Title: Three Parts Dead
Chapter: In The Moon’s Shadow
Rating: NC-17 | MA
Pairing/Character/s: Byakuya x Renji, Zabimaru
Word Count: 10,771
Warning/s: Spoilers. Angst. Man Sex. Language.
Summary: Finally able to return to Seireitei, and the inevitable interrogation awaiting the noble at his estate, Renji quickly finds himself backed into a corner with Byakuya for once unable to help. A conversation with Zabimaru and a bottle of sake go a long way towards setting things straight.
A/N: (But not too straight; we love yaoi too much.) Anyone else think Zabi’s at least as hot as his shinigami? Damn.

Chapter 9: In The Moon's Shadow
"What you are is a question only you can answer."
- Lois McMaster Bujold

Renji couldn't decide which it was that had caused his headache - the swirling vortex of energy he'd just stepped out of or the low, continuous grumble of the nue in his head. Either way, he was damn near ready to slam his head directly into the gate they arrived outside of, but managed to curb said intent with only a rather baleful glare at the far-too-happy sun before sealing his zanpakutou once more and sheathing the discontent sword. Shading his eyes, he half turned back towards the gate, respectfully awaiting his captain's arrival. He bit back a sigh; back home and back to the usual restrictions of their daily lives.

Arriving only moments later, said captain nearly groaned aloud at the sudden cast of dozens of different reiatsu thrown towards him, demanding attention, and all coming from the general direction of the Kuchiki manor. "Fantastic," he sighed audibly, knowing that the lack of communication between himself and his family for a week would mean countless complaints and meaningless, empty 'worries' from the household. Byakuya managed to bite back any further complaints - for Renji's sake at least. "If you are not well, I suggest resting for an hour before you report to the office."

Renji shook his head lightly in return. "Do ya' need anything, Taichou?" he questioned, knowing what the man's utterance had pertained to and subtly -always subtly- offering any and all support or services to the noble with those few words. Dealing with Byakuya's family, at least, was something he could empathize with.

"No," the noble muttered, clearly annoyed by the thought of dealing with his family but knowing it had to be done before he returned to the office; otherwise nothing would be accomplished. "Unless you would like to practice bankai upon my household's inhabitants," Byakuya added dryly, only half-joking.

"Any other time, perhaps," Renji offered dryly, smiling for Byakuya's sake, "but if that's all I can do, 'm afraid I'll have ta' decline - someone's gotta give the report anyway. I’ll see ya' at the office afterwards." The last part was more of a question, considering he had no idea how long the man's family would be, and as such he lingered a moment for the man's answer.

"In an hour," Byakuya agreed, knowing if he set a time limit, it would be easier to escape - or so he hoped.

~

It was well over two hours past the time his captain had expected to be back and while Renji normally would have taken such tardiness as a warning to stay far away from the Kuchiki estate, he - indeed both of them - still had a job to do and he just didn't have the authority to handle every single document sent through the division.  And really, he knew the noble too well to just wait until tomorrow. As far as the redhead was concerned, possibly incurring the wrath of frustration was far better than incurring that of repressed anger and frustration.

This was, inevitably, what lead him to the current argument he was having with one of the nicer, but unhelpful servants of said household.

"I really want to help, Abarai-fukutaichou, but they've been in a meeting for three hours already-"

"Look, I don't think ya' understand, here. This isn't like 'm tryin' ta drag him out to some bar in Rukongai. I don't care if they've been in there for a day - he may be your head of household, but he's my captain and we're supposed to be working. He needs ta' look at these now."

With a sigh of defeat, the young woman nodded and indicated he should follow. "This way; I can take you to the room, but you'll have to wait outside until I can respectfully interrupt."

Somewhat mollified with the offer, Renji nodded and followed her down the empty, dark hallways of the Kuchiki manor.

Even several yards from the room, the sound of angry voices snapping and clashing could be heard. Byakuya's low, but obviously irritated (and restrained from being too angry) voice cut through the arguments, but only a brief pause followed before the raised tones seemed to redirect at the captain.

"Kuchiki-sama - be reasonable. We are trying to look out for your best interests -”

“- And what is best for the clan -”

"All the... preoccupied... time you spend with Abarai could be used much more wisely." This particular voice was obviously more elderly than the rest but demanding silence and control of the room that could be felt through the closed door. "He is your fukutaichou, barely your acquaintance, not your friend, and certainly nothing more. And he is from Rukongai - he is nothing but gutter trash, and I find it deplorable that you seem to enjoy collecting that."

The servant, at least, had the decency to blush, and hesitated at the door. After a moment, she laid her hand on the indentation again, making ready to open the door since that had been their original intentions, but stopped when a larger hand set on top of hers.

Renji caught her gaze and shook his head. "I'll wait," he practically whispered. "Go find somewhere else to be. I let myself in."  Wavering in a moment of indecision, she finally stepped back from the door and took him up on his offer, bowing once before stepping quickly down the hallway. The redhead watched her leave and then turned his attention back to the door, holding his anger in tightly, even if he had to bite his cheek to do so. The pompous words dug under his skin, but he wasn't about to get some poor servant girl involved in the middle of a dispute that would probably make her lose her ability to support herself, since the gentry seemed to be in a rather rotten mood today. And so, he waited silently, listening for Byakuya's answer.

"I am perfectly capable of looking out for my 'best interests' without your help and I do not appreciate your negative views toward the fukutaichou that I hand-picked -”

"Obviously you are not capable, Kuchiki-sama, especially after your last 'involvement' with the lower class," an elder interrupted sharply, and Byakuya's anger could practically be felt simmering through the walls of the room. "If you continue this sort of behavior, where will we be? You are the head of our clan - without you to present correct morals and set an appropriate example, the title of 'noble' will mean nothing in this household, and nothing in Seireitei."

A part of Byakuya's mind all but screamed ‘It doesn't mean anything either way!’ but he bit his tongue, briefly shut his eyes, and held in his temper. If he snapped at them now, he would only be giving them fuel to throw into the 'Renji is a bad influence' fire. "...I tire of this discussion." Before any of the elders could protest, the captain turned away. "I have work to attend to outside of these frivolous matters -”

"Then take heed of this suggestion - mind the company you keep." Byakuya's eyes jerked up at the blatant threat, icy blue turning to the head elder who spoke. "Do not make us warn you again, Kuchiki-sama. We have already been too lenient in the past."

A cold stare was the response the other man received as Byakuya stepped to the door, pushing it open rather quickly and nearly hitting Renji in the process. Blue eyes widened, a mix of shock and dismay present there - Renji's presence was certainly unprecedented, and not only did Byakuya regret that the younger man had overheard this conversation, but this, above all else, would only make his household wonder more.

