Author's Note: I suppose I should warn for Renji's potty mouth. Also, thank you to my reviewer. I'm glad you enjoyed reading chapter 1, and I do intent to continue with this story :D Also, this story isn't set at any given time. I probably won't mention much of anything in Canon, so if there are discrepancies I'm sorry. It's still not beta'd.


Byakuya rolled over on his futon very carefully, but when that just hurt his injured ribs he gingerly moved back onto his back. He could hear Abarai's snores from the other room easily. His Vice-Captain had "subtly" left the connecting door ajar when he'd gone to bed, but Byakuya had been aware of every move the redhead had made. He'd seen Abarai watching him as they left the hospital. He'd watched as Abarai checked his eyes before offering to stay. How had he known that the last thing Byakuya had wanted was to be alone in his room tonight?

All in all, it had been a completely rotten day. Kurosaki had visited, asking questions of Abarai that were completely inappropriate at work for all that the conversation had raised some very interesting questions. Then Rukia had come to visit, but hadn't stayed for very long before leaving. She wouldn't even tell him where she was going. Worst of all, she didn't even know what day it was. Then, he'd fought two huge hollows with some foolish, drunk hooligans and had been thoroughly trounced before Kurosaki had managed to intervene and save him.

To top it all off, today was the anniversary of Hisana's death. He'd gone to her grave early in the morning to give her flowers and to speak with her, but it felt like an empty gesture. He couldn't feel her presence anymore, and for the first time since her death he hadn't cried when he remembered her passing. Was he finally starting to move on? He wasn't sure if he wanted to move away from her. He loved her. She shouldn't have died.

Rukia had moved on decades before. She hadn't even remembered…

Still… he didn't want to think of that. What was something else interesting to think about? Sleep. Sleep.. Sleep… Sleep wasn't coming. He just didn't feel tired. He'd slept for maybe a half hour after going to bed, but had awoken for no reason. The lingering energy from being healed was keeping him up. He couldn't read or do work since he couldn't sit up on his own yet, so all he could do was lie there and think. What could he think about to pass the time?

Who was it that Abarai was in love with? That was a somewhat interesting question to ponder. It didn't leave him feeling hurt and vulnerable, which was a plus. Why wouldn't Abarai tell Kurosaki who he was interested in? Normally, whenever Abarai was interested in anything – food, women, or alcohol – he announced it to the world along with a bunch of uncouth expletives. That hadn't happened this time. In fact, if Ichigo hadn't pried, Byakuya would never have known that Abarai had interest in anyone.

It wasn't surprising really that Abarai liked someone. The man was social to a fault. Too often had he come to work hung over from too much partying the previous night! Every day it seemed that at least one of Abarai's friends came to invite him to their residence for a visit or a drink. Renji's crowd encompassed most of the Vice-Captains and many of the seated officers in the Gotei 13. It actually surprised Byakuya to realize that he hadn't heard of any of Abarai's romantic escapades for several years.

And why wouldn't Abarai pursue his love? Abarai was one of those types that went after anything he wanted, usually with passion and a charming flare. The Vice-Captain had a way with people that just drew them to him, despite his brashness and his temper. If he wasn't pursuing his love, then there must have been a reason.

The reason… It couldn't have been a fear of rejection. Abarai was fearless to the point of foolishness. Byakuya rejected him regularly, even going to the point of lecturing him whenever he did something even slightly wrong. Perhaps Abarai knew it was useless. Perhaps he loved a girl from a noble house, and she was unwilling to court a peasant. It wasn't unusual among noble families for the women to be snotty. Of course, it was equally likely for Abarai to be in love with a married woman. The man was very brazen, but he was also sensible. Byakuya couldn't imagine his Fukutaichou barging in on someone who didn't want him, no matter her situation.

Yes, Abarai really was a gentleman when it came to dealing with women. When dealing with men, however, he was as uncouth as could be.

But then… all day since Kurosaki's appearance Abarai had been subdued. For weeks now he'd been coming into the office on the required days and did all of his paperwork without complaint. He worked diligently and steadily, putting effort in to finish his work at the end of the day. He had always done what was required of him, but not without a ridiculous amount of whining, complaining and slacking. It was disconcerting to see his Vice-Captain serious, although when everyone else was around Abarai would maintain his usual loud demeanor.

