Take Me Home

"Would you like some tea, Mr. Kuchiki, sir?"

The midnight-haired CEO of Hogyouku Financial and the heir to the famed Kuchiki dynasty looked up from his neatly organized desk where he was putting his signature on some documents at his crimson-haired, tattooed executive assistant whose bulky form shadowed the doorway of his office. "Yes, Renji," Byakuya said in his deep, calm tone. "Tea would be nice. Thank you."

Renji gave a slight tilt of his head as means of a bow. "Yes, sir, be right back with that."

Byakuya simply nodded and went back to the workload in front of him. Renji bit his lip, debating on saying more as he watched his boss worriedly, noting the almost imperceptible grimaces of pain every time he moved the in a way that reawakened his still healing wounds and the shadows of exhaustion under his long-lashed, slate gray eyes.

In the end, he reluctantly decided he'd spare himself a reprimand for his assumption that his superior needed to be looked after and instead turned down the hall toward the break room, surveying the rest of his co-workers on his way. They worked as busily as ever, but there was a palpable tension in the air that silenced the usual idle chatter and made everyone on edge in the workplace that was normally so relaxed, at least when Mr. Kuchiki wasn't around. It had been this way for weeks, ever since it happened, and no amount of effort by him or the boss to go on with life after the scandal could dissipate the uneasiness of their subordinates.

Hogyouku was one of thirteen subdivisions of the larger Gotei Business & Financial Incorporated. Each branch provided funds and ran the accounts for any business or group housed within or that offered their services to the Siereitei metropolitan area; for example, Boshi (Warrior) Company funded the operations of Siereitei's military corps and was run by Zaraki Kenpachi, a fearsome man who was a decorated war veteran himself. Minazuki Medical Aid was responsible for providing all the major hospitals and clinics within Siereitei with the monetary resources to continue to pay their staffs fairly and keep needed supplies always in stock, while Kurotsuchi and Yachiru's helped with the research and development for local science groups. For the most part, all thirteen subdivisions worked together and had very few complications... That is, until Gotei and every subsequent branch were nearly torn apart by a traitor within their very own network, a man who was before his defection from the company as revered and well thought of as Byakuya Kuchiki.

Sosuke Aizen was the CEO of Kyoka Suigetsu Corporation which handled all of Siereitei's legal and criminal issues. He was a seemingly kind, soft-spoken and bespectacled man who preached about love and even claimed the Lily of the Valley, a symbol of pure love and sweetness as his company's symbol, and was deeply admired by all his subordinates. No one suspected that he and the heads of both the third and ninth subdivisions were planning the biggest scandal in all of Gotei's history.

Sosuke had a secret desire to take over the head company and wanted to do so using stolen information from an account handled by Hogyouku as well as making Byakuya Kuchiki's own adoptive sister Rukia into an unwitting puppet in his scheme. He'd made it appear as though she had been pilfering the documents for the account, then filed untrue claims of treason and embezzlement to Siereitei's police force which resulted in Rukia's imprisonment and placement on death row. On the day she was supposed to be put to death, a young teenage boy named Ichigo Kurosaki who had befriended Rukia months before came forward with information that proved she was innocent of the crimes she was accused of and that Sosuke manipulated the judicial system to give her a more harsh sentence than was deserved. All hell broke loose then, resulting in Sosuke, Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tosen stepping forward to confess their evil schemes. Afterward they disappeared, but not before Gin Ichimaru trained a pistol on Rukia and fired, hitting Byakuya in the chest instead when he jumped in front of his sister.

He'd spent two days ICU and a subsequent three weeks in the hospital until he was finally healed enough return to his home. The doctor recommended that he stay on bed-rest or at least remain house-ridden until he could build his strength up, but of course Byakuya hadn't listened to the advice of his doctors and was back at work two days after his release from the hospital. Everyone else blamed it on the infamous workaholic nature that seemed inherent in the Kuchiki bloodline, however Renji understood there was a much deeper reason why Byakuya was pushing himself so hard, so quickly.

