Naraku no Hana
ByaRen, one-sided
Renji's hand moved smoothly over the paper, Byakuya noticed. After years of service, Renji had already mastered the almost-art of signing paperwork quickly and efficiently. His work had always been clean, but now Renji had learned to do it with grace, holding the brush perfectly and making his strokes long and elegant.
Byakuya shook his head and went back to his work, frowning slightly.
Lately, he had found himself wondering what Renji would look like with his hair loose, or with clothes other than a shihakusho. He even wondered if Renji would notice if he brushed their fingers together as he handed him his tea cup. This wasn't normal, most certainly not.
"Taicho, I'm finished with all my paperwork."
Renji's voice distracts the noble from his thoughts.
"Ah...yes. You're dismissed them." Maybe now he can work, without Renji's presence. But Byakuya didn't count on Renji's failure to read the atmosphere and jumped back on his chair a little once the red-haired man was close, leaning over the desk to peer closely at his face.
"Fukutaicho, what are you doing?"
"Are you feeling alright, taicho?"
"I'm feeling perfectly, Renji. Now leave."
"....."
"What?"
"...you never call me by my name..."
Realizing his slip-up, Byakuya lowered his head to resume his work. Renji remained close anyway, he was still there, why? Did he want something? An order?
"Think nothing of it." Byakuya finally replied.
As per usual, Renji stepped back and muttered a curt goodbye to his captain. Same old, same old. Nothing ever changed. Renji didn't think much of Byakuya except that he was the kind of mind he wanted to become and defeat. Other than that, they were colleagues and brothers-in-arms, nothing more. That was their relationship and Byakuya supposed he should be happy with that.
Byakuya sighed. He'd never meant to snap at Renji, it was just that....just that....
"Taicho!"
The door suddenly burst open, and in came Renji, his face frowning while determination shined in his eyes.
"Taicho, I want you to tell me what's wrong! I know I'm just your subordinate, but even as such we should care about each other!"
"You came back...."
"Of course I came back! This might not be as bad as a hollow, but I thin--"
Renji's words were muffle by Byakuya's lips over his own. The noble had suddenly reached for Renji's face, pulling him closer as he leaned to finally kiss the red-haired shinigami. Maybe Renji did feel something for him, maybe there was a chance for love to blossom...maybe....maybe....
As soon as Byakuya broke the kiss, Renji staggered back, the back of his hand going over to his lips as he stared unbelievably at the other man.
"T-taicho....!"
The two shinigami stared at each other for a long while. Byakuya regretted what he had done, the look on Renji's face was obvious, he didn't feel the same. Not even close, what Renji had interpreted as camaraderie, Byakuya had taken it as a chance, an opportunity. And now it was all wasted.
Silently, Renji turned around and exited the office, leaving behind a dismayed noble.
Byakuya buried his face in his hands. He would not cry, he would not sob. But he would remember and he would regret ever trying to reach down for Renji. It was true then, no matter how much the dog barked he wouldn't ever be able to reach the moon, and the moon would never be able to reach back.
END
Yep, that was sad, remember that ByaRen/RenBya is not exactly my fave pairing. I guess I just like making Byakuchin suffer.