When had Abarai learned to be so serious?

xxxXxxXXXxxXxxx

Renji woke slowly. He felt as though he were floating on a cloud. Slowly, he realized that he wasn't floating, but was actually lying on something soft. Then he felt a blanket covering him. Then he realized that his head was resting on his arm. Then, something touched his face, and he startled all the way awake with a small shout.

Oh. It was only his hand, which was just starting to get that pins-and-needles feeling from his head having cut off circulation. He let out a laugh of relief mixed with just a little bit of embarrassment. How retarded could you be not to know it was your own numb hand touching your face? He'd even yelled…

"Abarai, is everything all right?" Byakuya called from the other room, instantly causing Renji to stifle his laughter.

He poked his bed-messed head out the door and said, "Hey, Captain, how you feeling today?"

"I am fine," Byakuya said, although Renji noticed that he wasn't trying to sit up. "Why did you call out?"

Renji felt his face flush in mild embarrassment. He let out a nervous giggle and said, "My hand attacked me as I was sleeping. It scared the shit out of me, Sir."

"Your… what?" Byakuya asked, completely confused. Then he let it go with a shake of his head. "Never mind. I do not wish to know."

"You know, Captain, neither do I," Renji said with a laugh as he stepped fully into Byakuya's bedroom and looked around. When they'd gotten in the previous night – or had it been the earlier that morning? – the room had been cast in darkness except for the tiny lamp by Byakuya's futon. Now, with the sun streaming in through the paper door, the elegantly painted walls and wooden floor drew Renji's attention. He turned around and noted that the cubby he'd slept in, although much smaller and simpler in design, didn't lack for comfort. "Woah, nice digs!"

"Have you not been here before?" Byakuya asked from his futon, drawing Renji's eyes.

"I've only been in the entryway," Renji replied as he went over to his boss and helped him sit up. "But, I like the paintings on the walls. Are those Sakura petals painted there?"

"Yes," Byakuya replied simply just as there was a knock on the sliding door that led to the hallway.

The servant who'd knocked apparently thought that Byakuya had been talking to her because she slid the door open and bowed from where she was kneeling in the hall. "Would the master and his friend like some breakfast now?" she asked in a soft voice.

"Yeah!" Renji said enthusiastically.

Byakuya followed with a soft, "Yes, please. Bring us trays in here."

That was one thing that Renji hadn't really been prepared for the night before: the servants. It was obvious that Captain Kuchiki didn't need Renji there to help him change into pajamas or to go to the bathroom, because he had servants who did that for him. He had servants who had offeered food and tea, had turned down his bed, and had set up the adjacent room for Renji. All of his needs were met swiftly and professionally. But… he'd still wanted Renji around. In fact, Renji had sat by Byakuya's bedside until the stoic man had seemed to fall asleep.

The serving girl left and a male servant came in to help Byakuya visit the toilet. While his captain was gone, Renji neatened up his clothes and finger-combed his hair. After breakfast he would have to ask Byakuya if there was a brush or something he could borrow to pull his hair back properly. It would be less itchy during the day if he could at least brush it. Maybe he'd have a spare tooth brush, too?

By the time Byakuya made it back into the room, the food had arrived and Renji was elbow deep in his bowl of miso soup, slurping loudly. The servant shot him a look of disdain as he deposited Captain Kuchiki back onto his futon, but he left before his master noticed. Renji hadn't missed it, though, but he didn't give a shit. The food was amazing, and he wanted it in his stomach where it belonged.

Five seconds later, though, when he finished his food, he noticed his captain watching him. The expression on the older man's face was stoically clear, but his eyes held some amusement. "What?" Renji asked in defense. "It's good food. You should eat some."

Captain Kuchiki calmly picked up his soup and sipped it gingerly. Then he picked up his chopsticks and placed a small bite of spicy fried fish into his mouth just as Renji downed his whole cup of tea. "Damn, that shit was hot! I mean, it was fresh cooked and steamy, but the fish was spicy!"

Byakuya's amused eyes slid over to his eating companion, and Renji noticed that when Byakuya was in a good mood his dark eyes seemed to sparkle. It was actually quite attractive.

"I'm surprised you were able to taste the fish, considering how quickly you inhaled it," Byakuya said in a bald tone.

"Yeah, well, I'm surprised the tea didn't set my mouth on fire, because it was boiling," Renji shot back lamely. He watched as his Captain ignored him in favor of eating his breakfast. He watched as Byakuya gently placed each small morsel of food into his mouth and delicately chewed it before swallowing. It was a simple, elegant dance, and Renji had to tear his eyes away before he was completely enthralled.