Beyond the trauma of a near-fatal gunshot wound that narrowly missed his heart, even worse than suffering through what was only the beginning of a long and painful recovery was the blow to the noble man's deep but fragile pride. A bratty, orange-haired teenage boy had the courage to stand up and fight to save his sister, even stormed into Hogyouku and called Byakuya out in front of everyone for not doing all he could to rescue her himself. Even Renji publicly attacked him for his failures as an older brother. The memories of their conflict still greatly strained their already tenuous relationship even though now they had an understanding of each other, and Renji found himself regretting the callous way in which he went about it although he still stood firmly by his reasons. Still, it was the final indignity for his boss, not only having a stranger call him out but also his most trusted and closest subordinate. Staying at home and having people treating him with pity like he was nothing but a weakling would only push him further into the abyss of his shame and self-hatred.

Renji sighed heavily to himself as he poured the tea he'd just taken off the small stove from the kettle into Byakuya's favorite cup, then made his way back down the hall to Byakuya's office. In many ways, he empathized with Byakuya on his feelings about the way everything transpired with Rukia. She and Renji had grown up together in Rukongai, a down-trodden, poor town just a few miles away from Siereitei City.

The two homeless orphans met by chance, and over time along with a few of the other kids who lived in the area, formed their own kind of family. Renji was actually more of a brother to Rukia than Byakuya, though he would never say such a thing aloud. But it was after they went to live at The Inuzuri Academy for Underprivileged Children that Rukia was introduced to Byakuya when he came to make a donation for the school, and was soon adopted into his family. Renji hated Byakuya in those days, vowing that one day he would surpass the man who stole away the only sister he'd ever had and ruin the Kuchiki name for good. However, years later when Renji graduated from the academy Byakuya had returned to inform Renji there was an opening within the Gotei company that he thought the redhead would qualify for and Byakuya would be willing to help him get the job. Coincidentally, it was a position in Sosuke Aizen's firm. Renji jumped at the chance and in the end did accept the job with Sosuke, however less than a year later he was transferred without explanation to Kenpachi Zaraki's company. He stayed there for three years before Byakuya paid him yet another unexpected visit, offering him the position of executive assistant. Surprised but more than willing to finally have a shot at his dream of getting close enough to Byakuya Kuchiki to surpass him, he left Boshi and began working at Hogyouku. The rest was history.

But ultimately not even his position in the company gave him the power or courage to fully win against Byakuya and save Rukia, and the title of hero still went to that ginger-haired delinquent Ichigo. Even standing up and defending her wasn't enough, all it had really accomplished was to make things even more awkward around his boss, and he was left with the same bitter taste of defeat in his mouth that Rukia's aristocratic brother had.

Renji turned into the doorway of Byakuya's office, opening his mouth to announce his return with the requested tea, but the words died on his lips as he caught sight of the midnight-haired man slumped over his desk with one hand on his mid-section where he'd been shot and the other shakily grasping the smooth tabletop, a look of sheer agony contorting his usually perfectly composed, delicate features. Renji chewed on his lip, unsure of what to do, then softly cleared his throat.

Byakuya's eyes blinked open and flicked upward to him, the hand on his stomach running over his shirt lightly as if he was merely brushing off imaginary bits of lint, his expression placid once again.

"Um," Renji faltered, looking down into the cup of green tea in his hand. "I, uh, brought your..."

"Right, the tea," Byakuya said calmly, though Renji noted his voice held the slightest amount of strain. "Thank you again, Renji."

Renji put on his best casual smile and nodded. "Sure thing, sir," he said as he came over and deposited the cup next to his boss's elbow. He paused for a moment, watching Byakuya pick up the cup and take a few small sips, then set it back down. Renji noted his hands were shaking lightly as he picked up his pen to return to work.

"Was there something else, Renji?"

The redhead startled a bit, then shook his head. "No, um, well, yeah..." he stammered, feeling a blush rise up his neck to his cheeks as his boss looked up at him with a slightly annoyed expression. "It's just that you look... uh, a little tired, sir. Are you sure you're all right? Would you want me to call you a cab and finish up the work around here for today so you can just go home and relax?"

He expected to be given the cold shoulder and told he didn't need to be looked after, especially by his assistant of all people, but to his surprise the noble-blooded man sighed quietly and laid his pen back down. "Yes, I suppose that would be for the best, I am feeling a little run down still and perhaps some rest will remedy my weariness," Byakuya said in acquiescence.

Renji blinked, then nodded and bowed again. "Yes, sir, I'll go and call your cab now," he said before disappearing down the hall to call the taxi service.

When Byakuya's taxi finally arrived several minutes later Renji went to help him collect his things into his briefcase, then carried it for him as he escorted his boss downstairs, noticing the man limping slightly as he walked. Renji settled Byakuya into the backseat of the taxi, then came around to the other side and climbed in next to him.

