10,872. That's how many words this chapter has. Anyway, this chapter was a long time coming. It took forever, and I was constantly working on it. Hope you enjoy :) P.S. As a warning I do change POV often. If the characters are apart, I page break - if they're not, I don't. Let me know if the readability is still okay.
He awoke, his breathing labored and heavy in his ears. Sweat clung to dark strands of hair, matted against his skin where it fell against his cheek.
A dream. It was simply a dream.
Mental imagery never scathed him. Not even when he was a child did nightmares trouble him.
Why now?
He carefully threaded his fingers through unkempt hair, mildly agitated that the kenseikan was not there to keep the locks in place. He was smoothing the remaining strands back when he heard a light tap on the door.
"What is it Abarai?" Byakuya murmured, too quietly for the lieutenant to hear. His voice was drowned out by Renji's deeper voice, asking through the wooden panels the question he would expect from his subordinate.
"I'm fine," he spoke a little more clearly. "Return to your quarters, Abarai."
Much to the Byakuya's dismay, the soft click of the door latch and Renji's tall silhouette graced the entrance of his room, though he distinctly recalled dismissing the fukutaicho. Be that as it may, he decided to give a small allowance and permit Renji to enter.
"Taicho. I apologize for intruding, but the reiatsu from your room was too unusual to ignore." The doorway widened as Renji pressed against the frame, locking his arm above him in a casual stance. "Is there anything you need?"
"Abarai. I am quite capable of handling my own nightmares. I am not a child."
"I didn't say that."
"Then you may return to your quarters. I assure you that I…" Byakuya trailed, watching as Renji took several steps closer.
Renji's hair was down, crimson trailing down into his eyes and onto this shoulders. His yukata was disheveled as though hastily thrown on and tied, the ends of the sash slipping out at his waist. Dark tattoos glistened on his skin, the sheen of sweat amplifying the already attractive marks in the moonlight.
Slowly, deliberately, Renji placed his hands on the cushion, the light through the curtains bright enough to catch a glimpse of the shinigami's face. The admiration of Renji's features was enough to snap Byakuya to his senses.
"Abarai, I demand…"
Renji put a hand up to interrupt the thought. "It could be fun, not difficult," he cryptically spoke as the vice captain moved closer and closer still, until he was a hairs-breadth away from Byakuya.
Then, with all the grace and gentleness Byakuya had ever felt, Renji kissed him.
It was then that Kuchiki Byakuya, sixth division captain of Soul Society, was afraid to even move.
No words were exchanged as Renji's gaze traveled, silently appraising his captain. Byakuya was already disheveled after awaking from such a disturbing vision, that the robe that he had worn to bed had come undone in his restlessness. The fukutaicho eyes rested on the lithe torso of his captain, again capturing his lips with his own.
"Aba…" Byakuya started, but his breath was stolen as Renji's lips pressed against his thin pale neck, licking at the juncture of his collarbone.
Chills flashed across his skin, an unwanted reaction of Renji's ministrations. Despite Byakuya sincere desire to stop, he could not find a voice with which to protest.
"Relax, Taicho…" Renji's husky voice continued, pressing the captain back on his mattress. Light, featherlike kisses barely touched his skin, trailing lower and lower as Byakuya wordlessly watched on.
Why am I letting him do this? Why am I…he thought, heartbeat racing in his chest. It pounded so loudly he was sure that Renji would be able to hear it.
Renji straddled Byakuya's legs without interrupting the course downward. He stopped at a very apparent, very aroused spot on the captain's torso.
Byakuya instantly felt his cheeks heat at the obviousness of his body. He thought to bark another command to remove the vice captain from his room, but the simple notion of Renji being his subordinate sparked more unnatural feelings of stimulation; he did not need that mental image.
Renji was above him now, barely brushing his lips across his skin. Even the lightest touches caused the captain to overreact, his body becoming rigid, bending ever so slightly toward Renji's advances.
It was a small gesture, but enough to provoke Renji further. Pausing for a moment to gaze at Byakuya, he breath sent a wisp of air against heated skin.
"What…" he trailed watching the fukutaicho move toward the juncture of his hips. All he could do was stare wide eyed as Renji moved over his body.
Slowly, deliberately, and without taking his eyes off Byakuya, Renji lowered his mouth to the aroused member, tongue dipping into the slit.
Chills raced again as Byakuya involuntarily arched, breathing in sharply. With Renji touching him that way, and Renji kissing him like that, it was impossible to stop from reacting to this treatment.
