Title: Three Parts Dead
Chapter: Desire
Rating: NC-17 | MA
Pairing/Character/s: Byakuya + Renji, Zabimaru x Senbonzakura
Word Count: 12,053
Warning/s: Spoilers. Angst. Man Sex. Language.
Summary: Byakuya and Renji find themselves in the middle of a makeshift omiai.
A/N: … Surprise!
“One must desire something to be alive.”
- Margaret Deland
Surprisingly, a day in the office with a hangover wasn't entirely unbearable. The office, in fact, was quite easy to deal with - it was the captain's meeting that followed that was torture to sit through. Somehow, Byakuya managed and returned home shortly afterwards for, what he hoped, was a relaxing evening. It had been, as of yet, and he suspected this was because his family was avoiding him until the last possible moment. He certainly didn't mind and made the most of a tranquil setting alone.
After dinner, the noble retired to the gardens, not taking to the completely secluded areas as he normally would have and simply settling beneath a tree within a short walking distance to his bedroom. It was warm despite the approaching darkness and so he absently loosened the kimono he wore, just enough to make the layers of silk not quite as stifling. He relaxed against the tree, leaning his head back and shutting his eyes half-way.
A soft, cool mist gathered and settled around the noble, a now familiar white form solidifying before him. The specter held an affectionate smile on his face, not something usually seen, and his sanguine eyes were markedly warmer. Senbonzakura knelt, legs folded primly beneath him as he observed his charge, a sense of pride and satisfaction all but emanating from him. "Please excuse my forwardness, Kuchiki-sama," he murmured, waiting for the shinigami to acknowledge his presence.
The zanpakutou's calming presence was a welcome one and Byakuya straightened slightly, blue eyes settling on the spirit before him. He took in the emotion that nearly washed from Senbonzakura onto him with a low chuckle, a small smile coming to tug at his own lips. "No need to apologize, you are always welcome here." The noble tilted his head slightly as he regarded the other being. "You seem quite happy," the noble noted, still smiling himself.
"I am - and quite proud," he answered, affection now permeating his tone. "As you seem to be," Sen pointed out, nothing if not glad to find a smile on Byakuya's face.
"I have no reason to be anything but," the noble responded, finding that the zanpakutou's approval only added to his contentment. "The only thing that may be a possibly hindrance now is the matter of my family and informing them of my decision -”
"And what decision would that be, Kuchiki-sama?"
The obviously elderly voice that interrupted made Byakuya immediately clamp his jaw shut and set his face in a stern frown. He turned his head, irritated at being interrupted so rudely, and the elder obviously picked up on this.
"Forgive me, Kuchiki-sama." The man bowed, and then acknowledged Senbonzakura with a nod of his head. "And Senbonzakura. I could not help but be curious, considering recent happenings and... discussions. You rarely keep the household informed these days."
"I fail to see the incentive to do so," the sword spirit immediately replied, his demeanor changing instantly with his charge's.
"As do I," Byakuya agreed curtly, turning his gaze sharply towards the older man that remained standing. "Your sudden concern is a burden, more than anything."
The elder seemed unfazed. "I am sorry you feel that way, Kuchiki-sama - however, I believe that for your own sake, it would be best to inform the clan of any decisions you are making that may possibly affect us from now on."
"For my own sake?" the dark-haired man echoed, eyes narrowing slightly. "Is that a threat?" he queried lowly, not enjoying the way this conversation was going.
Rising gracefully beside Byakuya, Senbonzakura allowed his expression to form the cold mask the rest of the family tried so hard to reproduce. "Kuchiki-sama is more than capable of handling his personal affairs alongside your own; it is in your interest that he chooses to keep the details to himself until such a time as it becomes pertinent."
"With all due respect, Senbonzakura, this conversation does not concern you -”
"And with all due respect, my zanpakutou is directly involved, seeing as this conversation concerns me," Byakuya interrupted snappishly, annoyed and not afraid to show it. He simply wanted his peace and quiet to return and wanted this man to vacate the area, even if it meant for him to run from the gardens only to spread the information about the household. "If you are so intrigued about my personal life, however, then I am happy to inform you that I have found a fiancé."
That bit of information caught the elder's attention immediately, any and all argumentative statements fleeing him. "Is that so? Yet again you insist on taking martial matters into your own hands, Kuchiki-sama... I daresay it is anyone the household has been suggesting?"
"It is Abarai Renji."
The blunt statement seemed to make the elder temporarily shut down, noticeable shock and then a mix of exasperation and irritation passing over his face. "Kuchiki-sama," the man sighed, shaking his head as if he were scolding a petulant child, "be reasonable. You were allowed to marry a commoner once with ill results; we cannot allow such a thing occur again."
"It is you who is being unreasonable," Senbonzakura sharply interrupted, stepping between the two men and firmly establishing his presence. "You and everyone in this clan place all your hopes, despairs, expectations and mistakes on the shoulders of one man and then, even after he has exceeded all you wished him to be, still claim ownership on decisions which are not yours to make."
The glowing aura flared brightly, the mist surrounding them and turning to fog as the sword spirit continued. "Stand on your own. Claim your hopes as your own and make good on mistakes you expect him to correct. Could you even come within a fraction of the distance he has traveled? Can you say you have done half in your life as he has done in his? Can you say you have even tried? It is not the head's duty to carry the clan; it is to lead it. He has done all that and more for you and still you shove menial decisions on him and then attempt to steal what decisions are his own by right.
"This clan owes everything it has accomplished and maintained in these past centuries - and I do mean everything - to him alone. It is you who should acquiesce to him," he all but hissed.
Obviously taken aback by the sudden display, the elder resisted the urge to step back and instead straightened a frown across his features. "You make it sound as if we are not grateful." His eyes shifted from the zanpakutou, trying to peer over Senbonzakura's shoulder toward Byakuya. "The clan is only trying to maintain the status that it has for centuries and acknowledges that it is Kuchiki-sama's doing that we are such a prestigious name. Because of this, we cannot allow anything to slip, especially in the quality of new blood that enters the family. We must protect the clan, and Kuchiki-sama along with it."
Quality of new blood. Byakuya nearly ground his teeth at that, forcibly restraining every single fiber of his being to resist flat out punching the man as he uttered those words. Questioning Renji's quality was one thing, but on another level, talking about him as if he were some sort of animal up for auction was something entirely different. The utter nonsense of what the elder further spoke on only fueled the noble's anger, but he remained silent, appreciating having Senbonzakura defend him from the nonsensical excuses for once.
"That blood is a person of equal worth to any 'noble' you could put before me including Kuchiki-sama. He has done far more for Seireitei as a whole than any of you have done for your own family and you dare question his worth merely because he lived a life before this one?" Senbonzakura countered lowly, moving purposely into the elder's field of vision once more. "And if you are in fact grateful, you are quite unskilled at showing it. I suggest you begin rectifying this by curbing that sugar covered dagger you call a tongue and respecting Kuchiki-sama's decision. Engagement is a joyous event; you could even attempt congratulations. I only regret you will have to wait to extend them to Abarai as well, since they decided to withhold the announcement until familial and divisional matters were properly dealt with. Shame on them for putting responsibilities before formal announcements." The sarcasm dripping from the sword's lips fell like acid between them.
The elder opened his mouth to respond, and then closed it once again, biting back any argumentative comments. It was better to walk away gracefully now than be further turned into a fool by a zanpakutou. "...Forgive me for not extending the proper congratulations, then, Kuchiki-sama."