Fully aware of all the attention his decision to stay had landed on him, not to mention the noble's precarious state with his family now that he'd appeared right after all that, Renji did the best thing he could for the man; he ignored it all and stuck to protocol. "I apologize for this interruption, Kuchiki-Taichou," the redhead began, only holding his captain's gaze for a moment before respectfully lowering it. "There are some matters in need of your direct attention," he explained, passing the papers over. "With your permission, I'm expected by Fifth division for the remainder of the day."

It was quite possibly the most painful thing he'd ever done, including the time he'd tried to fight the man in front of him, and at least then he could release the zanpakutou all but yowling in the back of his head. If it would have helped the situation at all, he would have gladly have Zabimaru run rampant just then, but instead he kept the spirit, now forcibly, sealed. Byakuya would choose him if he had to, Renji repeated in his head, nearly grinding his teeth not to say more. But as much as he hated the gentry and all their bullshit, they needed Byakuya, and as much as he tried to convince himself Byakuya would be better off without all the stress and mindless protocol, he didn't want to see what would actually happen to the man if he lost that status. He would not make him choose.

He subtly glanced into the room to see how his response was taken, but otherwise stayed where he was, strangling pride and anger as he waited on his captain's word.

The noble forced himself not to hesitate visibly, numbly lifting a hand to take the papers pushed in his direction. He honestly did not know what he was expecting from Renji - an outburst, something to stir things up, any kind of argument or challenge to his family's words - but certainly not this. Byakuya dimly wondered which he would have preferred and decided an outwardly angry Renji was much better than this. For once, he wished the redhead was fighting and arguing, especially in this situation when he currently could not.

"Go on; you're dismissed," the captain managed levelly, not able to meet the other man's eyes. He could almost feel the contempt held in the gazes of the elders behind him as they regarded Renji as if he were truly something raked from the gutter. Byakuya clamped down his fury, both fueled by the blow to his pride - how dare they try to control who he associated with yet again?! - And a certain protectiveness he held toward the redhead. The elders' lack of a verbal response to his lieutenant's arrival, however, signaled that they had relaxed somewhat, and were not quite as suspicious. As much as he wished Renji had come in ready to tear them to pieces, Byakuya could not help but be relieved at the current lack of their banter.

Without another word, the noble stepped from the room, tucking the papers beneath his arm as he brushed past Renji and began down the hallway.

Bowing once as Byakuya passed, Renji turned and retreated down a separate hallway, not running but sure as hell not spending a moment longer in that suffocating building than he had to. He was beginning to understand his captain's masks in the worst way. No wonder the man just shut down; he had already reduced Zabimaru's raging to a low buzz and swallowed his own reactions to the entire situation. Once outside, he immediately flashstepped off the Kuchiki grounds, desperate for the fresh air the estate so lacked.

~

The clack of wood on wood resounded more loudly than Renji intended, but he didn't particularly care at the moment so long as the door was shut. He stepped out of his shoes with little thought, making quick work of the adjunct sash tied about his left arm and tossing it listlessly to the couch. The sash at his waist and his zanpakutou soon followed, although he still retained enough presence of mind to place Zabimaru down with more care than the others, but it was an automatic gesture and only part of a series he performed unthinkingly on his way to the kitchen, immediately seeking out his stash of sake and not bothering to find a cup for it.

Finally in the privacy of Renji's home, Zabimaru took the opportunity to pry his way out of the seals Renji had trapped him in to keep him from exploding on a certain bunch of nobles earlier. Manifesting with ease only moments later, the nue followed the redhead into the kitchen, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed as he regarded him critically.

"How the hell could you let them say that shit about you? Hell, about Byakuya!" Honestly, he couldn't believe he was defending the captain, but in this situation, it was well-deserved and he really just didn't get why Renji could let those nobles walk all over himself and his lover like that.

Renji leveled a hard gaze at his zanpakutou, taking a swig of sake before replying. "If I hadn't, it would have made things worse. I don' like it any more than you."

"Che, I think it was jus' about as bad as it could get," the zanpakutou returned, meeting the redhead's gaze without faltering. "He wanted you to say something, idiot. Couldn't ya tell?"

"What the hell could I have said? They won't even listen ta Byakuya, what the hell makes you think they'll even hear me?" the redhead answered bitterly, glancing to the side.

"It didn't matter what you said, it only mattered that y'said something!" Zabimaru snapped, straightening from the wall and moving toward Renji. "Don't ya get it?! They're never gonna loosen their grip on him, so you can't either, if ya want to keep him - they'll never kick him out, never let him leave, even if y'stick around, so if you want ta say something, go ahead and fuckin' say it!" The nue roughly caught the shinigami's chin, glaring hard at him as he held fast and refused to let him look away. "If ya don't, then you are the gutter trash they said you were."

It was the physical movement more than the words that snapped Renji out of the state he'd forced himself into to last out the day. He twisted against Zabimaru's hold, absolutely hating it when someone grabbed his face like an unruly child, and with a growl shoved the zanpakutou back off of him. "-the fuck should I 'ave known that?!" He raged suddenly, all the pent up anger spilling over suddenly. "He could've said somethin' too, ya' know! But he didn't, he walked away, an' yer yellin' at me when all I was doin' was giving him a way to keep walkin'?! Why is everyone expecting me to do something, when he's not even trying to deal with it? I don't think ya' understand that all this - everything I've ever done or accomplished - is BULLSHIT - it's absolutely, fucking WORTHLESS! I don't have a damned leg ta stand on with them or anyone else!" He wanted to cry and scream and beat himself into exhaustion. The frustration, pain, and anger came roaring out, not just in the form of harshly sputtering reiatsu, but also wild gesticulations and the fierce tone of voice.

The zanpakutou stood back, silent as he let the shinigami pour out his frustration. Renji's reiatsu practically snarled as it brushed against his own and the nue coiled his own energy about it, warm and steady against the furious, crackling force. "...Th' only reason I'm tellin' what you shoulda done - and still can do later - is 'cause you do know." Zabimaru frowned at the man. "You've told Byakuya that his family'll never give him up, but ya let him change yer mind with all his paranoid ideas. Fuck, Renji..." the nue sighed, raking a hand back through black hair and mussing it further. "I'm not tryin' to yell at ya. I'm tryin' to help ya. And I'm not sayin' Byakuya couldn't do more, 'cause he could. But I think in this, he's gonna follow your lead. He's gonna want ta see you're willin' to fight for him.