Renji 's mouth worked onto the shaft and Byakuya gripped the sheets, his hands tightening on the thin material as Renji pressed onward, more of the member disappearing into the forgiving, hot mouth.
Something in Byakuya snapped. Watching the redhead perform was beyond temptation and provocation. Overcoming his senses, he threaded his hands in the thick mane and pulled enough to elicit a small moan from the fukutaicho. Crimson locks cascaded over Byakuya's semi reclined pose as Renji continued his ministrations.
Blood pounded in his ears and he wondered if Renji could feel his heavy heartbeat under his hands. Byakuya thought it would be glorious to let Renji finish him. He was already so close to climax he could feel it in the pit of his stomach, the heat beginning to take control. But he had another idea.
Tugging enough to maneuver Renji, but not enough to cause pain, Byakuya pulled Renji forward and crushed his lips onto the fukutaicho's, heated with passion and intensity. Lust drove him to quicken his actions, kissing every part of his subordinates' features and stopping ever so subtly to taste the tattoo on his brow.
Byakuya's hands now roamed over Renji's broad musculature, pressing against skin and tracing along defined muscles. How hard his fukutaicho had trained to surpass him, he thought; was this a battle his subordinate could win?
Byakuya rose his lips close to Renji's, trembling skin affirming the fukutaicho's desire driven state. Renji's half lidded eyes widened as Byakuya spoke the simple phrase.
Undress.
Both men removed the light yukata they had worn, though the loose materials had very nearly fallen off on its own. Renji was dropping the fabric as Byakuya came from behind him, caressing kissing and massaging certain parts of Renji's nude form.
Byakuya's wonders were confirmed about whether or not Renji's tattoos stopped at the waistline. He nipped at the tanned skin of his neck, pressing the fukutaicho further until he stumbled forward on the bed, taking Byakuya with him.
What a sight, Byakuya thought, silently appraising Renji's back and buttocks while the vice captain adjusted his balance on his knuckles, one leg on, one leg off the yukata.
Stop right there.
Renji froze, his breath now in short bursts.
Byakuya traced the tattoos lightly on Renji's back with one hand while the other reached for something on the nightstand.
Then he was cautiously preparing Renji, using the lotion he kept beside the bed purposely for the gigai. Renji had mentioned earlier that these bodies were prone to dryness; he would never have thought about this particular usage.
Bodies pressed together as Byakuya slowly entered Renji's waiting body, enjoying the tenseness of his fukutaicho. It was indescribable how he felt – so hot and tight, so perfectly ready as he slid further in, all the way down to the base.
In torturous moments he was able to slide in and out fully, teasing Renji with the slow deliberate movements. He stroked at Renji's arousal, causing Renji to moan aloud and plead in the same breath. The pace increased slowly, from a rocking casual speed to an intense thrust, Byakuya's pressing need to orgasm taking control of his body and fueling his passion.
He was close, so close, and all the little sounds Renji was making further pressed his desire. He felt the fire stir in the pit of his stomach, the familiar tingle in the base of his spine as it centralized at the point of his erect member. His cock stiffened from the coming climax, causing Renji to groan in satisfaction as he pumped into the redhead.
Closer…closer…one more thrust would yield his peak…
A loud thud brought Byakuya out of his reverie. Stunned by the brilliance of light through his curtains and the loud knocking at his bedroom door, Byakuya finally came to a feasible conclusion about what had just transpired.
I…was having a dream...he sighed to himself.
"Taicho, I'm heading over to Urahara's now," Renji spoke through the wooden paneling. "I'll be back soon, alright?"
Byakuya wondered why Renji would wake him for such a trivial matter in the first place, but the previous night came flooding back to him as if in response. Byakuya had very nearly gotten angry at his fukutaicho for that very reason. He dismissed the notion.
"Hai. Arigato, Abarai," Byakuya croaked, his voice failing him in its morning use.
"See you in a bit." Renji's voice declined, followed by a distant closing door.
Now Byakuya was left alone, undoubtedly awake, with an aching problem.
That which he was determined to ignore.
Centuries of life in Soul Society trained him to be in control of emotions that a human would otherwise indulge in. Well practiced in the arts of control, the captain tied his robe and went into the bathroom for a shower.
This captain, however, never had to deal with the raw feeling of a gigai body.
The shower bead hit his skin hard, the hot spray releasing goosebumps across his skin of aching arousal. Byakuya clutched at the tiled wall as he took in the wash of excitement. The gigai responded to water as well in this state? It seemed that he would not be getting a reprieve of this unwanted feeling, despite his sincere concentration to rid himself of it.