When Byakuya only responded with a cool glance, the elder pressed him. "This matter will, however, come up in the next clan meeting -”
"Forgive me if I fail to care," Byakuya interrupted flatly, turning away from the elder without a sideways glance. "Renji and I will be making our plans regardless of what is said at the meeting and if you wish to be involved, I suggest you heed Senbonzakura's advice. I have nothing more to say to you." With that said, blue eyes caught Senbonzakura's sanguine gaze, silently asking him to settle down and follow him.
Obviously not happy to hear such words from the head of his clan, the elder simply frowned and managed a quick bow. "Have a nice evening, Kuchiki-sama," were the last words spoken from him before he turned and left the area.
Senbonzakura caught Byakuya's gaze and bowed his head slightly, indicating his acceptance of the noble's request. He turned silently and made to follow.
Not sparing the elder another glance, Byakuya quickly stepped back toward the manor, opening the screen door that led into his room from the gardens. After he had stepped inside and Senbonzakura followed, he slid the door shut and let his composure all but buckle in on itself. "Thank you," he breathed, a sudden feeling of exhaustion lying heavily upon him. "I am glad you were there to handle that. Your words were greatly appreciated."
Senbonzakura instantly glided forward, wrapping his arms around the noble and pulling him close. "I am sorry I did not speak sooner, but I could not ... would not allow him to belittle or attempt to take this from you. ... I am so proud of you, Kuchiki-sama; you deserve happiness."
Unable to resist, Byakuya melted into the embrace, tired emotionally and thoroughly soothed by Senbonzakura's arms and spoken word. "...I simply cannot thank you enough for your support," the noble murmured, pressing a tender kiss to the sword's shoulder. "I truly do appreciate it."
"I know," the sword whispered soothingly, kissing Byakuya's neck affectionately.
Sighing softly, the noble relaxed further against the spirit. "...I asked Renji to come by later in the evening - he should be here soon, but stay manifested until then, please?" Renji's presence was almost a necessity at night now, or sleep was nearly impossible, and he of course couldn't spend every night at the redhead's apartment, so asking him to come to the manor was a must - at least, if Byakuya wanted to be well-rested the next morning. Perhaps that bit of dependency should have disconcerted the noble, but really, he could currently care less.
"You keep asking me as if this is some horrible thing," Senbonzakura answered with slight amusement. "I would like nothing more than to remain by your side, Kuchiki-sama."
"Well, after that, I could understand why you may possibly prefer retiring for the evening." Byakuya all but nestled into his zanpakutou's arms, breathing slowly and calmly.
The side door slid open before Senbonzakura could reply, making the sword spirit look up protectively. Renji slipped in, arching an eyebrow at the situation he walked into. "What happened?" The zanpakutou looked down at his charge, loosening his hold enough to silently pass the noble over. Renji wrapped his arms around the man somewhat confusedly, looking to him for explanation.
Visibly relieved to have Renji near, the noble slid into his arms and rested his head against his shoulder a bit tiredly. "Senbonzakura and I were interrupted by an elder who insisted on being informed of my personal affairs... So, I told him of our wedding." Byakuya glanced towards the spirit quickly. "Luckily, Senbonzakura was there to counter his nonsensical excuses in a manner that convinced him of congratulating us."
Both eyebrows rose at that, auburn eyes sliding to sanguine ones, nothing short of impressed. "So I guess I'm a bit late then," Renji sighed, rubbing Byakuya's back soothingly. "Thanks fer coverin' for me," he added, nodding to the sword spirit.
"I have done nothing-"
"You’ve done everything," Renji interrupted firmly, "Thank you."
Senbonzakura bowed slightly, dropping his gaze.
The noble tipped his head against Renji's shoulder, catching the lowered gaze of his zanpakutou, blue eyes clearly thanking the spirit once more before returning their attention to the redhead. "Have you had dinner?" he queried softly.
"I grabbed somethin' small, it's fine," he murmured, watching the zanpakutou dissipate. "So... guess we're steppin' things up, eh?"
"It appears so," Byakuya agreed, tilting his head up and kissing gently beneath Renji's chin. "You know, after they accept this - and they will - they'll insist you move in... seeing as it wouldn't be 'proper' otherwise. But if you object, I can work around it, I am sure..."
The redhead laughed shortly, belaying a type of nervousness he was trying to hide. "It's fine, 'kuya... I'm sure you'll cover all the little things I don't think of anyway."
The noble frowned slightly, still worried. "So you don't mind? I know the manor might take some getting used to... and my relatives as well - you have my permission to practice bankai on them still, of course," he added to lighten the mood somewhat.
"I don' mind, though I think yer ... hired help like me more than yer family ever will."
"I'm not surprised." Byakuya stepped back, and a gentle tug on Renji's gi pulled back with him. "I was going to go for a relaxing walk in the gardens earlier, but I was interrupted," he murmured, glancing up at Renji. "Would you like to join me now?"
"... I think I'd like that," the younger man answered lowly, moving closer. "I was wonderin'... how much... how many things we talkin' about? I mean... with the announcement, and everything afterwards? ... Do you mind talkin' about that?"
"I don't mind at all," the noble responded softly, stepping back to the door and slipping it open as he stretched up and brushed his lips gently across Renji's. Then, taking the other man's hand, Byakuya led them from the room and out into the garden, night having completely fallen. He paused briefly, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness that was only lit by a scattering of stars and a full moon that was obscured currently by a few clouds.
Renji sucked in his breath at the sight, never having really appreciated the scene before him. He wondered faintly if it might have had something to do with watching the man beside him that made the vista that much more interesting to him. A light smirk dusted his lips as he interlocked their fingers, squeezing slightly. Byakuya was stunning in moonlight. He exhaled softly, helplessly spellbound by the image.
Returning the squeeze gentle, the noble slid his blue gaze to Renji, a half-smile on his lips. "Think you could live here for the rest of your life?" he asked softly, noting Renji's reaction but not fully realizing it was directed mostly at him. "It is not entirely terrible, especially when the household is not around..."
"I think I'd find a way to manage," the redhead murmured, keeping his eyes on the other man. "Think you'd be able ta live with me fer the rest of your life?" he returned with a grin.
"Without a doubt," Byakuya returned easily, tugging gently on the younger man's hand and leading him slowly through the gardens. "...What did you want to talk about, Renji?" A soft wind fluttered through the garden, rustling the ancient sakura trees scattered about the area and sending the petals winding about, some finding a new home tangled about his hair as if drawn to him.
Renji's hand moved instinctively, plucking a stray petal from atramentous hair. Otherwise, he simply followed Byakuya's movements through the garden, eyes still on the man rather than their surroundings. "I really don't... know much about engagements and weddin's an' all that," he answered eventually, voice soft as he was still caught in the noble's trance. "Weren't many in Rukongai, ya' know..."
The touch to his hair made Byakuya automatically tilt his head toward his lover's hand. "...It's really not so complicated," the noble replied in a low murmur. "My family simply tries to make it that way. Our engagement, once announced and approved, will basically be our way of guaranteeing the wedding ceremony... and guarantee the admittance of you into this family. You would... technically... be considered a noble afterwards; though," the older man added dryly, "I hardly imagine that will change anything."
A weird sort of unsure expression crossed Renji's expression as he took in that information. "... I ... don't have ta take yer family name, do I?" He questioned immediately.
"I will leave that decision to you," Byakuya assured him, gently tightening his grip on Renji's hand. "Don't let the title of 'noble' bother you, Renji - you would not have to be involved in family affairs unless you wanted to be. The most difficult part of this will be, of course, the actual wedding..." The noble sighed softly. "Of course, they will want it to be traditional, but considering I am the first in this family to marry another man, it will be far from that."