"And if y'think everything you've done here - not jus' yer rank, but the respect you've got, the friends ya got here and in the living world - is worthless 'cause of a bunch of prissy nobles tellin' ya so... Then I don't know what to tell ya. You've never cared what they think before; I don't think ya should start now. The only way you'd be what they say you are is if ya don't show them the same hardheaded bastard of a shinigami that the rest of Seireitei knows."

"I just..." Renji gave a frustrated sigh, putting one hand to his face and then dragging it off. "It's not worthless, but it's not enough," he answered finally, "An' I can't just... I've tried ta just keep going on my own..." He turned away, hating his weakness and loathing that he had to show it, especially to Zabimaru of all people. How was he supposed to maintain any sort of trust between them, if the zanpakutou couldn't be sure his strength was enough?

"Yeah, well, no one can go it on their own all the time." The nue's reiatsu wound more securely about Renji's, a surprisingly soothing force. "And who says it isn't enough? If you're thinkin' about nobles, nobles never think anything is enough - picky perfectionist bastards." Zabimaru reached out, catching Renji's arm as he turned away and gently pulling him back, dark brown eyes catching the shinigami's auburn and clearly stating ‘This isn't weakness and I'd follow you no matter what, idiot.’ "Be glad ya got one that likes things to be a little messy."

Faintly surprised by the amount of care Zabimaru was exhibiting, Renji decided it would be best not to comment on it and merely accepted it. The support was rather comforting and the reiatsu wound tightly around him soothed his own back to a less agitated state. "I...” he exhaled, glancing down at the hand on his arm. "I don't know what got into me." Auburn eyes rose again, determinedly meeting the sword spirit's gaze. "Thank you."

"It happens," the zanpakutou returned gruffly, giving his charge's arm a light squeeze before pulling his hand away. "Jus' don't let those bastards get you down. You're too good for that."

A lazy smirk crossed Renji's features as he nodded. "Sometimes ... it's just good ta hear it from someone else."

"Yeah." Zabimaru smiled slightly, then blinked as he felt the subtle brush of a familiar reiatsu against his own that shielded Renji's.

-

The only way the noble had realized that the afternoon was turning into night was the interruption of his paperwork by a servant that urged him to take a break for dinner. Unwilling to be in the presence of his family, Byakuya declined, but did accept the servant's offer to bring a plate to his room. He could not help but imagine himself as confined to his room like a petulant child, and his anger simmered to a point that Senbonzakura would have manifested again to calm the noble's unstable mood had Byakuya not firmly held him back.

After forcing himself to eat and attempting to relax in a long bath, the noble still found himself restless. Tying the sash of a silvery-blue kimono tightly about his waist, Byakuya rejected the idea of simply returning to the remaining paperwork on his desk, knowing he was too far removed from the idea of work to concentrate. He sighed, knowing exactly what balm he needed to soothe his nerves, and exited through the door of his room that led to the gardens. Once outside, he extended a strand of reiatsu, which was what Zabimaru felt as it gently brushed against Renji's with question, wanting to make sure the redhead would not object to his presence before he simply showed up.

-

Sensing his lover’s reiatsu more than actually feeling it, due to the rather nice cocoon he'd been wrapped in, Renji first turned his gaze to Zabimaru. While he wanted to see the noble, he honestly didn't want to shove the sword spirit away just then. "... ya' mind?" he asked somewhat quietly, feeling rather subdued after letting everything out in such a rush.

The spirit chuckled, withdrawing his reiatsu from the redhead and leaving only pleasant warmth lingering in its wake. "Nah. You two need some time after all that's been goin' on." He flashed the redhead a last smile, throwing a teasing "have fun!" over his shoulder before demanifesting.

The questioning touch of cool reiatsu repeated itself, this time clearly worried and a bit more tentative due to the lack of an immediate answer.

Catching Zabimaru's easy mood, Renji nodded and immediately curled his own reiatsu firmly around the familiar strand plying at him, tugging gently as he walked back into his living room.

Relief flooding through him and his energy, Byakuya breathed out a long sigh, briefly shutting his eyes to calm himself before not wasting a moment more and flashstepping away from the estate. Seconds later, he was at Renji's doorstep, gently knocking on the door, and not bothering to survey the area or note if anyone was around because he honestly did not care. If anyone spoke to him outside of Renji right now, they would most likely be seriously injured, anyway.

Having already walked to the door, Renji opened it immediately, stepping aside to let the noble in. "It's unusual for you to be out dressed like that," he observed teasingly, inwardly thinking the color and style looked almost too good on the man.

Visibly relaxing at simply the sight of Renji, the noble slipped into the apartment. "I know." Heaving a sigh, Byakuya lifted still-worried eyes toward Renji. "I did not intend to go out again tonight... that is, if you don't mind if I stay."

"I assumed you were coming to stay," the redhead assured, sliding the door closed and turning around. He hesitated a moment and then caught Byakuya's gaze again. "... earlier... did I..." He trailed off, unsure of how to phrase it. "Did you want me to say something?"

Clearly distressed blue eyes widened a fraction more at the query, the noble visibly hesitating. "...I did not want my family to harm you in any way - so perhaps it is good that you didn't - but..." Byakuya sighed and nodded slightly. "...Yes. What you did... that wasn't you."

With a sigh, Renji stepped closer, weaving his fingers gently into the noble's silken black hair and softly tugging to pull him closer. "You left," he explained lowly, watching Byakuya's eyes closely, "so I gave you a way out... I told you before - I can't always guess what you want."

Unable to resist the other man's pull, Byakuya all but stumbled forward against him, leaning heavily into his chest and dropping his eyes. "I'm sorry," he murmured, the words an immediate, uncontrolled response. "Just - after you didn't say anything about what was going on, and acted like you heard nothing... I had to leave; I couldn't stand to be there when you were bending to them. You should never have to do that."

"And neither should you," Renji pointed out softly, somewhat surprised by the way Byakuya dropped all pretense and control as if they fell from fingers too tired to hold on any longer. "... I said I would fight for you, and I will, but you have to tell me you want me to. I... I didn't think you wanted me to then."

"I always want you to," the noble quietly replied before his voice dropped another level, to a near whisper. "And I have to bend because if I do not, they will never leave me be." And if I don't bend, I'll break were the unsaid words that were still clearly heard.

"I'm sorry, 'kuya..." Renji breathed, kissing the top of Byakuya's head affectionately. "Come on; I have some sake, let's just relax for a bit," he suggested, rubbing Byakuya's back soothingly.

