himself. Grasping for the wall again, Byakuya firmly rested his palms there as he sucked in a deep, shuddering breath. He shut his eyes tightly as his head bowed forward slightly, hair tumbling to obscure his face as he let out a mindless, breathy sound from the sensations Renji was giving.

Allowing himself a soft groan to increase the sensations he caused, Renji tilted his head back just enough to maintain their current position and still allow him fleeting glances of the man leaning over him. His hands drifted lower, dusting more sensitive regions with the edges of his fingers.

Shuddering, the noble leaned his weight into the wall to support himself as his entire body threatened to simply melt. His head tipped against the wall as he panted; a heavier, more ragged exhale of breath the result of Renji's wandering hands. Tension wrapped around his form, tightening and threatening to snap if this continued.

Renji's hands shifted again, pulling the other man closer and holding him firmly in place. Simultaneous to this, the redhead dropped his tongue to the floor of his mouth and drew Byakuya's hardened length in as far as he could, sucking harder to entice the noble into simply letting himself be overcome by the pleasure.

A strangled cry made its way past Byakuya's lips before he could even consider biting it back as his back arched, taut with the ecstasy of his release, the last strings of tension snapping. Keeping one hand braced shakily against the wall, the noble tried to calm his breathing, eyes half-lidded as he breathed heavily through kiss-bruised lips.

Renji continued the sucking motions until Byakuya was completely spent and then carefully licked him clean before releasing the lax flesh and lying back on the bed, catching his breath. Auburn eyes cast their gaze up to meet shuttered blue ones, the younger man smirking faintly at the noble's entirely disheveled look. "You look good like that, 'kuya," he whispered.

Clouded eyes slid shut completely as the older man regained some semblance of composure. "Glad you think so," he murmured dryly before shifting away from the wall and flopping, sans grace, away from Renji and onto his back. A slim hand reached for Renji's arm, tugging him up and over and into a slow, sensual kiss.

Following Byakuya's movements easily, Renji leaned down and into the kiss, moaning softly against the noble's pliant lips. He loved the man like this most of all; unrestrained and wanton in his pleasure. It wasn't an oft-seen sight, but one to which the younger man knew he was the sole viewer and at some level managed to admit that he probably liked it all the more for its rarity.

Slipping his arms back around Renji's shoulders, Byakuya tugged him forward a bit more, deepening the kiss as his lips parted against the redhead's. His own tongue teasingly ran over Renji's lower lip, coaxing him and offering him the control without a fight for once. The noble's nails slid down his lover's spine, feather-light over sensitive flesh as he savored the feel of the warm skin beneath his fingertips.

Taking the invitation, Renji tilted his head to the side and slipped his tongue between parted lips, eyes lidding partially as he thoroughly explored the familiar warmth. He laid a hand on the side of Byakuya's face, brushing his fingers fondly over pristine skin as he continued the slow display of affection. Slipping his tongue beneath the noble's he gently coaxed him to respond, preferring that much more to a completely docile partner.

A quiet moan fled the noble's lips, his fingers curling slightly into Renji's back as he returned the kiss, tongue sliding against the younger man's languidly to draw out the sensation. One of his hands slipped lower, trailing along Renji's side until it reached the top of his pants. His fingers hooked into them loosely, a slight and lazy tug indicating he wanted them off.

The redhead smirked into the kiss and then broke it, pulling away. He sat up just enough to push the offending material down and quickly shimmy out of it. "You too," he murmured, trailing his hands down Byakuya's sides and hooking them on his already partially lowered pants and slowly dragging them farther down.

To speed up the process, Byakuya lifted his hips slightly and wriggled to free them from his legs. Slim fingers moved to run through Renji's hair, pushing it away as he leaned up and kissed beneath his chin, teeth scraping lightly over the spot. As he settled back more comfortably onto the bed, the noble shifted and drew Renji back between his legs, one leg bent slightly at the knee to accomodate the redhead's hips.

"Don't take this the wrong way, 'kuya," Renji stated lowly, returning the light oral teasings, "but there's no way 'm doin' ya' dry." Auburn eyes shifted up to catch blue ones, waiting for a reaction.

Byakuya's eyes flickered with mild irritation, preferring the former to Renji having to move away right then, but relented anyway. "Then go find something," the noble murmured, releasing the redhead from his grasp before adding, "quickly."

Renji nodded and sat up, scanning the room for anything he could possibly use and then getting off the bed to search through the drawers.

With a slight sigh, the noble let his head fall back against a pillow, hair fanning out behind him. He absently blew a strand out of his face as he watched Renji. "Is this really necessary?" Byakuya drawled after a few moments. "I'm not going to break, you know."