Returning the grip in kind, Renji nodded slowly as he let the information settle. "Well, no offense, but 'Kuchiki Renji' just doesn't have a ring to it," he quipped lightly, smiling affectionately at his lover. "... an' I think I'll have ta talk with Rukia about the noble bit before I make any decisions about that or anything..." He plucked nervously at some invisible lint on his outfit. "'bout th' weddin' though... ya' know I was jus' jokin' about the bridal, kimono, right? I mean... about both of us."
The mention of Rukia made Byakuya sigh, but he kept back the majority of his reaction. "Rukia is probably not the best to speak about on such matters, as she was not... treated as she should have been, but if you insist..." Quickly shifting topics, the older man chuckled softly, catching Renji's eye in a sideways glance. "I know. But I wasn't kidding when I said my family would expect you to be demure."
"It's because she was mistreated that she's the best for me to speak to," Renji cut in, but managed to dull the sharpness from his voice. Rukia was still a bit of a sore spot to him as far as nobles were concerned, but he really didn't want Byakuya to feel like it was entirely his fault. Sure the man could have said something, but it certainly was no fault of his own that the remainder of the Kuchiki family was a bunch of assholes. With a sigh, Renji returned his lover's glance, asking quite flatly, "How 'demure' we talkin' here?"
Inwardly wincing, a mix of guilt and regret rose in the noble's throat as he thought of Rukia, but he managed to repress it despite Renji's obvious distaste of the matter. Pushing the thoughts from his mind, Byakuya sighed a little. "...Just behave yourself. I know you usually do, but you really have to be aware of your actions at all times. Little things - like slouching or... well... you will just have to tone everything down, Renji. Though I appreciate it, I am not sure the rest of the household will take kindly to your... emotive personality. And your language," Byakuya added.
"Ya' know, I thought this was s'posed ta be fun," the redhead sighed, slightly irritated. "All right, so ... how many times do I have ta' do that, and how long?" he questioned a bit forebodingly.
"It will be, because I'll make sure they, for the most part, keep their mouths shut," the noble assured him, running his thumb across the back of Renji's hand. "Well... The ceremony will last quite awhile, considering all the preparations in the morning, then the actual wedding, and the dinner afterward... But it is only for that day, and then you can terrorize them all you want."
Renji's melancholic expression quickly shifted to a grin. "Good," he announced, tightening his hold on Byakuya's hand, "'cuz I don't intend ta change jus' cuz I'm movin' in..." He trailed off and then flashed Byakuya a smile, "So what's a noble weddin' like, anyway?"
"I did not expect nor want you to," Byakuya returned, affection obvious in his voice as he continued to lead Renji through the garden. He stopped a few moments later, having reached some sort of destination - an area that was not the most secluded part of the gardens, but perhaps the most beautiful, as it was more or less a grove of blossoming sakura trees with the walls surrounding the garden covered completely in ivy and other flowers in full bloom. Seeming instantly at ease, the noble leaned a bit more against Renji's side, eyes turned up toward the moonlight that was no longer obscured by clouds. "...Aside from 'necessary' formalities, they are actually quite nice," he murmured. "Everything is always very beautiful, but the best thing, I think, is that the weddings seem to bring out the good in my family. They usually do relax and enjoy themselves somewhat, and seem to be happy for me... at least, they did before. I hope they do the same again."
Enjoying the noble's reaction more than the area itself, Renji quietly slipped his hand free of Byakuya's fingers and embraced him from behind. This was Byakuya's area; he could think of nothing more fitting nor an area which put the man more at ease. He kept his head to the side, gently resting his chin on Byakuya's shoulder so he wouldn't interrupt his lover's moon watching. "Hopefully, I'll get ta see that side of them, then..."
Relaxing back against Renji, the noble slid his hands down to rest them lightly on top of the younger man's. "Hopefully," he agreed quietly, his eyes lidding as he turned his head, lips pressing against his lover's neck as he savored the contact and breathed deeply the scent and presence of Renji. "I would tell you more about what the weddings are like, but you'll hear enough of that later and I don't want to ruin my family's fun of repeating the schedule at least a thousand times..."
Renji let a dry chuckle slip out. "All right, I s'pose everyone gets some fun," he agreed lightly, and turned his head to catch Byakuya's lips in a loving kiss. "’S nice out here..."
Sighing gently against the redhead's lips, Byakuya let his eyes slide shut completely as he leaned into the kiss. "Mmm, isn't it...?" He lifted his right hand, grazing slim fingers across Renji's cheek as he gently returned the kiss, voice low, "Especially since you are here with me."
A smile tugged at Renji's lips as he returned the kiss, tilting his head to the side to better enjoy it. “Love ya', 'kuya," he breathed, trying to catch Byakuya's yes with his own.
Blue eyes opened half-way at those words, meeting Renji's gaze as he returned a whispered "and I love you, Renji" before simply allowing himself to melt into the other man's embrace, completely comfortable and happy for the first time in a long while.
~
It started slow, so slow he hadn't even noticed it. First things were warmer, but that was nothing horribly new, nor exactly unwanted. But then... then there was color. That was when the vague curiosity started. Byakuya's inner realm didn't usually have color and if it did, it appeared in pale shades that tinted the land. Now, vibrant colors were popping up all over the place. Like so many changes, it began small - the air around a red sun - the tips of petals on the blossoming trees.
When the grass bled green, Senbonzakura started to worry. He tried to calm himself. Byakuya was going through some intense emotions, perhaps it was nothing to fret over. Still, it was rather unsettling for the usually quiet spirit to be surrounded by such loud colors. He tried to rebalance the area, but something was different now. He couldn't place it, but it felt almost as if something else was there. Unnerved, the zanpakutou had pulled away as much as he dared and isolated himself within his changing world, trying to adjust to the new landscape.
He sat against a tree, legs tucked beneath him as he contemplated the new... life that seemed to encompass him.
"Damn, this place is weird -”
The muttered words broke the otherwise silent area, and a flourish of color and heat seemed to shoot from the sound of the spoken word. The tree that Senbonzakura leaned against almost shivered as warmth spread through it, tinting its bark a warm grey-brown, its leaves a deep, healthy green, and the flowers decorating its branches a rosy pink. As slow footsteps sent sparks of warmth through the ground, the tree's branches shook and several petals drifted down, falling in the spirit's white hair and even down into his lap, brightly contrasting with the pale shades there.
The new arrival paused, a broad hand resting against the tree that had seemingly transformed as deep brown eyes peered down at the figure seated beneath it. "Senbonzakura?" Zabimaru questioned, not quite believing his luck, so it seemed.
Startled to the point of nearly jumping from his seat, Senbonzakura spun up from the ground, turning to look at the spirit that shouldn't be behind him. "Zabimaru? What are you- how are you here?" He stepped back instinctively, knowing the other spirit was physically present from the languid reiatsu rolling about, but not able to explain it.
The nue grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck as he stepped from around the tree. "Yeah - well - I was hopin' you could tell me that." He glanced around again, taking in how the area seemed to be a mix of pale, almost colorless tones and vibrant splashes. "I've been... here... for awhile, I guess. Renji's world jus' sorta collided one day with this and everything spread out and let me wander around... and I was bored, so I jus' started checking it out."
Red eyes widened in shock. "They merged." The words fell tremulously from his lips, the sword spirit obviously taken aback by the revelation. He took a breath, closing his eyes to compose himself as he let the information sink in. A pale hand laid against his forehead as he thought. "Their inner worlds... they merged. It's been so slow I didn't think anything of it at first, I didn't question the color - this is wrong" the hand dropped in agitation, red eyes opening once more. "It's not supposed to look like this."