Soothed both by Renji's words (the nickname and its complete lack of formality especially) and his touch, the noble nodded, though he made no move to pull away, reluctant to do so until he had to. The redhead carefully guided his lover to the couch, sitting down himself and then pulling Byakuya down with him, subtly arranging the noble to lean against him. Grateful that he hadn't had the time to place the sake anywhere else on his way to the door, Renji grabbed the bottle up off the table and offered the whole thing to the man leaning against him.

"This is how commoners drink when we just don't give a damn." He grinned with the tease.
Relaxing against Renji's side, Byakuya can't help but crack a faint smirk at that as he took the offered bottle. "Lucky for me, then, that I don't," the older man replied dryly before taking a long drink, all too grateful for the numbing effects of alcohol.

The younger shinigami laughed quietly and leaned back, enjoying the feel of Byakuya's weight against him. "Mmm, maybe we're handlin' this wrong, 'kuya... I mean, what's the point in waitin' fer them ta find out, an' sneakin' around and all that? I don't think there's anythin' wrong with this an' you don't think there is... so why're we actin' like it? Why not just tell 'em up front?"

Letting out a long sigh, the noble took another drink before leaning his head back against Renji's shoulder. "...I have more or less given up hiding it, or denying it," Byakuya admitted. "Before you showed up, the elders made several references to my 'inappropriate relationship' with you and how I should be, and I quote, 'looking for a new, suitable wife rather than investing such efforts in you.'" The man shook his head, half-amused. "With that, I think it's safe to say they know. Or think they know and are pulling a good bluff. Our 'sneaking around' has not been as subtle as we thought."

"Che. I coulda told ya that - actually, I think I did," Renji countered, reaching for the sake and taking a swig himself. "S' maybe it's time ta talk? We can go a couple a days, make sure the division's runnin' all right an' then you, me, and yer so-called family can have a nice chat."

"If you did tell me, I don't remember," the noble commented idly, tugging the sake back. "And I think you having a 'nice chat' with my family would be thoroughly amusing. Or bloody." Byakuya cast a raised eyebrow in Renji's direction. "Just what do you think I should tell them in order to schedule such a chat? 'My lover wants to speak with you' won't cut it; I'd have to say my fiancé to get their attention."

Relinquishing the bottle to Byakuya, the redhead leaned forward and asked only half teasingly, "That a proposal, 'kuya?"

After taking another swallow from the bottle, Byakuya blinked levelly at Renji, inwardly realizing he should perhaps be a little more taken aback by the question than he was, but could honestly find no reason for alarm at the moment. "If you want it to be," he returned calmly.

The calmness of Byakuya's voice enforced the honest tone of it and the seriousness of his answer. Renji didn't bother hiding the warm smile that tugged at his lips. "So if I say that I do, does mean I have ta be yer wife?" he returned, keeping his eyes steadily on the noble.

A smirk slowly slid across the noble's face and he bit back a laugh as he settled further into the couch. "Well, I can hardly imagine my family would take to the head of their house wearing the bridal kimono. Though," Byakuya added, this time with a low chuckle, "I can hardly imagine you being demure... so I suppose some compromise would have to be in order."

Laughing outright at the imagery and the easy way his lover offered it, Renji laid back again, snickering as he tried to find a suitable answer to that wonderful bit of eye candy. "I don't know - you'd look pretty good in a bridal kimono," he grinned playfully, auburn eyes casting back at the rather loose aristocrat next to him.

"Better than you at any rate," Byakuya quipped, "but tell my family that and I think they would kill themselves." The older man leaned forward and carefully placed the all but empty sake bottle on the edge of the table before leaning back and stretching carefully. His head fell back against Renji's shoulder, white throat exposed in a slight arc as the stretch dislodged and loosened his kimono somewhat, leaving the silk slipping off of one shoulder. "I think we're out of sake," he commented obliviously, voice a low murmur.

Renji may not have kept track of many things, but his alcohol supply was definitely one of them and he knew for a fact that that container had been three quarters full when he passed it over to his captain. Considering he'd since managed to swipe only one mouthful of sake... He didn't doubt for a minute that Byakuya had just consumed more sake per minute than ever before in his life. Considering the man's current reaction, however, he couldn't make himself care all that much.
Bending forward slightly so that his lips were next to Byakuya's ear, he whispered, "And whose fault is that?"
A pleasant shiver swept over the noble and a breathy sigh escaped uncontrolled. "Mine," he purred, tipping his head to the side and toward the almost-touch of Renji's lips. "You don't seem very upset about it, though."
"Mm? Maybe because I expect you to make up for it," the redhead murmured, pulling back just enough to keep his lips from touching.
Half-lidded blue eyes flickered up towards Renji, intrigued and showing a mild irritation that Renji's lips weren't somewhere on his neck yet. "And how would you like me to do that?"
"... Do you pleasure yourself, 'kuya?” The younger man's hot breath skidded across the top of Byakuya's ear, his lips just barely brushing the skin.
A low moan escaped unrestrained, the noble's eyelashes fluttering as he shifted closer, seeking more of the redhead's heat and the sensation that came with it. "Yes," he breathed any shame in admitting it diminished to nothing by the influence of strong sake. "With you in mind," he added in a low purr against Renji's neck.
"Show me," the redhead ordered a little breathlessly, his own skin heating from Byakuya's words.
Quite willing to oblige, Byakuya slid away from Renji and to the vacant end of the couch, using that to stretch out properly and give Renji a better view. The kimono he wore barely covered anything from the waist up now, and only clung to anything below. His hair mussed in the shift as well, but he paid it little mind. Instead he focused on his own errant hand that slid down his own bare chest, the slight sting of his nails running across a nipple, and the soothing but still slightly rough rub of a thumb over the same nub. "How fast?" Byakuya asked between catching sighs and slightly ragged breaths.

Renji had to swallow and sit up straighter, almost pinching himself to see if this was real and then deciding not to because he'd want to see it anyway. "... Slow," he almost whispered, eyes riveted to the scene before him.

A murmur acknowledged the request, but it was quickly overshadowed by the throaty sound of pleasure elicited when Byakuya's hand continued its ministrations. His nails slowly over the other nipple, dull claws that reddened pale flesh and caused him to arch his back and press into the satisfying torture, the silk of his kimono further pushed out of place about his hips. With a deep sigh, Byakuya shut his eyes, rolling his head back and letting his right hand trace lazy circles down his stomach.

"Tell me what you're thinkin' of..." the younger man ordered, leaning forward slightly as he watched the erotic display before him. He couldn't help feeling like he was witnessing something forbidden, the thrill of which only made him shiver with desire.