"When you go in to work, make certain that the duty roster is signed and that you prepare for tomorrow's assignments," Byakuya said, snapping Renji's attention back to him.

"Yes, sir," Renji said automatically. He already knew what paperwork he'd have to do before he went out and trained some of the new recruits. After so many years of watching his Captain do the work, he felt he could do it for a day.

"Also, be sure to fill out the payroll report. It needs to be turned in to the payroll department if you and the rest of the division wish to be paid."

"Yes, sir," Renji said again.

Byakuya seemed to lapse into thought for a moment before he said, "Actually, I believe I will accompany you to the office. I have a few remarks to put in…"

"Fuck you will!" Renji interrupted loudly as he slammed his chopsticks down on the lap table with a bang and a clatter (a few dishes moved, but fortunately none of the broke). "Captain Unohana told me that you aren't going to work today, and damn it, Captain, you aren't going to work today! You are going to relax and heal, and definitely not go in to work!"

"Abarai, your language…" Byakuya started in a warning voice, but Renji simply talked over him.

"My language sucks, I know. But even with my fucking swearwords you aren't going to fucking step one fucking foot in the fucking office or anywhere in the fucking Gotei 13. Are we fucking clear?" he demanded, dropping the F-bomb wherever he fucking felt like it.

Byakuya's lips pursed into a straight line, but his eyes sparkled with mirth. "I think I understand, Vice-Captain."

"Good," Renji said. Then he sighed. "But I agree; I can definitely stand to use better language. Maybe sometimes I should say 'shit' or 'god damned' instead of just 'fuck' all the time."

If Byakuya pressed his lips together any tighter he wouldn't have any more lips. But the twinkle in his eyes only grew, so Renji figured that he hadn't overstepped his bounds too much.

Then he noticed the timepiece next to Byakuya's futon and leapt to his feet. "Holy Shit! I'm going to be late! Later, Captain. Don't torture your servants. It's not their fault you got beat up!" And before Byakuya could say a single word – about Renji's tardiness, about his servants, or about Renji's language – Renji used Shunpo to dart out of the mansion.

xxxXxxXXXxxXxxx

Renji trudged home from work in the dark. He'd known what Byakuya did during the day, but he'd never realized how productive the other Shinigami was until he'd been stuck doing both his job as well as his Captain's. He worked for over twelve hours, but he still felt that he hadn't actually accomplished anything. If it hadn't been for Hitsugaya offering to help out with some of the formalities, Renji felt that he wouldn't have been able to head home at all that night.

Shit, he was tired! He wondered once again how his Captain was faring at home, surrounded by servants. He wanted to go visit him, but he couldn't figure out what explanation to give for his presence. Hitsugaya had formed out all of the required paperwork, so he didn't have that as an excuse. Nothing had really gone wrong during the day, so there were no problems to report. Truthfully, he didn't think that he would make it home if he stopped at the manor first. He wasn't prone to embarrassment, but he would feel his Captain's wrath if he fell asleep unwelcomed in his home. He'd already intruded enough the night before; he doubted Captain Kuchiki would want him there for a second night.

Needless to say, it was a surprise when he saw the male servant from that morning waiting outside his apartment door. As he approached, the servant stopped leaning against the wall and bowed to him respectfully.

"Hey, Man, what's up?" Renji asked once he'd gotten close enough to speak in a normal volume. "Is everything okay with the Captain?"

"Master Kuchiki is recovering well," the servant said as he straightened up. "He wishes for Master Abarai to come back to the manor to report on his day at work. He offers you a meal and a warm bed for the night, should you decide to oblige him."

Really? He'd get to stay the night again? That was awesome! And this time, he'd have a chance to pack some supplies, so maybe he'd be prepared for the next day. "Sure. Just give me a moment to grab a few things?" he asked the servant.

"I will be waiting here whenever you are ready, Master Abarai," the servant said. Renji quickly unlocked his door and grabbed a few toiletries before darting back out into the hall and locking his apartment door. With a bow, the servant started leading him out of the building and toward the Kuchiki manor.

"Hey, man, I'm sorry, but I never asked your name," Renji asked when the silence grew uncomfortable.

The servant seemed surprised that Renji had spoken to him, but he still managed to respond politely. "My name is Tetsuya."