More concerned about the other zanpakutou's reaction than the actual situation, Zabimaru blinked, stepping closer. "...Is it really that big of a deal? I mean, it doesn't seem like anything's changed, reiatsu-wise..." Sparing another quick glance around, the nue shrugged slightly. "And really, this place coulda used a bit of color. Helped it more than hurt it, seems like. I think you're workin' yourself up over nothin', Sen."
"For how long?" Senbonzakura countered pointedly. "How long will the reiatsu stay separate? How long until they have a bond between each other as we hold with them? What then? Have you even heard of anything like that before? How can we be their blade when our edges are obscured?"
"Yer overthinkin' this," Zabimaru stated firmly, resting a surprisingly gentle hand on the other zanpakutou's shoulder. "Look, if it makes ya feel any better, I'll stay on 'my side' of this place or whatever the fuck you want, though I seriously doubt anything's gonna come out of this other than, eventually, the two of 'em being a little more sane 'cause they have an easier time figurin' each other out. If their reiatsu hasn't started bindin' yet, then I kinda doubt it's going ta. This has probably gone on for these past five years... just subtly, so neither of us noticed."
Senbonzakura fought the strong urge to simply let the other zanpakutou soothe him. It was strange how easily Zabimaru both accepted and understood the situation. Sen tried to counter the logic, but found it just as strong as his own. The entire situation was becoming a bit much for him. "Even if we were at opposite sides; the realms are merged, distance will change nothing." He took a deep, calming breath, steadying himself. "We- we need to tell them. I just - how are you so calm? Isn't this disconcerting at all for you?"
"I was just kiddin', Sen," the nue gently chided. "I know the distance wouldn't change anythin'. Jus' calm down, will ya?" Strong fingers lightly squeezed the other spirit's shoulder, his thumb rubbing muscle through the fabric of Senbonzakura's kimono. "Yeah, we need to tell them, but, look, if it's not hurtin' anything, you don't need to freak out about it. Yeah, sure, it worried me at first, but if you jus' sat back and watched it, you'd see it wasn't affectin' anything major. We're just stuck in the same place now - " Zabimaru paused, then added absently, " - though I s'pose that's pretty major for you."
"This isn't Kuchiki-sama," Sen stressed, pulling away from the other sword spirit in an attempt to clear his mind. "This isn't right - how am I supposed to watch over him when I cannot even tell what is normal?" The amount of distress radiating off the zanpakutou increased alarmingly as he looked around at the changed scenery. "This isn't Kuchiki-sama," he repeated almost fearfully.
Unable to resist, the nue caught Senbonzakura around the waist, pulling him back gently into his arms. "Calm down," Zabimaru repeated lowly, wrapping an arm around the other spirit's shoulders and tucking his head beneath his chin as broad fingers slid into the silky strands of white hair. "This isn't Renji, either," he quietly reminded Senbonzakura, "but you can still feel them separately. You don't need to see it - that's jus' an added bonus."
The warm touch and affectionate gestures melted Sen's defenses before he could even think of fighting them off. A soft sigh escaped him as he relaxed against the other zanpakutou, closing troubled eyes and shaking tremulously. He wanted nothing more than to remain in Zabimaru's strong embrace and let the spirit's soothing voice wash away his worries - he really was a hypocrite, he thought morosely.
"Stop," his own voice was soft, wavering dangerously on the edge of breaking, but held all his remaining strength that he could not put into his arms to push them apart or his feet to walk away. "Please... let go."
Zabimaru frowned, rather confused, but nevertheless loosened his hold slightly. "Yer shakin' like a leaf," he pointed out softly, rubbing a soothing hand down the other spirit's back. "'M afraid ta let you go..." because I'm afraid I won't get another chance to hold you like this the nue added to himself, inwardly sighing and cursing himself for practically fawning over Senbonzakura like a lovesick puppy.
"STOP!"
Power snapped between them, strength returning to Senbonzakura in a sudden burst of clarity. He jerked away, what may have been tears quickly hidden from sight as he turned away sharply. "You have no right to do as you have-" Red eyes flew open in clear surprise, his voice cutting off as he was suddenly and jarringly yanked from the realm in an obviously forced manifestation.
Withdrawing with a bitten back yelp, Zabimaru had little time to even remotely think about Senbonzakura's harsh reaction before he, too, was jerked from the inner world. "What the fuck...?" he mumbled, rubbing the back of his head and scanning the room he had been forced to manifest in. "Renji - what the hell -”
"I am not sure what was going on," a familiar voice interrupted sharply, accompanied by an icy blue gaze that raked across the nue and nearly made him shiver visibly. "But I am quite aware that it caused a headache from Hell, which worsened to the point that I had to excuse myself, not without Renji's help, from a very important meeting concerning our wedding." The glare shifted and fell upon Senbonzakura, hardening slightly and clearly displeased. "An explanation. Now."
Guilt and shame radiated off Senbonzakura in waves, showing most clearly in the very subdued nature of his manifestation and the normally proud gaze staring penitently into the floor. He bowed low and stayed bent, inwardly attempting to catch and hold his emotions. "... I cannot fully express how deeply sorry I am for having interrupted something so important and harming you, Kuchiki-sama." The spirit began; no longer even certain as to why he remained standing just then. "The best explanation I can provide... It seems as though as the two of you have grown closer, your inner worlds merged together. Zabimaru and I only now became aware of this. The result of this was my overreaction and your headache, for which you have my deepest apologies."
For his part, Renji kept a silent, sharp eye on his own zanpakutou, waiting for the throbbing in his head to go away before jumping in after Byakuya. Really, it was sheer luck they'd managed to move to a different room before being forced to manifest the two, and he'd wanted an explanation every bit as much as his lover. Although, initially he'd been more than relieved that nothing was actually wrong, something which Byakuya seemed to entirely gloss over. Thus, he'd been content to listen to Senbonzakura's explanation and only frown as it was delivered. He looked over at Zabimaru critically, knowing instantly that the other zanpakutou was severely downplaying something, but unsure what, and more than a bit surprised by the given reason.
The noble's eyes narrowed his frown deepening as his gaze continued to skewer his zanpakutou a moment longer. "...If they did merge, then I have felt nothing and obviously there was nothing affected. Your overreaction, then, was far from necessary." Glancing toward Zabimaru, Byakuya's glare darkened. "And you - I don't suppose you helped matters any, did you?"
Zabimaru blinked, then looked exasperated, quite annoyed at being singled out when he did absolutely nothing wrong. "Look, 'Kura was just worried about you and all I did was try and calm him down - "
"And it certainly did not work," Byakuya snapped, eyes flashing with irritation. "In the future, refrain from doing so for everyone's benefit."
Temporarily at a loss for words, the nue looked to Renji, all but pleading for him to say something, because obviously Byakuya would listen to Renji with much more ease.
Stepping between the sharp gaze of his lover and its intended target, Renji raised a hand in a calming gesture. "Okay, look, I didn' exactly like gettin' a knife through th' skull either, 'kuya, but throwin' blame around like that ain't gonna help anything," he interjected.
"There should be no question of blame," Senbonzakura cut in before the redhead could continue, raising his gaze only enough to show he meant his words. "It was my fault for overreacting to a situation which, obviously, is one everyone else can easily adjust to."
An exasperated sigh escaped Renji's lips as his headache began reforming but for different reasons than it was originally created. "Stop that; yer not the kind ta' get so unsettled over nothin', I'm sure ya' had yer reasons ta' react like you did." The sword spirit looked away, unable or unwilling to respond to the statement. Auburn eyes drifted from zanpakutou to shinigami charge, silently asking the man to step in: there was obviously something going on here.
