Renji was admiring the view of the sky and the clouds on the horizon. He was focusing on clearing his thoughts, and doing nothing but relaxing. It had been really rough around these parts since a certain friend of everyone's died. Renji was at first the most distraught, but in the end wanted solace for everybody. Especially his Captain.
"Liutenant Abarai..."
Renji turned to see Byakuya, his captain, staring at him. His voice sounded like everything was fine, but his face was awfully betraying that lie.
"Captain.."
"Perhaps, you would consider going home now." Byakuya said, trying to straighten his gait.
"Oh, I understand. You wish to be left alone..." Renji whispered, beginning to walk away.
"Please. Do not assume things Abarai." Byakuya said, emptiness to his voice.
"With your permission sir. I believe you're trying too hard to mask this pain. I believe that if you keep trying to do so, It will become worse for you. You need to vent whatever it is that's in there...before it eat's you alive." Renji said.
The captain just stood there. Blank expression on his face now. He did not move one inch.
"Just..please leave me be."
Renji had just gotten back to his home. He was about to make himself feel comfortable until he heard a knock at the door.
"Who is it?" Renji called.
"Byakuya.."
Renji quickly answered the door, light smile on his face.
"Well, hey there." Renji said, surprised.
Byakuya stood there. Emotions drained, and secretly searching for a solace of his own. He hadn't known what to do with himself in such a long time...
"Liu-" The Captain began. "Re-Renji."
Renji went wide eyed at the sound of his first name.
"Captain?" Renji asked.
"I think, I think you may have been right. May I have access to your house?" Byakuya asked, trying his hardest to hold himself together.
"Of course. Do you need anything? Water, anything?" Renji asked.
"No. Just your companionship."
Renji and Byakuya sat down. They did not say anything for a while, until suddenly Byakuya began releasing tears. Renji did not know what he should do, but he was happy that he was finally expressing emotion.
"J-just."
"Shh-shh-shh. I know. I know." A collected Renji said, pulling his Captain close and hugging him gently. "I'm here for you. Always. Please just don't forget that."
Byakuya looked up at Renji from tear stained eyes, and gave off what appeared to be a microscopic smile.
"Thank you." Byakuya said.
Renji wanted to cross the line, just a little. He knew he could get in trouble for it, but decided it was well worth it. He gently pulled the man infront of him closer, and gifted him a small kiss on the cheek. The captain did not say anything, but the enamored look in his eyes said it all.