"It's nice to meet you, Tetsuya-kun. You can call me Renji."

"No, I do not think that is permissible," Tetsuya said. "Master Kuchiki will be angry if I addressed his guest so informally."

"Boss pays the bills," Renji acknowledged. "I can respect that."

The rest of the trip was made in silence. When Renji finally made it to Byakuya's room, he was barely on his feet. He plopped on the futon next to his Captain and said, "Hey, how are you doing?"

Byakuya set his book down on the little table next to the dim little lamp and shot Renji a narrow-eyed glare. "Abarai, in polite company you wait for an invitation to enter a room and you do not sit on their bed."

"Well, Captain, you're sick in bed at home," Renji said carefully, trying to keep his words from slurring tiredly. "I had a really long day – nothing bad, just a shit-ton training and a shit-load of paperwork that Hitsugaya helped me with. Pardon me if I don't give a fuck about stupid manners that don't matter if you don't let them.

The Kuchiki Head-of-House raised one delicate eyebrow before letting out a resigned sigh. Renji felt himself listing a little bit to the right and forced himself to sit up straight – okay, maybe not straight, but at least he was a little more vertical. "Abarai, how much sleep did you get last night?" Byakuya eventually asked.

"Ummm…." Well, he'd gotten a couple hours before being dragged off to the hospital. So it must have been… "I guess about four hours?" he guessed. "Maybe three."

"You have been gone from here for fourteen hours," Byakuya stated evenly. "I will summon dinner for you, and then you shall get some sleep."

Renji nodded in agreement. "I'm not stupid enough to argue with that."

Byakuya rang a little bell that was sitting next to his book. A servant entered and Byakuya snapped out some orders for food and a clean sleeping yukata to be brought for Renji. For his part, Renji was leaning over Byakuya, trying to get his eyes to focus long enough so that he could read the title on Byakuya's book, which appeared to be a very serious classic fiction. It figured that his Captain would like to read smart-people books like that. He was a smart guy and would naturally find entertainment in the written word, unlike Renji who wasn't so good at it. Comics were more Renji's style.

"Abarai, can I assist you with something?" came the soft, dangerous voice in his ear. Renji looked up and found himself nose-to-nose with Byakuya. Somehow, when he'd been leaning over he hadn't realized that he'd completely leaned into Byakuya's space, and was leaning over the injured man's lap just an inch away from his chest.

He sat back quickly and said, "Sorry, Captain. I was just curious about your book."

Byakuya's eyebrow rose again, but this time in curiosity. "You enjoy reading?"

"Oh, Fuck no," Renji said. "I barely learned to read when I was training to be a Shinigami. Books like that one you're reading are hard; they're like a different language to me."

Byakuya opened his mouth to ask another question, but there was a knock on his sliding door and the food arrived. In classic Renji style, the redhead inhaled his food (Yum! Teriyaki!) while giving his Captain a garbled rundown on his day (because he was talking with his mouth full, which seemed to gross Byakuya out). When he was done (in three minutes) he asked what Byakuya had done that day.

After Byakuya said that he'd eventually managed to sit up on his own and had been reading, Renji felt his eyes droop. He jerked his head up, but his eyes just wanted to stay shut. After a moment – damn, that book sounded boring – he decided to get a little more comfortable, so he stretched out next to Byakuya so that he was half on the noble's futon with his head propped up on his hand near Byakuya's feet and his own feet were resting off the bedding on the wooden floor. When his hand refused to keep his head up for a second more, he dropped it down onto the soft mat, floating away to the sound of Byakuya's soft voice.

xxxXxxXXXxxXxxx

Byakuya let out a sigh before he rang the bell. Renji had just managed to completely fall asleep sprawled on the edge of Byakuya's bed. When the servant arrived, Byakuya ordered a blanket to be brought in from Renji's quarters to be lain over his sleeping Vice-Captain. The poor man was exhausted. He could barely stand, and he'd tried to listen while Byakuya had answered his question about his novel. Once he realized that Renji only needed a nudge, he'd done something quite unlike himself – he'd kept talking. His book was actually quite an interesting mystery, but he'd started explaining the plot of his grandfather's magnum opus – a dreadfully dull book about a political romance that had been written far too many years ago.

With a chuckle at how easy it had been to lull his Vice-Captain into sleep, Byakuya picked up his book and opened it to his book mark. He could get a few more pages in before he himself felt tired enough to sleep.