Settling back slightly as Renji stepped in, Byakuya pursed his lips in clear annoyance - mostly because he could not understand what Senbonzakura had gotten so riled up about. It was far from a common occurrence and there had to be something he was not grasping here. His eyes slid to Zabimaru's form that now leaned back against the nearby wall, sullenly avoiding the noble's eyes. Byakuya frowned, glancing back to his zanpakutou once more.
"...Senbonzakura." The man took special care to soften his voice to a more level tone, despite the throbbing that still assailed his temples and was now threatening to spread a similar tension to his neck. "Your reasons - no doubt you had them, or this would not have happened. Would you mind explaining them, please? If not here, then in private." Cool blue eyes caught crimson ones, a quiet warning there. If he didn't get a solid answer now, he would certainly push for one later. It obviously wasn't just the merging of the inner worlds, Byakuya was sure of that; it had to do with Zabimaru being there. Whatever was going on between the two zanpakutou had obviously been going on for quite awhile and now, in spite of himself, Byakuya could not help but be curious.
Senbonzakura struggled visibly not to shrink back from the noble's gaze. "... As you wish, Kuchiki-sama," he answered quietly, glancing at the remaining two occupants in the room with them. "... In private, if we may."
Renji pulled his own zanpakutou aside. "We need ta chat, too. There another room around here, 'kuya?" He questioned, momentarily drawing attention from the obviously distraught sword spirit.
"Two doors down on the right," Byakuya murmured in Renji's direction. "Just make sure to lock the door so you aren't interrupted."
Zabimaru raised an eyebrow at his shinigami charge, but inwardly shrugged. He supposed this was better than being picked apart by a pissed off noble, though he didn't exactly want to leave Senbonzakura to said noble's mercy. Deep brown eyes cast a brief but concerned glance in Senbonzakura's direction.
Renji nodded and waited just long enough to allow Sen to fleetingly meet Zabimaru's gaze before pulling the sword spirit aside and out the door. Senbonzakura watched them leave before turning his attention back to Byakuya, trying very hard to settle his hands against his robes.
The noble walked over and shut the door behind them, his hand lingering long enough to lock it before he turned back to Senbonzakura with a sigh. His stern gaze slowly softened as he looked the spirit over once, noting how clearly upset he was. Byakuya then turned away, taking a seat on the edge of the bed before patting the spot next to him. "Have a seat."
"I - I apologize, Kuchiki-sama," the sword spirit repeated, stepping closer, but choosing to kneel beside the shinigami instead, placing his hands carefully on the man's thigh. He made an obvious effort to curl in his reiatsu, settling the rough areas between them that had spiked painfully through the noble. "I cannot... I don't know what to say. I feel like I have failed you... hurt you in a way that never should have occurred."
"What's done is done," Byakuya said quietly, lifting his hand to gently rest it against the spirit's head, absently stroking the silky white hair. "I should not have gotten so angry, but I will not deny that I was and still am displeased about the timing of this incident. Regardless... I am still concerned about you." The noble looked down at his zanpakutou, his hand stilling. "Your reasons for acting as you did... What role does Zabimaru play in them?" He tilted his head slightly, catching Senbonzakura's gaze. "I expect nothing but complete honesty and please trust in the fact that I will not judge you unfairly."
"I would never lie to you," the zanpakutou replied immediately and earnestly. He looked up then, meeting his charge's gaze. "And you have every right to be angry with me. If I can make up for it, I will." He took a steadying breath and maintained the eye contact. "... Zabimaru was ... the main reason for my reaction - through no fault of his own - but not the only one. Things have... really changed - for the better, I'm sure, but it was... unsettling. Zabimaru tried to calm me, but I... it hurt for him to... I couldn't..." He dropped his gaze, trying to gather his thoughts. "There will be nothing between us," he finally stated, looking back up.
Frowning, the noble's hand slid from the spirit's hair to gently cup his pale cheek, his thumb stroking the delicate skin gently as he took in what he was being told. He supposed he had known for awhile that something was going on between the two zanpakutou, but Senbonzakura had never brought it to the surface in such a way before and Byakuya had never had to truly acknowledge it. "...Do you want there to be something between the two of you?" the shinigami finally asked, voice soft as he kept his gaze locked on the zanpakutou. He wasn't sure if he found the idea a burden or a blessing, really.
"I... am not used to deciding on things for myself," the sword spirit admitted softly. "... It feels good when I am with him, but I would never stay with someone whom you did not approve of, or could not respect you." He finally answered, truthfully uncertain.
"It is not that I do not... approve of him," Byakuya sighed slowly, looking away briefly. "But I understand your concerns... It would be an awkward position for you if he were to - well, act as he usually does toward me." The noble glanced back at the zanpakutou, curling his fingers gently against the porcelain cheek. "I will have Renji speak to him, and I will speak to him as well to settle this. If you enjoy his company... I see no reason not to resolve these issues." Leaning down, Byakuya brushed his lips across Senbonzakura's forehead, murmuring lowly, "You forget that I wish for your happiness as well, Senbonzakura; not just my own."
The zanpakutou shivered slightly, eyes closing as the noble's lips touched his forehead. "I would greatly appreciate that, Kuchiki-sama... thank you... very much." He exhaled slowly and opened his eyes, looking up at his charge. "You are very kind to me; please, if there is some way I can make up for all of this, tell me. You are and will always be first in my mind - if I can possibly smooth things between us I would like to."
Straightening slightly, the noble allowed a faint smile to tug at his lips. "What's done is done," he repeated, tucking a strand of white hair back from the zanpakutou's face. "Your future happiness will be enough to make up for any headaches on my part."
All but consumed by the warmth in the sentiment and gesture, Senbonzakura leaned into the touch, nuzzling the hand extended to him. "You are amazing, Kuchiki-sama; I am truly grateful to be able to stand by your side and know you found your way to mine with such understanding and grace."
"You give me too much credit," Byakuya chided gently, his thumb tracing the line of the spirit's jaw as he could not help but appreciate the compliments and adoration the sword expressed with a slightly augmented smile. "Enough of this, now... Join me on the bed and let us relax until Renji and Zabimaru return; then I can discuss these matters with them."
"...You do not wish to return to your meeting?" the zanpakutou ventured softly, rising to his feet to join Byakuya on the bed.
"It was more or less adjourned when Renji and I left," he murmured, lying back and gently pulling the sword spirit to lie next to him. "We were not very far along, anyway, and can simply reschedule."
Senbonzakura nodded quietly and curled up against his charge. "You are wonderful, Kuchiki-sama," he murmured quietly, nuzzling the noble's neck. "Thank you."
--
After following Renji down to the other room, Zabimaru still couldn't cease his worries concerning the other zanpakutou. Inwardly, he scoffed at himself, thinking it was pathetic, really, to be so concerned - but then again, Senbonzakura was probably being told off by Byakuya and the gods knew that couldn't be pleasant... Sighing, Zabimaru stepped into the room, leaning heavily against the wall as he watched Renji shut the door. He let his head fall back against the wall with a dull thud, staring up at the ceiling before tiredly shutting his eyes. "Sorry for giving you a headache, but go ahead, yell at me and get it over with."
"Che, you got bitch slapped with reiatsu; I hardly need ta yell at ya fer that," Renji answered with a roll of his eyes. He crossed his arms and turned to the reclining zanpakutou. "So, yer worried about him? Th' hell'd you do?" He added with a faint smirk.
"Y'know, I didn't think of it as being 'bitch slapped' 'till you said it," Zabimaru grumbled, opening his eyes with another sigh. "And... fuck, I don't know what I did," he groaned, lifting a hand to rake it through his hair. "I don't get it. That one time a few weeks ago, he was perfectly willin' and now... Nothin'. I c'tell he wants it, but then he changes his mind half-way and... fuck." The zanpakutou looked extremely exasperated and shook his head. "He was shakin' and cryin', what the hell was I supposed to do? Ignore 'm?