Looking down at the stubborn erection, an alien thought wormed its way into his thoughts. Why not indulge?
Byakuya snorted disgustedly to himself, but did not dismiss the idea entirely.
Why not? Renji would be gone for a quite a few minutes, probably longer…
Byakuya felt a new, less foreign curiosity crowd his thoughts. How far could this go?
Grabbing for the soap and some fluffy thing that Renji recommended for washing, Byakuya lathered the soap and pressed the delicate puff against his chest. Involved with the chore of cleaning, his thoughts turned wayward again. Still the gigai betrayed his thoughts.
Slowly, sensuously he reached for the aching shaft and sucked in his breath. It was so sensitive, almost too much to bear. Throwing caution to the wind, he experimentally stroked the weeping shaft, knees nearly buckling from the wave of pleasure that tingled in his body.
Renji moved quickly toward Urahara shoten, a handful of tasks sitting at the edge of his mind. Sweep the floor, grab bathing suits, get some food…
Thoughts drifted to the strange aura permeating Byakuya's quarters earlier. Renji had hoped that his knocking had brought the captain out of whatever bad dream he was having; a mildly agitated Byakuya was the last thing he needed around Ichigo and company.
Renji passed the shoten retaining wall and walked through the alley to the back door. He spotted Ururu and Jinta at their customary post, playing baseball outside. He nodded and smiled at the two and continued towards Urahara's office, a surprisingly large but empty room in the center of the shop.
"Oi, Urahara-san," Renji called out. "I stopped by for a few things."
"Ah, freeloader-san!" Urahara called out from beside him, slightly scaring Renji in the process.
"I thought you be…" Renji pointed, trying to calm his racing heart.
"Ah yes, however no work would get done if I sat around in my office all day." Urahara smiled, poking Renji with his fan. "The broom is against the wall over there."
"Hai." Renji obliged, continuing to talk to the shop keeper as he walked away. "I was wondering if we could borrow some certain clothing."
"And what kind would that be?"
Renji scratched his head, handling the broom in the other. "Well, Ichigo's family invited me and the captain to the beach…" he trailed after noticing the smirk on Urahara's face.
"What?" the redhead impatiently huffed.
"How did you two get mixed up with the Kurosaki family of all the people in Karakura?" Urahara asked, the smile never leaving his eyes.
"Uh…it's a long story, Urahara-san," Renji sighed, shrugging his shoulders.
"So, you need specific clothing for this, correct?" The grin on Urahara's face curled into a mischievous smirk. "You'll be picking out something for you and Kuchiki-san?"
Renji couldn't help but think about when he'd picked out Byakuya's clothes before. That lead to how the captain had outright refused to wear undergarments with his jeans; Renji couldn't stop the subtle blush rising on his cheeks.
"Uh, yeah…well…" the vice captain stuttered shifting uncomfortably under Urahara's gaze. He turned to the broom, brushing it along the stone grey floor of the shoten.
"Don't worry," Urahara lazily waved his fan, "I've got plenty of outfits for gigais; I'm sure you'll find something interesting."
Renji gulped. That's kind of what he was afraid of. What exactly could he pick out for his captain that wouldn't cause him mountains of problems later?
"I can always help you out…" he heard Urahara finish as the green clothed man disappeared into the backroom storage area, gesturing with the now closed fan.
Renji got the distinct impression that picking out clothes with Urahara could be just as embarrassing as picking out something himself. However, pawning the choice of clothing as Urahara's idea seemed infinitely better than claiming his own inadequacy.
"Arigato Urahara-san, I'd appreciate your help." Renji replied, picking up the pace of sweeping.
One clean room and a few moments later, Urahara was holding a large bag filled with assorted material. Dumping the bundle of cloth onto the table, it became absolutely clear on just how embarrassing bathing suits could be. Renji was seriously considering hiding out in the safe house for the remaining days in Karakura rather then decide on which vibrantly colored cloth his captain would wear.
Not that there would be anything wrong with how Byakuya would look in a swimsuit…
As a matter of fact, all of the outfits splayed on the table would definitely show off his captain's lean figure…
His smooth, alabaster skin…
His…
Renji's mouth dried as he was sucked into another daydream of his captain.
"Renji."
"H-huh?"
"You're staring."
"Oh. Sorry, Urahara-san."