The redhead laughed softly and shook his head, moving to the next drawer. "How many guys have you slept with, exactly?" he asked, sliding his gaze towards Byakuya

"Just you," came the prompt answer, followed by the slight arch of an elegant eyebrow. "Why?"

Renji couldn't help the grin that spread across his face."I doubt I'll ever get ta say this again, so let me enjoy this moment, eh?" Pausing in his search, straightened and turned to look directly at Byakuya. "You don't have nearly enough experience for that."

Byakuya blinked levelly at him, and then frowned. "And you have?" He paused for a brief second, and then shook his head. "Wait - don't answer that. I don't think I want to know." Rolling onto his side, the noble peered at Renji through a few strands of ebony that obscured his face. "If you insist I don't have enough experience, then I suggest you hurry up and find something."

"No, you probably don't," Renji agreed, not without a smug smirk as he returned to his search. "But I am experienced enough to know you're not experienced enough - yet. We'll work on it," he promised with a grin, finally finding a bit of hand lotion and returning to the bed, kissing Byakuya's lips affectionately.

Rolling onto his back once more, the noble tipped his head up to meet Renji's kiss with a slow sigh. "All right," he relented with a gentle tug to Renji's lower lip before adding a low tease, "And I suppose you look so happy about the prospect of 'working on it' because it would involve being distracted like this quite often?"

"And for extended periods," the redhead added lowly, clicking open the bottle of lotion and squeezing it into his hand. He rubbed it between his hands to warm it before adjusting Byakuya's legs a bit and slipping two fingers in to prepare him.

Though that was a pleasant thought, Byakuya found his mind unfocus and the heat of desire quickly turn his thoughts to other matters. One hand gripped at Renji's upper arm as he automatically moved against his lover's hand, a low rumble of pleasure spilling past his lips.

Adding a third finger, Renji leaned over his lover, watching for every reaction as he spread and curled his fingers in different directions, taking care to stimulate the spots that received good reactions.

Byakuya confined his vocalizations of approval to breathy sighs and quiet moans until Renji's fingers curled sharply in just the right direction, the sensation making him choke on a sharp cry as his nails bit into the flesh of the other man's upper arm. "There. Again," he panted out the command, his head rolling back as his hips immediately arched for more, thighs falling open to Renji's ministrations.

With a smirk, the fingers were curved appropriately and struck the spot once more, firmly. "There?" he questioned needlessly, simply enjoying Byakuya's reaction.

A breathless keen poured from Byakuya's lips as his hips all but bucked against the other man's fingers. "Yes..." he groaned, eyes fluttering shut as he let himself drown in sensation.

Finally withdrawing his fingers, Renji slipped down to the mattress, dropping his shoulder beneath Byakuya's left leg and moving to lean over him again. "Yer pretty flexible... if I remember," he half asked, glancing down at the other man.

Biting back his sounds of protest when Renji's hand withdrew, the noble calmed himself enough to keep his body relaxed and as flexible as Renji remembered. "Flexible enough," he murmured, shifting slightly beneath him to get comfortable despite the shivers that still raked up his spine.

"Good." The younger man murmured, lowering himself and carefully sliding into place. He was careful to watch Byakuya's reaction since he'd only prepared his lover and not himself as well; if the man wanted to eventually go dry, might as well start learning now.

Inhaling sharply, Byakuya leaned his head back and shut his eyes, focusing on staying relaxed as he was filled. His breath escaped raggedly, a sheen of pain coloring the otherwise sharp sensation of pleasure that assailed him. "Move," he groaned, gripping Renji's upper arm tightly as his other hand fisted into the sheets.

Satisfied that the noble was still enjoying himself, Renji dropped his hips and rolled forward again, establishing a hard, deep pace. Leaning lower, he stretched Byakuya's leg a bit more, watching for any signs of discomfort as he pressed their lips together in a long, deep kiss

Dimly, the noble was glad he was quite flexible, because if he were any less, this might have been mildly uncomfortable. It was the complete opposite, really, despite the slight compromise of control, and he used the kiss to muffle his heaving sighs and moans of pleasure. His left hand's slim fingers slid up to tangle through Renji's hair, holding tightly as he arched his back and met the redhead's next thrust, body tightening and a deep groan of satisfaction elicited when that spot inside of him was raked over firmly.

Adjusting to better strike the one spot that sparked such intense reactions from the normally stoic noble, Renji drove in harder, breaking the kiss occasionally to gasp for the breath he lost from the pleasurable sensations. A deep moan slipped between their kiss as auburn eyes battled to stay open and enjoy the sight so willingly displayed below them.