Renji sent a sympathetic gaze towards the sword spirit. "Well, if he's anythin' like 'kuya - an' he certainly seems ta be - that sounds like a combination of not thinkin' he can do what he wants and a really fucked up version of pride." He sighed and shook his head lightly. "... He was cryin'?"
"Just about to... If Byakuya hadn't yanked him here, he woulda been." The nue sighed, letting his head fall back against the wall again. "What the fuck am I s'posed ta do, then? Yer pretty noble caught on to you, but 'Kura hangs on his every damned word... He probably thinks he can't do anythin' 'cause of Byakuya not givin' him permission, or somethin'. I guess he'd sooner cling to him than me."
"He's... really attached," Renji offered, rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to articulate his thoughts. "They both're. I know... it's hard ta’... work around, believe me, but if ya had that much of an effect on 'im... an' ya really do care fer 'im... he'll come around. He just needs ta know it's okay. It takes a while, sometimes, for them ta let go."
"I do really care about 'im," the zanpakutou muttered, relaxing a bit from the shinigami's words. "I'll just... take yer word for it. You've had ta deal with stuff like this before... Guess I shoulda taken notes," he added, trying to lighten the conversation a bit. "It's just - can't you talk to Byakuya, or somethin'? I try to be civil with him, I swear I do, but he's just... I feel like he's always got his damned nose in the air when he's lookin' at me. At least 'Kura tries to talk to me like I'm on his level."
"It's not jus' him, ya know," the redhead interjected. "You may try, but it's like yer lookin fer a reason to dislike him." He raised a hand to forestall more commentary, trying to think. "... I'll stay an' help 'cuz you'll need a translator or end up killin' each other - which I'd rather not have ta deal with - but it'll be an effort from both of ya. Yeah, he's a noble - so what? Don't hold it against him, and he won't hold my home against you. Ya both know it's just an excuse ta disagree anyway."
Giving a sullen nod, Zabimaru exhaled heavily before straightening from the wall somewhat. "Fine. I'll do whatever the fuck I hafta... as long as ya think I can get 'Kura out of this." Still-worried eyes cast in Renji's direction. "D'you... D'you really think Byakuya will actually allow it? He is pretty protective..."
"He is... but -" Renji smiled lightly, and laid a reassuring hand on his zanpakutou's shoulder. "I promise you, if you can show 'im you won't hurt Sen, he'll step aside. I'll help ya'; it's a hard enough task ta' begin with, the fact that it's Senbonzakura is really what makes it hard. He doesn't have any personal experience with kind a thing, so 'kuya's a bit more protective 'bout the whole thing."
"Okay," the nue agreed, letting his head lean against Renji's shoulder when he was unable to resist a brief wave of weariness coupled with weighty frustration. "Thanks, Renji - I really 'preciate the help," he murmured against the shinigami's shoulder as he slowly relaxed.
"I owed ya'," the redhead answered easily, grip tightening momentarily before he released the zanpakutou and stepped away, looking him over. "You okay to go back?"
"Yeah," he responded gruffly, straightening and absently raking his hair from his face again. "Jus' hope Byakuya hasn't torn the poor thing ta pieces by now..."
"I doubt it," Renji answered easily. "Don't know many people who could after seein' 'im like that," he added as he opened the door and headed out into the hallway. "Oh, and callin' him "Byakuya' makes him a bit edgy - could ya at least manage a 'san' or somethin'? Senbonzakura even calls 'im Kuchiki-sama. He's just not used to it, so you'll make 'im edgy.”
"All right, all right... I'll mind my manners and be respectful," Zabimaru sighed as he followed Renji out the door, deciding that Senbonzakura was worth the effort. "You're damn lucky you get away with all that ya do, Renji."
"Get away with?" A red eyebrow rose slightly as Renji paused to turn towards the zanpakutou. "I had to earn every damn thing I 'get away with', just like you'll prob'ly have ta do with Senbonzakura. It's easy fer us... the familiarity, bein' casual, trust - all a' that's somethin' we're open ta and they aren't. Ya prepared ta deal with that?"
"If I wasn't prepared, I wouldn't bother tryin' to get along with yer pretty noble at all." The nue snorted softly, eyes meeting Renji's as the auburn gaze turned upon him. "I'd be tolerant, for yer sake, but that's about it. Senbonzakura makes it worth it to actually attempt communication."
"Good 'nough," Renji declared, knocking lightly before sliding the door open and quickly slipping in. "'kuya?"
The noble lifted his head from his zanpakutou's shoulder, then carefully untangled himself from Senbonzakura's arms and sat up with an easy grace. "Renji. I take it things are well now?" His eyes shifted to Zabimaru, who fidgeted beneath the gaze despite obviously trying to seem relaxed.
"Here too, I guess," Renji nodded, glancing at Sen as the spirit sat up. "I think we need ta talk," he added without preamble, pulling his own zanpakutou in closer as he spoke.
"About?" Byakuya slid to the edge of the bed, reaching for Senbonzakura's arm and gently pulling him to his side. He knew very well what it was about - at least, he thought he did - but chose to let Renji introduce the subject.
Sighing inwardly, Zabimaru followed the pull and slid closer to Renji in spite of himself. Only the topic like this could make him feel so nervous, and really, he wanted to hit himself for such a weakness. But it was Senbonzakura... so for him, he could stand feeling weak.
Knowing the noble perhaps too well, the redhead sighed and moved to claim a spot on the bed. "'bout these two, of course," he answered, tugging Zabimaru down next to him. "More specifically, you an' Zabimaru need ta talk civilly" - here he looked pointedly at Byakuya to show he meant it both ways - "for once. I'm stayin' ta catch what's lost in translation so ta speak."
Zabimaru took his seat next to Renji, trying his best to not fidget and to simply settle. Out of the corner of his eye, he watched the noble's reaction, the slight incline of his head before Byakuya clearly relented to Renji's pointed stare and nodded.
Relieved, and unable to keep from expressing it, the zanpakutou met the noble's eyes. "Kuchiki-san -” the nue began, pausing just slightly to take in Byakuya's surprised, but nevertheless pleased reaction at the far more respectful address. "I just... wanted to thank ya for at least givin' me a chance to talk. I really am sorry if I had anything to do with upsettin' Senbonzakura and givin' you a headache... and I'm sorry if I came off as - well - pickin' a fight earlier and even before that." It took some effort, but Zabimaru managed to swallow his pride enough to muster those apologies. It had to be said, he knew that much, or Byakuya would never spare him a glance outside of a glare, let alone let him near Senbonzakura.
"...Your apologies are appreciated and accepted," the noble responded levelly, quite pleased with the way the other zanpakutou was acting. Apparently, Renji's talk with him had worked, and respect certainly went a long way with Byakuya. "And from what I have been told, you were not the cause of Senbonzakura's distress."
Renji's reiatsu curled supportively against his zanpakutou to keep him calm and relaxed under Byakuya's cool gaze. He knew first hand just how difficult it was to apologize to the noble and was quite relieved Zabimaru had actually done so, although he hoped that at some point it wouldn't just be them swallowing their pride.
Senbonzakura's sanguine gaze landed on Zabimaru, soft and light and vaguely apologetic. "It was no fault of your own, Zabimaru. You were... attempting to help and for that I am grateful. I apologize for the pain I have caused all of you."