"Anyway, like I was saying," Urahara intentionally drew out, as if making sure Renji was paying attention, "This is my entire stock of swimsuits. As you can see, there are several different colors and even more styles," he declared, gesturing with the fan. "All of these are at your disposal."
"But how can I pick?" He waved his hand at the numerous garments.
"Relax." Urahara began as he sorted out the clothes. "These are the most popular right now," he put several bathing suits in a group. "These are a little trendier," more material into a set. "These…well, are exotic – and these are plain."
Renji was immediately taken by a boxer-like red and white bathing suit that seemed to have some sort of flower pattern on it. What drew him to the pair was a specifically tribal marking that reminded him of his own tattoos.
"I want that one." Renji lifted the material out of some shiny pink and navy blue fabric.
"I figured as much." Urahara crossed his arms. "Now, what about your captain?"
"Uh…" Renji thought, eyes shifting through the numerous decorative patterns on the table.
"How about this one?" Urahara picked up a stringy looking thing that Renji didn't realize was a bathing suit until closer inspection. "Wha– No!"
"Aw…" Urahara pouted, but put the material down.
Renji stroked his chin. What the hell would his captain like?
Beads of spray washed along his back as he thumbed along the heated skin. It ached with an intensity he hadn't felt in quite literally decades – the Kuchiki noble usually had a tight reign over his senses.
This body, however, this gigai seemed to respond to its own needs, enslaving him to some physical emotion he hadn't needed or wanted for years. He couldn't deny or ignore it.
At this moment it seemed to be past the point of the physical need for release; his body ached and tingled as the water cascaded down his hair, his back. The soap made his skin pleasantly smooth and slick as he slid his hand over his shaft.
He moaned quietly, his hardened cock twitching in his grasp. He tried to envision something to spur him onward, but came up shorthanded when he thought of anyone in soul society with remote female appeal. Kuchiki Byakuya of sixth division was not attracted to anyone.
Yet why on earth did he have a dream concerning his fukutaicho of all people? It wasn't like there was a physical attraction to the red haired shinigami at all…
Not even his lean muscular chest…
Or his husky, alluring voice…
Or his tattoos…
Byakuya's eyes were half lidded, basking in the thoughts of his vice captain. The dream returned to him as he glided his hands were they needed to be, imagining his subordinate to be the one touching him.
He pumped into his hand, his visions returning to the moment right before waking as he had his fukutaicho on his bed, panting and moaning in those sounds that only Renji could make. He felt himself building to the climax that he was so frustratingly robbed of in his dream.
"Urahara-san," Renji questioned, "How did you become so knowledgeable on clothing?"
"Well, I suppose everyone has a hobby," Urahara smiled back.
Renji wasn't sure how comforting that answer really was.
"Well, if you don't know what your captain would like, why don't you take a few things for him to try on?" The shopkeeper suggested, adjusting the green striped hat on his head.
Renji frowned. That had the potential for disaster. The idea of Byakuya modeling tiny strips of clothing stirred images in his mind that even Matsumoto would be embarrassed about. However, if he picked from the plain, baggier ones…
"Hai, Urahara-san," Renji declared. "I'll take some swimsuits for him to try on."
The vice captain began sifting through the plain pile of clothes, dropping them into the bag that Urahara brought them out in.
"Wonderful idea," Urahara replied, helping Renji place the bathing suits into the bag. "Just bring back the ones you don't use."
"Arigato, Urahara-san." Renji smiled.
"Sweeping is all the thanks I need," Urahara reiterated, then paused. "And maybe pictures. Seeing Kuchiki-san and you interacting with the Kurosaki family would be quite enjoyable." Urahara deviously smirked.
"Uh…" Renji coyly smiled, putting a hand to the back of his head.
"Just kidding!" Urahara winked behind the fan.
Somehow that comment wasn't very comforting, either.
Grabbing some sustenance and the bag of clothing, Renji trotted out of the shop and back toward the safe house. It didn't take long at all for him to reach the temporary home as he bounded up the stairs to the front entrance. Twisting the key in the lock, he pushed the door open with his shoulder and moved inside. Kicking the door closed, he maintained the balance of his full hands, careful not to jostle the bags in his arms.
Renji refrained from the impulse to yell 'I'm home' to the other man in the house; he placed the bags on the kitchen counter before calling out. "Taicho, I –"
The vice captain paused when he heard the water running in the bathroom. His captain was taking a shower?