"You," was the sighed response, a hitching breath catching the words as the same nipple was caught between two fingers, tugged, then twisted somewhat roughly to drag out a moan of pleasure from the noble. "Your mouth... your teeth, when they're on me like this..." His right hand only crept down further, delving past silk and over smooth skin.

"Like what?" Renji all but purred, adjusting his sitting position and grabbing lightly at the back of the couch. "Describe it to me."

"Rough," Byakuya half-groaned, half-purred as his nails scraped across the other nipple, then raked down further. "Like fire... And burning hot - god - " His fingers dug into the firm muscle of his chest, moving downward and massaging slow circles against his stomach as his other hand slipped down, pushing aside the kimono completely. The hand slid across pale skin, deliberately tormenting as it crept to its destination, sending shivers of pleasure through him. "Renji..."

The redhead couldn't help the hitch in his breathing caused by the wanton moaning of his name, or the way his hands gripped tighter to the sofa when he realized the passionate torture Byakuya put himself through to emulate their time together. Rough. Renji swallowed hard, willing himself not to interrupt the other man. It was getting really hard to not simply jump the noble and fuck him into the armrest, but Renji prided himself on perseverance. He didn't know if he'd ever get to see something like this again (although he'd certainly try) and wanted to burn it all into memory.

His hand finally gave in as short, ragged breaths tore past the noble's lips, his breath drawn out in a low, rumbling groan as his fingers finally slid along his length, still slow with a light, teasing touch. A keen escaped his lips as his thumb rubbed firmly, Byakuya's back arching, head rolling back, face drawn in sweet agony as he continued the languid touches. "Yes..." he groaned as his hand wrapped fully around his erection, hips immediately canting upward against the touch.

The scene was quickly moving beyond something Renji could merely sit and watch. Rather than interrupt, though, he very slowly and quietly slipped a hand down to his own erection, massaging it through his clothes. Biting his lip to hold back his on groans so as to not catch Byakuya's attention, he continued watching.

The next stroke of Byakuya's hand was still slow but firm and deliberately angled so the calluses in his hand would rub against sensitive skin and bring about the rough, unrestrained sensation he currently craved. His hips thrust up against the touch; his moans escaping more frequently, Renji's name the constant breathy sighs that fell from his lips.

Unable to restrain himself anymore, Renji moved forward, grabbing Byakuya's hand moving it away as he moved into place over the noble, laying his weight on his other arm and using that hand to grab the loose black hair and yank his lover into a hard kiss. His free hand moved to replace the hand it had pushed aside, roughly grabbing Byakuya's erection and stroking it firmly. "Like this" he instructed heatedly against the noble's lips, adjusting the angle.

A loud, shuddering groan poured into the kiss, heat pooling over him from the rough treatment, his hand grasping at Renji's arm and holding tightly as he bucked up into the other man's hand. "Y... yes," Byakuya all but panted out, rocking himself against the firm hold and letting out a desperate whine.

No longer willing to withhold his attention from his favored area, Renji dipped his head and ran his lips across his lover's neck, teeth grazing occasionally to accent the touch. He sucked gently at the base, sliding his hand up to the tip of Byakuya's erection as he did, dragging his thumb in circles about the top as he sucked at the tender flesh where neck melds with shoulders. With a firm bite, his hand slid down again, resuming the rough pumping motion of before.

The combination of bruising teeth and a rough, calloused palm made the noble's vision cloud, the line between pain and pleasure quickly blurring as he felt himself being thrown over the edge. "Renji -” Byakuya gasped raggedly, his nails clawing against the redhead's shoulder as he clung to him, senses burning and vision temporarily going white as he collapsed beneath the weight of sensation.

The redhead held his companion close, watching as Byakuya clung to him through what looked like one hell of a climax. He murmured softly, milking his lover until the tremors settled down and his grip loosened. He pressed a gentle kiss to the noble's forehead and smiled affectionately at him. That... was definitely worth waiting for.

His breathing gradually calming, Byakuya slowly relaxed, eyes fluttering open even though his sight was still blurred and small shudders of pleasure still lingered. Nuzzling at Renji's shoulder, the noble slid his lips against the other man's neck as soon as he could make the conscious movement, pressing a faint kiss there and not relinquishing his hold on his lover.

Renji immediately groaned and leaned into the touch, the top of his gi sliding back from Byakuya's movements. Still very much stimulated from before, he had absolutely no qualms with the noble's refusal to let go and instead sank into his embrace, urging him on.

Lips parted against the redhead's throat, teeth scraping over the skin lightly before Byakuya shut his eyes and sucked slowly on the spot. His fingers slid across Renji's shoulders, pushing and pulling down fabric until he was bare from the waist up and Byakuya's hands could roam over his chest. The noble's soft lips slid up the side of Renji's neck before fastening on the lobe of his ear, murmuring lowly with a voice still breathless, "I want you..."

Finding coherent thought after hearing those words coming from Byakuya was like looking for a drop of sake in a rushing river. Instead of trying to fight for control of the situation, Renji gave in. "Then you have me," he murmured lowly, passion-darkened auburn eyes fluttering slightly as he tried to keep them open despite the intense pleasure the noble's touches sparked. It was just like him to be so frustratingly coordinated when drunk. The redhead couldn't really bring himself to jealousy just then, though.

A rumble of approval escaped the noble, his teeth nipping the edge of Renji's ear once more before pulling back, gently pushing at Renji's shoulder. "On your back," Byakuya murmured, littering absent kisses along the redhead's jaw line as his fingers slid down, tugging on the hakama and starting the process of getting it off.

Never one to object to an order like that, Renji pushed back against the couch, maneuvering their switch in positions with as much grace as he could for someone who was half dressed, highly aroused, and about to get fucked into the couch by a less than sober lover. Not that he was complaining, mind. Nevertheless, the gi was proving to be a hassle and so in a moment of frustration, he yanked all its layers out from his loosening hakama and tossed them carelessly on the ground.

Smirking softly, Byakuya followed Renji's movements at his own deliberate (and undeniably sensual) pace, svelte form crawling over Renji's. His breath was hot on the redhead's neck as he hooked a hand into the hakama, tugging sharply and bringing it down Renji's hips and to the floor. The same hand traced a lazy pattern on the chiseled stomach, sliding over tense muscle and lower where it wrapped around Renji's erection, stroking upward teasingly.