Renji sighed at the statement. "Stop apologizin' already. What're we doin' about all this? Is it a problem fer us ta be merged like this? Will it be a problem for you two?" Auburn eyes shifted to his on zanpakutou momentarily.
The brush of the shinigami's reiatsu against his own calmed Zabimaru, at least slightly. He shifted with a slight shrug, looking briefly to Senbonzakura. "...Y'don't have to apologize to me; you were just worried 'bout By-...Kuchiki-san." He sighed a little, eyes slipping back to meet Renji's gaze. "It didn't seem to do any harm; I think it's been goin' on like this for awhile, it's only recently I've felt anything. So I doubt it's gonna be a problem... 'Less you know something I don't, Sen..."
"I am merely worried that the ability to meld as far as the realms have... may extend further. I am gladdened to see the both of you so close, but... I am worried at the now drastic change in the worlds." Senbonzakura replied quietly. "What truly bothers me isn't what I know, but rather how little I know of this.”
"I have yet to sense anything," Byakuya pointed out softly, a supportive hand resting against Senbonzakura's. "Even the merging of our worlds; so I am inclined to believe it will not be of any large concern. If it becomes a burden for you or Zabimaru, then we will find some way to remedy the situation."
"It... is not a burden," the sword spirit answered softly, eyes drifting back to Zabimaru.
Renji looked between the two zanpakutou and then sighed loudly. "I feel like I'm at a freakin' omiai," he groaned.
With a growl, Zabimaru elbowed Renji in the side, unable to keep being 'respectful' any longer. "Then leave, ya bastard."
"This is our room, technically," Byakuya drawled, more or less amused thanks to Renji's comment. "If you wish to speak to Senbonzakura privately, then perhaps you two should leave."
The redhead only laughed and swayed with his sword's swat, eyes lingering on the other zanpakutou for his reaction. Pale cheeks tinted a faint red as the sword spirit turned away, trying to slide the attention away from him. "... Perhaps that would be best," he finally whispered.
Sobering slightly and casting a brief, protective glance toward his zanpakutou, Byakuya finally allowed a soft sigh and nodded. "All right - you know where the spare rooms are; I would prefer you and Zabimaru speak in one of those as opposed to demanifesting and conversing in our inner world." For the sake of my lingering headache, just in case the noble added to himself.
Zabimaru couldn't help but smile at the other zanpakutou's reaction before rising carefully from the edge of the bed. He allowed a slight bow in Byakuya's direction, murmuring a quick "Thank you, Kuchiki-san" before holding out his hand to Senbonzakura. "Let's give them their peace, then," he suggested with his smile still in place.
A half amused grin tugged at Renji's lips at his sword's antics. "Go on then," he urged, laying a hand gently on Senbonzakura's back and moving him forward towards the other zanpakutou.
Gathering his kimono to himself, Senbonzakura mustered enough dignity to pull away and slide gracefully from the bed, laying his hand gently in Zabimaru's. "I will remain manifested then, Kuchiki-sama, thank you." Red eyes turned to brown ones, his hand curling slightly in the other sword's grasp. "... This way," he murmured, drawing Zabimaru towards the door.
Biting back a full-fledged grin, Zabimaru allowed himself to be tugged towards the door, twining his fingers around the other zanpakutou's in the process. "See you two later," he called over his shoulder as he shut the door behind himself.
Byakuya couldn't help but sigh softly to himself. "...An omiai indeed," he muttered, leaning his head against Renji's shoulder and shutting his eyes. He hoped he wasn't making a bad decision in trusting Zabimaru in this situation.
Renji ran his fingers soothingly through Byakuya's hair, kissing his head gently. "They will be fine, 'kuya... I promise. If Sen'll let 'im, Zabimaru'll take care of everything."
Senbonzakura kept his gaze forward until he slid open the door to their destination, glancing over his shoulder as he stepped into the side room. "Tell me, Zabimaru, why you hold such interest in me?"
A bit taken aback by the question - as if it should be obvious why - Zabimaru hesitated, blinking slightly as he followed him into the room. "...Yer beautiful," he said automatically, voice low, "and 'm not just talkin' physically... though there's definitely that, too." His smile softened as he reached back, shutting the door behind them and turning Senbonzakura around to face him. "It's just - you're so damned devoted, and caring... it's beyond what a zanpakutou normally does for his shinigami. It's just... amazing. And I just thought..." Calloused but surprisingly gentle fingers brushed across the other spirit's jaw, "...you could use someone that could give you that kinda devotion and caring back. Someone to support you... no strings attached."
Red eyes widened at the honest reply, the spirit feeling both warm and weak simultaneously and unsure how to react. Sen wasn't used to such clear statements, and found himself prey for the other sword's simple attraction. He'd been uncertain before, as to the reason for Zabimaru's sudden change in demeanor towards his charge, but saw the situation with more clarity now. "You do not like to... bend, but you did for a chance to speak with me," he sighed, keeping their eyes locked as he continued. "I have never required, and therefore am unused to someone's protection, and yet you were trying to give me that.... thank you." Stepping closer, Senbonzakura placed himself against the other zanpakutou as if standing in his embrace. "There is one string, though, that you have not mentioned... perhaps you cannot see it."
The warmth of Senbonzakura's body against his own automatically prompted Zabimaru to slip his arms about the other spirit, drawing him closer into a strong embrace. Resting his head against a slender shoulder, the nue turned his head slightly, burying his face into the silky hair and breathing in the spirit's scent, savoring the moment as long as he could. "...Y'don't need ta thank me; I was jus' tryin' to help," he murmured, tilting his head to watch Senbonzakura out of the corner of his eye. "...One string, eh? What're you thinkin' it is?"
"Reciprocation," Sen murmured, curling his fingers against Zabimaru's torso as he looked back at the sword spirit with half lidded eyes.
Mouth going dry, Zabimaru made a conscious effort not to tighten his hold on the lithe form in his arms, but couldn't help but gather Senbonzakura against him a bit more. "...Yeah, well -" The nue shifted, clearly anxious. "...if ya hadn't've reacted at all... I woulda left you alone. I'm not gonna push anything on ya... and even now... I'd leave you alone if y'didn't want me here... so... it's only a string if you wanna make it one..."
"You give me warmth, Zabimaru. For that I am grateful." Senbonzakura's lidded gaze disappeared fully behind delicate lashes as the zanpakutou trailed his hands down his companion's arms, stopping at strong hands which he carefully guided to lay on his hips. "For that you have my consent - you have my will. I would be honored to have your care and support - I would be glad to know your touch."
Drawing in a slow, steadying breath as the words rapidly sunk in, Zabimaru couldn't help but grin, tightening his new hold and leaning down to kiss the other spirit soundly. "You have no idea how happy you just made me, do ya?" the zanpakutou murmured against carmine lips, gently and playfully tugging the lower lip before adding a whispered "Thank you" and fully claiming Senbonzakura's mouth in a slow but deep kiss.
Moaning into the kiss, Sen's arms lightly wound back up and around the other sword spirit, resting on strong shoulders. Bloodied lips parted for Zabimaru, Senbonzakura's tongue curling forward to meet his new lover's in a passionate caress. Pale fingers curled against firm shoulder muscles, long nails scraping the skin there in obvious pleasure.
A low groan poured into the kiss, broad fingers firmly grasping at the slim waist and pulling the other spirit's body flush against his own. Holding onto one hip, Zabimaru's left hand slid upward, tangling into the impossibly long hair and tugging none-too-gently, pulling Senbonzakura's head back to angle the kiss, making it easier for the nue to gain control and deepen the intimate tangle of their tongues. Immediately relenting to the other zanpakutou, Sen tried to break for a moment, succeeding in gathering a full breath of air to his lungs before being caught once more by Zabimaru's amorous lips. Otherwise captive, the sword spirit rose powerful yet gentle reiatsu up around them, entwining with the nue's and stroking it sensuously.