Panting for breath, Byakuya finally tossed his head aside from their kisses, breathing too ragged and sensation clouding his mind too heavily for him to focus. His body rocked back against each thrust, mindless, desperate whines and soft pleads falling from his lips unchecked. "Renji -” he gasped, fingers fisting into red hair, pulling his lips to his neck as he trembled, so close that it was almost painful.

A low growl slipped from Renji's lips as he set his teeth on the pale flesh of Byakuya's neck, encouraging the noises as he continued drawing out the noble's pleasure. He closed his eyes finally, shivering as he held back his own completion until his lover had achieved his second. "Go on..."

His own eyes snapped open, glazed and unseeing, grey-blue almost turned sapphire from passion as he all but collapsed beneath Renji, heat and sensation crashing over him, his lover's name escaping him in a breathless sigh. Every nerve in his body felt on fire, simmering and sending jolts of pleasure down his spine, making him shudder against Renji still.

The sound of his name tumbling from Byakuya's lips in such a manner destroyed any remaining will to withhold his own pleasure and sent him thundering over the edge of his climax, straining against the overwhelming sensations all but enveloping him in the guise of his captain still wrapped around him.

Shifting slightly beneath Renji, the noble was able to dislodge his leg from the other man's shoulder and stretch it out comfortably once more. His eyes fell shut then and lean arms draped about the younger man's shoulders as Byakuya slowly caught his breath and carefully relaxed, trying to calm still-raw nerves.

Pleasantly tired, the redhead sank into the noble's embrace, nuzzling him affectionately. After a moment, he shifted back, carefully removing himself from the warmth of his lover to ease their positions. Lips gently sought out the pale skin of Byakuya's neck, relating only loving care with their touch.

Sighing softly, Byakuya relaxed completely beneath the caresses, a quiet rumble of pleasure escaping him. Pale fingers skimmed the back of Renji's shoulders, gently rubbing his shoulder blades as his still-weak reiatsu moved tiredly against the other man's.

Through the haze of pleasure, Renji managed to press his reiatsu back against the noble's, gently surrounding him in warmth. A small frown bent his lips, however, at the feel of Byakuya's energy. "Why's yer reiatsu still jagged?" he murmured lowly, mouth near the other man's ear. His own was still a little rough, but his lover's felt more like Zabimaru's after a fight, which didn't quite connect in his head. His zanpakutou strengthened itself first and then healed... but Byakuya should have been healing first.

The noble's darkened eyes slid shut as tension fled beneath the warmth of Renji's reiatsu. "...It wasn't as bad yesterday," he quietly noted, trailing off in a sigh. "I think it's because Senbonzakura manifested..."

With a gentle nudge, Renji inquired, "Is that all right? For him to stay out like that, I mean."

"It's no more of a drain on either of us than anything else would be." Byakuya turned his head to the side, giving Renji's shoulder an absent nuzzle. "I also slept all of an hour last night, so that might have something to do with it being so ragged."

The redhead sighed softly and nodded, shifting so he was at Byakuya's side and could more easily embrace the man. "You want to sleep now?" he suggested.

Byakuya turned over and curled against the redhead, half-burying his face into his chest with a slow exhale of breath. Sleep had already been tugging at him for minutes now, but he had been resisting its pull. "Just for a few hours, if you don't mind," he murmured.

"Of course I don't," Renji chided softly, running a hand soothingly through Byakuya's hair. "Take a nap. I'll stay." It'd ease his mind a bit to know the noble was getting some sleep anyway.

The noble managed another absent nuzzle and a soft murmur of thanks before shifting a fraction closer and drifting off with surprising ease, completely relaxed with Renji's warm presence wrapped around him.

 

 

~
OMAKE:
Byakuya: ... what is that?
Renji: It's a t-shirt, why?
Byakuya: ... I don't recognize that phrase.
Renji: It says "I love YAOI" ::grinning::
Byakuya: <<;; Yes, I figured that out --;
Renji: You do too, so you really shouldn't have a problem with the shirt.
Byakuya: ... How can I like something when I don't even know what it is?
Renji: ... ::leans over - naughty whispers::
Byakuya: ::bright red:: Take it off.
Renji: I thought you'd never ask, Taichou. ::smex::
Byakuya: ... ::melts::

Gali: 19:52:34
    (...rofl, orihime and sen-chan are sooo chatting happily downstairs and both thinking, 'well, i know what they're doing upstairs for three hours')
Kira: 19:53:16
    (ROFL, and poor Chie is sitting in some room curled into a ball like "youdon'tknowwhatthey'redoingyoudon'tknowwhatthey'redoingyoudon'tknow whatthey'redoingyoudon'tknowwhatthey'redoingyoudon'tknowwhat
they'redoing" @_@ )