Arcing up with something reminiscent of a low keening sound, Renji finally let his eyes slide shut, merely enjoying the sensations. Byakuya's talent for turning his entire body against any and all of his own intentions was nothing short of extraordinary. Any other similar situation and it may have been disconcerting or even a blow to his pride, but he never could work up the will to fight something that felt so damned good. And, he supposed, that was probably the entire reason Byakuya could do it in the first place. He'd long since learned that there was no point in pondering this, though, and as such kept his attention solely on the sensations the noble elicited.

A low chuckle brushed across Renji's neck, accompanied by a soft nip as the noble rubbed a slow thumb across the other man's length. "Do you -” he began softly, but not without the heat of passion in the undertones of his words, “- want me to get the oil...?" The question trailed off as Byakuya slid a warm, wet tongue behind Renji's ear, playing with the sensitive skin. "Or would you..." The noble's voice dropped the octave, only a rumbling purr as he continued, "...rather I just take you here and now?"

Renji made a mental note to get Byakuya drunk more often, or even try to make him act like this without the liquid encouragement. Tilting his head back, the younger man groaned and hooked his legs tightly around the noble's hips. "Here," he finally managed, finding it near impossible to form words just then. "... Now... 'Kuya," he panted afterwards, auburn eyes trying once more to open.

"Mm, good," Byakuya breathed as his fingers slid to Renji's hips, gripping firmly as he shifted slightly. His mouth fastened to the other man's bared throat as he slowly, carefully slid into Renji, the attentions to his neck deepening to a rough, claiming bite that muffled a deep groan as the impossibly tight heat of his lover's body surrounded him. Already thin self-control crumbling, Byakuya's hips snapped forward the last few inches, burying himself to the hilt.

A long, low moan erupted from Renji's throat, his mind all but screeching to a halt at the simultaneous claims. He arched back, legs tightening and head tilting to the side as his breathing turned to harsh pants and his hips pushed against Byakuya's. Fingers curled, uselessly trying to dig into pristine skin, but with no strength left to them; it felt like the noble was draining it out of him and all he could do was shudder and whisper for him to go faster.

All too willing to oblige, the noble leaned forward, bracing an arm above Renji's shoulders as his hips drew back, only to thrust in fast and rough. His right hand still firmly grasped one hip, and he used that hold to angle his lover's hips sharply with the next thrust, hitting deep and establishing a breathless pace as Byakuya littered bites - and bruises in their wake - over Renji's neck.

The passion filed cry rent from Renji's lips was wordless, pure emotion from an overloaded mind. He couldn't think. He could only feel and move and quake from the pain and pleasure that claimed him. The only word formed was his lover's name, falling like a prayer from the lips of a starving man.

Byakuya's lips lingered against Renji's shoulder as his own breathing became ragged, strained, his own pleasure driven further by the sight before him. His hand slid from Renji's hip to firmly grasp his erection, roughly pumping in time to his thrusts. "That's right... let go for me," he whispered heatedly against Renji's ear.

As if taking the words as a command, the younger man slammed back against his lover's thrusts, throat too raw to emit sound as the wave of pleasure overwhelmed his senses and sent him spiraling of the edge of passion. He tensed and shook as he rode out the climax, head thrown back, eyes finally wide but seeing nothing in the wash of white that overcame him.

Renji's release prompted the noble to follow soon after, a last thrust burying him deep inside the redhead's body, muscles taunt with the waves of pleasure that were cast upon him, so strong that it was nearly painful. The one arm supporting him shook, but didn't give out yet as Byakuya hovered over him, panting heavily, and eyes half-lidded. A slow shudder finally brought the noble down to lie against Renji's chest, their bodies tangled and trembling as one.

"... Fuck," Renji eloquently panted minutes later as he stared up at the ceiling, still not entirely in control of his body. Once motor function returned, his hand found its way to Byakuya's hair and wove through the black strands again, mostly just so he knew he could.

An amused sound made its way from the shoulder Byakuya had buried his face in. The noble shifted enough to carefully slide out from his lover, making their position more comfortable before lifting his head just slightly. "...I think we... just finished doing that," the older man pointed out teasingly, still out of breath.

"... You really need to drink more often," Renji answered with a tired smirk, looking back at the man.

"Mm," Byakuya absently agreed, giving Renji's neck a weary nuzzle. "Want to go back to your room...?"

The redhead nodded faintly, considering his bed was far more comfortable than the couch any day. "Yeah," he sighed, "go ahead; I'll be there in a sec..."

Carefully sitting up, Byakuya managed to steady any sensation of dizziness as he reached for his kimono, untangling it from the various other articles of clothing. "Sure you can walk?" he asked mildly, but not without a hint of a smirk.

"No, but I can crawl," Renji answered dryly as he carefully pushed himself into a sitting position, somehow not wincing. He stayed like that for a moment, staring at his clothes before giving up and going back to determining whether or not he actually could walk.

Clearly amused, the noble took his time dressing, though he only loosely tied the kimono about his waist. "Crawling will take too long and I think we should get to sleep." Byakuya looked down at his lover, smirk widening. "Unless you would prefer dragging yourself on all fours back to the bedroom instead of leaning on me and letting me help you walk. It's your choice; I have no reason to complain either way."

Renji felt caught somewhere between a dark glare and rather amused smirk. Apparently there was still quite a bit going on in Byakuya's head that he still refused to speak on most of the time. Fine then. He settled for a roll of his eyes and pushed himself into a standing position. Yeah, so without the pleasure half it hurt like a bitch; wasn't the first time he'd had to deal with it though. "I think I can manage," he offered dryly, but did wince a bit as he moved closer - Byakuya was already closer to the hallway than he was anyway.

Rolling his own eyes, the older man stepped back and caught Renji around the waist, steadying him and making it somewhat easier to walk. "Should I be gentle next time?" he quipped, helping Renji down the hallway to his bedroom and opening the door.

He tried to be upset about the noble's insistence at helping him or even his suggestion, but Renji honestly couldn't find any offense in the gestures. Briefly, he wondered if there was something wrong with him. "I like it better when yer like this," he murmured truthfully.

"...Then I will keep that in mind," the noble returned with surprising sincerity as he led Renji into the bedroom and fell back onto the bed himself before tugging the redhead with him. "I have to keep my fiancé happy, after all," came the gentle half-tease a second later.

Falling easily against Byakuya, Renji just smirked faintly and nuzzled him a bit. "Yeah, well, we'll see how much a that you remember come mornin'."

"So make it a point to remind me." Draping an arm across Renji's waist, Byakuya curled up closer, relaxing with a long, tired sigh before shutting his eyes.