Settling into his companion's sensuous curl of energy, the nue almost purred, the exhale of breath as he broke from the kiss a quiet, rumbling sound of pleasure. His lips slid down the zanpakutou's white throat, fastening onto the pristine skin and littering soft kisses and sharper, quick bites, tugging possessively on the tender skin as he kept a firm grip on Senbonzakura's hair. His other hand slowly massaged into the spirit's lower back, digging strong fingers into tense muscle.
With a soft rumble of energy, Sen all but melted into his lover's ministrations, mouth opening as he leaned back to allow the man further access. Breath hitched at the sharp bites, soft cries drawn out as the nue continued on down the pale neck, each touch pulling Senbonzakura firmer against his companion. Tremors flew down his body as the spirit willingly leant his form to the pleasurably painful sensations.
Deep brown eyes briefly lifted from the expanse of pale neck, raking over Senbonzakura's form and taking in the sight before him. A growl tore from the nue's throat as he broke away from the spirit's neck, his hands moving to the sash of Sen's robes and all but yanking it away once the knot was undone. Zabimaru dipped his head, nipping beneath Senbonzakura's chin as his hands moved to the slender shoulders, the silk of his kimono coming down from each shoulder with a sharp tug. "You - " the nue breathed, tongue sliding along the edge of an ear, " - are gorgeous..."
Small pools of blood bloomed beneath nails now digging firmly into the nue's shoulders, reacting instinctively to the murmured words. Pale hands slid away from the tiny cuts, jerked down by the harsh tug at his clothing, and moved gracefully to pull the fabric apart and allow it to slide to the floor. Fully bared before the other zanpakutou, a faint heat manifested itself on alabaster skin, dusting it in pastel pink. Scarlet lips remained parted for low, breathy gasps at air, the lower trembling slightly.
"And now... I am yours," Senbonzakura answered lowly.
Taking in a slow hiss of breath, Zabimaru had to forcibly resist pouncing on the beautiful spirit before him. Instead, he seized the trembling lips in another brief, but deep kiss, both hands threading through his silken hair and pulling him close. "Not quite," he purred, tugging on a kiss-bruised lower lip before breaking away somewhat breathlessly to whisper a soft command: "Get on the bed."
Flush with indescribable warmth that passed through him at the command, Senbonzakura pulled away and turned to move to the bed. He glanced over his shoulder at his companion as he slid on to the bed, sanguine eyes dark between white lashes. "How shall I lay?"
For a moment, Zabimaru shut his eyes, regaining what composure he had left and calming the heat of lust that swept through him from the simple sight of Senbonzakura. A deep but hitching breath steadied him and the nue stepped toward the bed, reaching into a nightstand and rummaging through the drawer. Satisfied with the find of a small bottle of body oil, Zabimaru shifted his gaze back to the spirit with a small smirk. "On all fours," he replied, voice husky with desire.
Senbonzakura demurely dropped his gaze, keeping it on the bed as he gathered his hair and pulled it all over one shoulder. He glanced over at his companion, biting his lower lip as he finally moved to the requested position. "... Like this?" He wanted everything to be exactly as Zabimaru wished it - the urge to please his new lover surged through him like the blood pounding in his veins.
Gaze lingering for a moment, the nue finally nodded, swallowing slightly. "...Yeah. Just like that." Hooking his hand into the edge of his own pants, Zabimaru tugged them down and stepped out of them before climbing onto the bed behind Senbonzakura. Leaning over the pale spirit, Zabimaru's lips brushed across the back of his neck, a soothing hand stroking his lower back as his right hand, slick with oil, brushed lower, teasing over his entrance before two fingers carefully slid into him, spreading and stretching.
Senbonzakura crooned at the intimate touch, pushing back against Zabimaru's fingers. "You don't... have to be so gentle," he quietly encouraged; quite aware of the rough edge to the other zanpakutou's reiatsu and knowing he was holding back. "Please, do as you wish, I have held you back long enough."
Needing no further encouragement, Zabimaru roughly twisted his fingers, thrusting them forward and hooking them sharply as his teeth bit the previously unmarred flesh of Senbonzakura's shoulder. His reiatsu surged slightly, hot and simmering as it engulfed them. "You like it like this, don't ya?" the nue growled against the other spirit's neck, using his free hand to slide around him and graze upward where firm fingers could toy with a sensitive nipple. "Rough - havin' someone take control..." Blunt nails dragged across the nub at the words.
A ragged moan ripped from Sen's lips as he bucked back against the intrusion. He was being pulled in different directions with each sensation the nue bestowed upon him; down to his hand, up to his teeth, back to his fingers. "Yes-" he gasped sharply, gripping the sheets hard as his body began to tremble beneath Zabimaru's ministrations. "Please - more..."
Unable and unwilling to refuse his new lover's plea, the sword spirit withdrew his hand, resting it firmly against one of Senbonzakura's hips as he slid into place. His lips fastened to the exposed side of Sen's neck, a possessive bite deepening there as he rolled his hips forward, sliding into the heat of the spirit's body with one long, hard thrust. A deep groan escaped from Zabimaru, the hand previously teasing Senbonzakura's chest raking downward, clawing and leaving streaks of reddened skin as his hips drew back and thrust again into the pliant body, immediately establishing a fast rhythm.
Sen keened loudly, arcing back hard against the rough invasion. His body trembled from the intense sensations, but he only encouraged more; turning his neck to the side to allow easier access and arcing up from the nails against his chest, only to push back against them. His lover's name poured over shaking lips, taken in by the air and caressed by erratic waves of power that flowed about between and against them.
Groaning raggedly, Zabimaru's hips angled sharply with the next arch forward, his arm sliding around Senbonzakura's waist and holding him firmly against him. His hand dropped from the spirit's chest, bracing on the bed as his thrusts hit deeper, harder, obviously claiming the lithe body beneath him. "Louder," Zabimaru ordered lowly, sharp teeth nipping between his heaving breaths. "M'name sounds damned good comin' from you..."
Senbonzakura all but screamed his lover's name, the normally straight lines of his body bent and straining. He gasped raggedly, dropping his head as the pleasure eventually overcame him, tensing his muscles as the last wave of pleasure hit him hard, his vision blanking out momentarily from the force of it. It took all of his will to keep from collapsing and remain as he was, tense beneath his lover, urging him forward to completion.
His fingers curled hard into both the bed sheets and Senbonzakura's side as he slammed into the taunt body beneath him, burying himself into his lover as his pleasure spilled over with a loud, ragged moan. His reiatsu coiled tightly about Sen's, relaxing gradually only after a few moments of intense, rolling heat that pressed against the other spirit on all sides. Zabimaru's own body still shuddered from his release and he carefully pulled away, only to pull Senbonzakura into a strong embrace seconds later.
Spent and now without a reason to fight his fatigue, Senbonzakura collapsed against his lover, relaxing limply. "... Thank you..." he whispered hoarsely, nuzzling the other spirit lightly.
Draping an arm around the spirit, Zabimaru pulled him close and nuzzled at his neck, letting out a slow, content sigh. "Mmn, hush... I should be thankin' you."
Senbonzakura shook his head lightly, too exhausted to counter the statement. He curled up closer, basking in the warmth of his lover. Shifting enough to pull a blanket over them, the nue settled further into the bed, his reiatsu settling over them as a languid but protective force. Allowing his own weariness to overtake him, Zabimaru shut his eyes, murmuring a few soft, affectionate words before dozing off, wrapped around Senbonzakura.