"I thought you were staying behind to attend to the rest of the workload?" Byakuya asked in confusion, one raven eyebrow arching inquisitively.

"Oh yeah, about that," Renji answered, rubbing his neck a little sheepishly. "Rikichi told me he would handle everything else for today and make sure the documents you've already signed get sent to the appropriate places so I could... go with you to make sure you're alright. If that's alright with you, sir."

Now the dark smoky eyes narrowed at him suspiciously. "What are you about, Renji? You are my assistant during business hours, but you are not required to see to any of my needs outside the office, those responsibilities fall to my household staff. Despite my recent injury I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, I do not need anyone to look after me, and it certainly isn't your duty to do so."

Shit, I knew this was a bad idea. Way to piss him off, Abarai, now he just thinks you pity him, Renji mentally chastised himself as he started to back away. "Oh no, sir, I wasn't trying to imply that you need my help, I know you don't, but it's just... Well, you didn't really get to enjoy your tea and you're always complaining that no one else on your staff knows how to make it the way you like it, so I thought I would come over to make you some more and see that you're settled in all right, then I'd leave again. But if you don't want me to, I understand..." he reached for the door handle, looking at the nobleman with uncertain garnet eyes.

Byakuya took a breath as he closed his smoky gray eyes for a moment, possibly looking annoyed by his redheaded assistant, but really only taking a moment to compose his thoughts. I do not know whom I can trust anymore, my confidence has been manipulated far too many times. He has even openly admitted to accepting this position at my side only so he could personally see to my destruction, not knowing Aizen already had plans for that set into motion. Do I dare put faith into the instincts which have already betrayed me? Am I bold enough, or perhaps foolish enough to allow him closer still, or is this just another ploy to simply kick me while I am down? He looked back up at the other man, opening his mouth to decline the offer, but instead heard a very different response leave his lips.

"Yes, I suppose that would be all right."

Renji froze in place, blinking several times as he stared at his midnight-haired boss as if he'd just sprouted a second head. "A – Are you sure, Mr. Kuchiki?"

"Usually I do not have the patience to repeat myself, but since you seem not to have heard me the first time, I said yes, Renji, you may accompany me to my home and make me the aforementioned tea. Am I being clear enough now, or would you like me to say it again in another language?"

"Uh, I, um, no, sir, I just, uh..." Renji stammered, looking down at his shoes, then snapped his head back up, burgundy eyes widening in shock. "Sir, did you just... Try to make a joke?"

"Yes, Renji, it happens now and then," Byakuya answered, his voice edged with the same note of sarcasm. "And judging by your reaction, I need to work on my comedic skills."

Renji chuckled, his mouth turning upward into a grin, the tension in his body relaxing somewhat. "No, sir, it was a good one, really! It just caught me off guard is all."

"I see," Byakuya nodded calmly, then turned his attention to the cab driver. "The 6th gate on Scatter Lane, Kageyoshi Court, please."

The driver nodded and pulled out into the busy streets, driving through the bustling metropolis and continued north about fifteen minutes up the slight incline of the hillside overlooking the city where the more expensive, older homes were nestled. Renji watched in fascination as they passed by one mansion after another, each one larger and grander than the one before it. Finally, they pulled alongside a seven-foot high cast-iron gate where Byakuya rolled down his window and pressed a button on the attached intercom for the voice-activated security system, waiting for the electronic voice to respond.

"Identification, please."

"Byakuya Soujun Kuchiki," Byakuya stated his full name, then rolled the window back up as the lock on the large, heavy door clinked opened, allowing the cab to enter onto the long, winding driveway.

Renji had to hold onto his jaw so it didn't fall on the floor as the cab approached the biggest, sprawling mansion in the entire neighborhood, two stories tall and painted white with dark blue shutters and big windows. The yard was beautifully landscaped with cobblestone walkways, cherry blossom trees and flowers of just about every variety and color. Being from a place like Rukongai with its run down, beat up homes and feral, untended flora and fauna, Renji had never seen anything like it in his entire life. Even the one bedroom apartment he was living in now on the outskirts of the city, upscale by his own standards, could fit inside the manor fifteen times over.

The cab stopped at the top of the driveway and Byakuya pulled out his wallet to pay, then he and Renji climbed out and the mesmerized redhead followed his boss toward the front door.