~

For some reason, Byakuya always slept very soundly when at Renji's apartment - especially as opposed to the constant waking-every-three-hours he'd manage at the Kuchiki estate. In fact, curled up next to Renji, warm and comfortable in his bed, he'd slept the entire night through, only woken by his own internal clock as the sun rose. A few soft, soothing words coaxed him to go back to sleep, however, and at the time, Byakuya found himself too sated and cozy to argue otherwise.

When the noble finally did fully awake, a quick stretch and crack of his eyelids noted that Renji was not in the bed, nor in the room. Byakuya rolled onto his side, draping an arm lazily across Renji's pillow in the redhead's absence and deciding that, aside from the dull pounding in his temples, this was quite nice. It didn't quite occur to him yet what time it actually was and the man simply nestled back beneath the covers, not willing to rise just yet.

Renji stepped quietly into his apartment, being careful to shut the door as noiselessly as possible and then locked it after a second thought. He glanced around the room, as silently as possible moving to check on the sofa cushions he'd lain out to dry that morning. Really, he'd been rather surprised Byakuya hadn't woken when he cleaned them, but just chalked it up to the same reason he'd been able to coach the man back to sleep: extreme amounts of alcohol. With a faint smile he tested the cushions and, satisfied they were dry, he picked them up and laid them on the couch again.

That done, he quietly moved to the other side of the room, untied Zabimaru and let the sword rest against the same wall he'd propped Senbonzakura against earlier in the day. With a faint smile, he picked up the neatly folded pile of clothes beside the two swords and rose again, soundlessly trekking back to his room. He paused in the doorway, watching the midday sun attempt to pierce his currents and cast arbitrary rays across the room and down on the sole inhabitant of his bed. A faint smile curled his lips as he walked over and sit on the edge of the bed Byakuya was turned towards, gently pushing back stray strands of inky black hair.

Having started to doze off again, the noble's initial response was a sleepy murmur and a slight tilt of his head toward the familiar touch. "Mmm... Hello, Renji..." Blue eyes slowly slid open, blinking beneath the sun's rays and wincing slightly as the light seemed too bright for his current state to handle. Noting Renji's attire and assuming that it was time for work and that he should get up, Byakuya made a small attempt to sit up before his head thoroughly protested and he promptly fell back to the bed. "What time is it?" he asked lowly, voice a bit thick from sleep still.

"Lunch," Renji answered quietly, mindful of Byakuya's state at the moment. He laid his hand on the noble's chest to keep him from overreacting and regretting it.

If Renji's hand hadn't been there, Byakuya would have most definitely shot up at a near flashstep pace. "Lunch?" The slight raise in his own voice made him bite back a groan as the sound waves seemed to permeate his body and make everything ache. With that in mind, he tried to contain his protests and general unhappiness to a marginally quiet, calm level. "Renji, I should have been at work hours ago..."

"I know," the redhead answered with a rather disarming smile. "Just trust me on this, Taichou; you really don't want to work through a hangover. I told th' seats you were in a meeting an' they just tell anyone lookin' ya' can't be bothered and direct 'em ta me. I took care of the meeting with seventh this morning and picked up your things -" he held up the carefully folded pile of clothing "- the only thing I can't cover today is yer captain's meeting, but that's a few hours yet..."

The noble hesitated somewhat, but couldn't help but appreciate all that Renji had done. Considering he was loathe to sit in bed with a pounding headache, he could only imagine what it would be like in the office and in meetings. "...All right," Byakuya relented, relaxing back against the bed slightly. "Thank you for taking care of everything, then." Absently, Byakuya wondered exactly how drunk he had been, and what exactly he had done while drunk. He currently could only recall bits and pieces and he hoped that would be resolved once up and about later that day.

"'course; I'm your fukutaichou," Renji replied with a smirk. "'sides... You've never really had that much alcohol, have ya?" He prodded, smirk widening a bit in obvious amusement.

The noble frowned slightly, but he saw no reason to argue otherwise. "No... Not really." An eyebrow rose curiously. "Exactly how much did I have? I don't exactly remember."

"Mosta th' jug," he answered casually, and then added, "Honestly, I'm surprised you never threw up. You've got a lot of endurance.... Mm, probably a bad headache though, eh?"

Byakuya winced at the mention of his stomach, the slight reeling of it not really bothering him until the prospect of being sick was mentioned. Regardless, his headache was worse and he just mumbled a response, leaning his head carefully back onto the nearest pillow. "You have no idea - and how could you let me drink that much?" the noble chided harmlessly.

"Didn' really have a choice in th' matter," Renji teased lightly and then stood from the bed, laying the clothing he'd brought carefully on the nightstand. "Jus' relax a bit, but keep yer eyes open if you can. I'll get ya somethin'." With that incredibly vague remark, he made to leave the room, and then paused, glancing back at the noble. "... Ya really don't remember anything from last night?"

Not sure that he wanted to know what 'something' was, the noble nevertheless took the redhead's suggestion and relaxed against the bed, eyes half-lidded. "...Not much of anything," Byakuya admitted, now a bit concerned because Renji obviously seemed disappointed. "I am sure I will recall more after my headache subsides, though."

A slight smile returned to Renji's lips as he nodded. "Well, if ya' don't, I'll just remind you," he promised, leaving the room altogether.  In only 15 minutes time, he'd returned with a tray holding some sort of drink and a few pieces of bread. He brought it around to the other side of the bed and sat, passing the cup of liquid to Byakuya. "Don't ask, just drink it," he suggested at the man's curious look. "I've got water too ta wash it down with."

The noble carefully sat up, trying not to wince. He eyed the cup a bit warily but took it anyway; taking Renji's advice and downing it back without question. The bitter taste almost made him choke but he managed, bracing back on one hand a bit dizzily and trying to keep his stomach from completely rebelling. "Was that... really necessary?" he managed a few moments later.

"If you expect to be at that meeting later, yes, it was," the redhead answered, passing over the cup of water and piece of bread. "Eat slow, let it soak everythin' up. Head's really good at keepin' sake in," he almost explained. "If your headache gets worse before I leave, tell me, but it should start ta clear up."

Nodding slightly, Byakuya took a sip of water and nibbled on the piece of bread, silently cursing himself for drinking so much. As he ate slowly, the noble tried to recall the previous night's events, but most of them were still foggy. An absent glance to Renji, however, did note how stiff the redhead seemed and that, at least, reminded him of one thing. "Still sore?" he asked mildly.

"'course," he answered with unmistakable hint of pride. He grinned back at the noble. "Do ya remember me promisin' to figure out how ta loosen ya up like that without the sake?"