Byakuya only flinched when he felt the reiatsu of his subordinate enter the safe house. He had heard a muffled greeting come from outside the door as well, but he didn't acknowledge or respond to that either. The captain was too far gone in his ministrations to actually care what was going on around him, save for the fact the very man he had been masturbating to had just entered the premises.
Byakuya moaned a little under the hot spray of water, his pace quickening with the coming wave. Shorter quicker strokes as he imagined Renji walking in…
Lucky for Byakuya that the shower was loud enough to drown out the sigh that passed his lips as he arched, coating his hand with the white milky substance.
As the haze of pleasure passed, Byakuya realized the err that his path lead him; he just used his vice captain as an object of sexual desire.
Scrounging as much of his dignity as he could, he rinsed off in the rapidly cooling jets of water and shut the tap off. He toweled off mechanically and donned the yukata, avoiding the thought of walking out semi-nude – especially after what he just did.
Emerging from the bathroom, Renji's crimson eyes locked with his own. That gaze made him feel even less clothed than he already was, making him drop eye contact almost immediately.
"Taicho, I…got the swimsuits." Renji stuttered, turning his attention away as well. "Here, I'll bring them into your room for you," he turned, grabbing the bulging bag of clothing.
"I am not expected to wear all of these, I presume?" Byakuya's gaze locked with the huge bag, then to the tattooed arm that enclosed around it.
"No, no, of course not," Renji smirked. "I…was at a loss as to what you would like, so I brought a couple different ones," he continued, turning the bag over and dumping the contents onto the bed. "You see, there are many colors and styles to choose fr-"
Renji froze as the last garment tumbled from the container. He definitely did not remember putting those in there.
Urahara, you…Renji's mind trailed, supplying many different colorful words at the end of that phrase.
"I see." Byakuya mulled, picking up one with a floss-esque appearance to it. He held it purposefully between his index finger and thumb while Renji suppressed the desire to pluck it from his hands and shoot it out of the room in a rubber band fashion.
"Heh – how did that get in there?" Renji feigned; fudging the truth wouldn't hurt, would it? "That's not a swimsuit."
Gently taking it out of Byakuya's hand and stuffing it back inside the bag, he gathered up the ends and placed it on the other side of the bed. "Whatever you don't like, just put it back in there," Renji pointed to the sagging heap.
"Hm." Byakuya replied.
"I'm going to make some food," Renji suggested, making good his escape while he could. "If you need me for anything, just call." He winced as he left the room; Byakuya wouldn't call him in there to model for him, would he?
Closing the door behind him he sighed, sagging against the heavy frame of the doorway. His gut churned as he thought of Byakuya's lithe form in the tiny thong.
What in all of Soul Society have I gotten myself into? Renji thought closing his eyes tightly.
Byakuya's eyes roamed over each of the multicolored materials at his disposal. Putting a hand to his chin he let his gaze listlessly travel over the garments.
He picked up a baggy pair that resembled something Renji had given him to wear once before. However this had strange looking netting inside with two larger holes in it. Not comfortable looking at all.
Setting the cloth back down, he let his eyes roam once more, settling on a navy blue one with a white logo embroidered into the side. Looking at front and back, then finally trying them on, Byakuya had made his decision.
"That was fast." Renji kinked an eyebrow as Byakuya appeared around the corner.
"I believe that was sufficient time to pick out clothing." Byakuya responded, placing the bag of clothing on the couch. "These are no longer necessary."
Renji couldn't help but look as Byakuya turned away. The captain was wearing a pair of black khakis and a blue-grey cuffed silk shirt. It was apparent after a moment that his gaze had settled on his taicho's backside as he placed the sack on the couch. Renji tore his eyes away as soon as Byakuya turned back around.
"What are you doing?"
"Huh? Oh, cooking." Renji poked at the food with a wooden spoon.
"It…smells good." Byakuya commented.
Renji smirked, poking a thumb at his chest. "Where I come from they call me 'the iron chef'. Fish is my specialty." He proudly stated.
After a moment, Byakuya spoke. "Arigato Abarai, for indulging me with your cuisine."
Renji felt awkward, receiving such a…human…remark from his normally stoic captain. He stuttered a thanks and returned to the pan.
The sun was warm and the wind was perfect as the two shinigami set out for Karakura's beach. The shoreline was a walk away from the safe house and as luck would have it, it took a bus trip out of the equation.
Renji breathed in fresh air. Adjusting the pack on his shoulder, he mentally checked over all the equipment he would need for the day; some lunch, towels, his sunglasses…he hoped that was everything. Yet somewhere in the back of his mind he had the ardent feeling that he had forgotten something.