"Now that you mention it, yes," the noble replied, shutting his eyes briefly as the pain in his head briefly increased before settling into a lower thrum that he could handle. His mind drifting for a moment, Byakuya began to recall more than the scenario that caused Renji to be as sore as he was - and slowly blushed. How in the world Renji had coaxed him into acting like that and doing things like that that most certainly should have been kept behind closed doors was beyond him.

The grin broadened at the redhead caught sight of his lover's blush. "You were right ya know," he stated quietly, setting his elbow on his knee to lean his head against his hand as he watched the other man. "Yer much better at bein' demure than I'll ever be." He didn't sound particularly upset.

Caught between a deepening blush and giving Renji a dark look, the noble settled with a slight incline of his head as he tried to fight back his blush at the same time (and failed). "...That doesn't mean I'm wearing the bridal kimono," Byakuya mumbled.

"Ya sure? It'd go really well with that blush," the younger man teased, eyes sparkling with mirth.

"Renji!" the noble hissed, half-heartedly glaring at him. "I'm not," he repeated, "and even if I did, my family would commit mass suicide upon finding out."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," he countered, grin lightening to a smile. Seeing his teasing was really putting the noble off kilter, however, he decided to back off a bit; he was supposed to be helping the man with a hangover, not making it worse. Patting the top of Byakuya's thigh lightly, he adjusted the subject. "Well, we never even decided on engagement yet, let alone a weddin', so yer safe for now," he offered with a lighter smile.

Letting out a light sigh, Byakuya couldn't argue with the fact that - most of the time, at least - he would be better off without his family. He slid closer to Renji, resting his head against his shoulder as he finished off the piece of bread he held. "...When we do start making decisions, we'll have to come to some sort of a compromise, seeing as I am not entirely sure you could wear a bridal kimono without looking obviously out of place," the noble half-teased, relaxing a bit. "Of course, any decisions will have to wait, as I need to smooth things over with my household beforehand."

"O' course," Renji murmured lightly, pressing a kiss to his lover's head. Maybe someday it wouldn't be a matter of smoothing things over, he thought vaguely. "Anyway, shouldn't be thinkin' this hard with a hangover," he added, only half teasing as he tried to lighten the mood.

A soft murmur of agreement was Byakuya's answer as he settled against Renji's side, somewhat relaxing once again. Regardless, he couldn't shake the topic from his mind, nor the possibility of his family objecting in the worst way. "...Would you be willing, even with my family's involvement? Marriage, I mean -”

Auburn eyes blinked a bit in surprise, but Renji managed to answer casually for the sake of Byakuya's nerves. "Kinda hard ta get married without getting yer family involved, 'kuya," he answered, but then added, "I can't say I like th' idea of any... conditions, but if it's just involvement... I don't mind that. Yer very important to them; they just really suck at treatin' ya right."

"I could try and keep even their involvement at a limit," the noble assured him quickly, rather relieved at the answer Renji gave. "The only condition they would propose is one of an heir, but I am sure I could compromise around that... And you would have to move into the manor..." Byakuya sighed slightly, wondering why he was fretting so much over this when he knew it would have to be scrutinized by his house before anything could be done. He shouldn't get his hopes up, with that in mind.

Surprisingly, Renji barked a laugh. "I don't know what kinda 'compromise' yer thinkin of, but 'm pretty sure I don't want to know if it involves one of us pumpin' out kids," he quipped.

"Hardly," the noble returned dryly. "Do you honestly think I'd want to bring another child into my wretched household?"

"Why not just take one that's already in it, then?" Renji suggested as if it were the most natural thing.

"Because it wouldn't be my direct descendent," Byakuya sighed, "and unfortunately, yes, they are that picky." His headache seemed to return with the thought but he attempted to force it away. "I can figure that out another time. I only want to know right now..." He reached for Renji's hand, catching it and twining their fingers. "...if you are indeed interested in marriage."

Renji returned the grip instinctively, leaning closer to the other man. "If you want to," he began softly, "I would in a second - but I don't want you to think you have to. I don't need ta... have that kind a validation. I've already got you, ya know?"

A faint smile tugged at the noble's lips and he lightly squeezed the other man's hand, running his thumb across the back of it. "I know," Byakuya gently reassured him, "but a simple 'yes' or 'no' will suffice, Renji."

"Yes," the younger man instantly replied, burying his head into the mass of black hair next to him. "Yes I do," he repeated, tightening his hold on Byakuya's hand.

Sighing slowly in relief, Byakuya slid his other hand up to lightly stroke the back of Renji's neck, using that to keep him close. "Good," the older man murmured, unable to keep back the inward feeling of jittery happiness and optimism, seeing as his headache was no longer much of a hindrance to his mood. "I will bring this to my family's attention as soon as possible, then," the noble said quietly but firmly, "and I would like you to be there with me when I do."

Renji nodded, although with his position as it was it became rather more of a nuzzle. "Of course, 'kuya..." A smile slowly crept across his face. The topic had been on his mind since morning - mainly wondering if Byakuya even remember their conversation from the night before - and finally having it resolved in such a nice manner made him finally relax and simply enjoy the warmth the idea sparked.

Quite content that everything was settled, Byakuya turned his head slightly to nuzzle at Renji's throat with a soft murmur, "Lunch break is just about over, but if you give me a few minutes to dress, I'll join you back at the office until my meeting."

The redhead sat back, glancing at the noble with obvious surprise. "Yer already up fer that? Seriously?"

"If I stay around here without you to keep me preoccupied, my headache will only return," the noble answered honestly. "As of now, I feel fine - well enough to get something done around the division, anyway. I can't afford to get any further behind."

"... Damn that shit works better on you than it does on me," Renji muttered with a strong amount of jealousy. "That shit just ain't fair." With a sigh, he pulled away and slipped out of bed. "I left yer stuff on the other nightstand; I need ta grab some food while I still have a couple minutes."

Slightly amused, Byakuya nevertheless bit back a smirk before catching the redhead's arm and pulling him back for a quick but gentle kiss. "Now you can go." After releasing his lover's arm, the noble shifted, careful not to make his movements too sudden just yet as he slid from the bed and retrieved his clothes from the nightstand.

Renji smiled against Byakuya's lips and then pulled away, intent on finding himself something quick to eat before they headed back to work.

 

--
OMAKE:

Gali: 01:02:42
    (rofl, had the wrong thing copied and almost entered our smuttiness into my PHP databases XP)
Kira: 01:03:08
    (ROTFL... that'd be a great thing to catch when going back to recode XP)
Gali: 01:03:35
    ('coding coding coding neck biting coding... wait.')