Dismissing the thought from his mind, he exchanged glances with Byakuya, making sure the man was ready. Somehow with the Kurosaki family of all people, Renji believed that being prepared might not be enough.
"So, taicho," Renji asked, adjusting the sunglasses over his eyes, "Was there anything that you wanted to know about the beach before we got there?"
Byakuya acted as if mulling the question over in his mind before speaking. "I believe that we've already gone over proper procedures for this event, but I will reiterate what you've said thus far."
Renji nodded and waited for the captain to continue.
"We will be 'sunbathing' a term reserved for outdoor activities revolved around a beach."
Renji nodded and waited for more; it seemed that nothing else would be forthcoming from the captain.
"And?" The redhead goaded, trying to pry more from the tight-lipped shinigami.
Byakuya simply stared at him, the half lidded eyes showing no hint as to what the man was thinking.
Renji eyebrows rose slightly. "We're going to have fun." He added with emphasis.
Byakuya remained silent, the only hint that he heard Renji's statement were those twilight eyes locked onto the face of the lieutenant.
"Aw come on. Just make an attempt. I didn't say you'd have to be the life of the party – just don't sit there, you know?" Renji very nearly pleaded.
"I…" Byakuya barely whispered. "I will make an attempt."
"Awesome. Did I ever tell you what a great captain you are?" Renji grinned, locking his arm around the other man.
Byakuya put his hands in his pockets and continued walking toward the beach, all the while wondering what he'd just gotten himself into.
The beach was pretty full around midday, a majority of the kids playing and laughing by the shoreline with floatable objects in the water. A few of the older kids were making designs in the sand, while the adults lay on their towels absorbing the warm rays of the sun. As the two made their way to beach level, Renji stopped to take off his shoes.
"I'd recommend taking these off here, while we're still on solid ground." He remarked, tugging the sandals off of his feet.
Byakuya hesitated a moment before shedding his own shoes and socks, handling them delicately in his fingertips. "Isn't this…" he trailed, unable to find the words.
"I know," Renji interjected. "It feels weird, but it'll feel a lot worse if you got sand in them…trust me."
Byakuya nodded once in understanding.
"Alright." Renji smiled as he stepped onto the beach. "We made it."
Byakuya touched down lightly onto the white speckled surface, amazed at how velvety it felt on his bare skin. He felt off balance as his feet settled into the sand, the weight of his body displacing the ground beneath him. Crouching down, he fisted the granules in his hand, watching as the pearly substance sifted between his fingers and fell back to the earth.
Renji watched his captain's first moments on sand, remembering his own introduction to the shifting material. His second time was just as pleasant as he felt the smooth texture on his own bare skin.
It was amusing watching the captain walk with as much dignity as he could on the forgiving surface, faltering only slightly at the beginning as they walked down to the shore. The captain had nearly mastered it before Renji stopped, pulling out a large towel from his knapsack.
"This'll do. Not too crowded, but close enough to the water," he spoke, tossing the cloth over the sand. Then sprawling out on the towel he exhaled loudly. "That hits the spot."
Byakuya looked at his fukutaicho, a bemused expression on his face. Renji was lying there on the ground, eyes closed…he let his eyes wander over the form fitting athletic shirt and swim trunks before remembering the compromising dream of earlier. Dismissing the improper thought, Byakuya took up a corner of the towel, propping on his arms and letting his feet press into the sand.
Suddenly both men tensed as a familiar spiritual pressure closed on their location. The Kurosaki family made no hesitation in announcing their arrival; Isshin's marching and Ichigo's moping brought a lot of attention to their area.
"Hey, Renji." Ichigo greeted in his normal frown. "I apologize in advance for anything my father may and probably will do…" he paused, noting the other shinigami's presence. "Wait. Byakuya came too?"
Byakuya frowned, whispering to his lieutenant. "What does the boy have against proper addressing." He nearly grumbled. Renji smiled awkwardly, feeling pinned between the two men.
"Ah don't worry about it. We're here to relax." Renji spoke evenly to both shinigami, hoping the sudden tension would dissolve somewhat. It only had half of the desired effect, Byakuya returning to his semi-reclined position and Ichigo helping with the beach towel and accessories.
"You guys seem pretty prepared. Urahara help you out?" Ichigo inquired, leaning to place a knapsack on one of the corners of the blanket.
"Yeah well, he's useful when he wants to be." Renji scratched at the back of his head.
"Can't deny that." Ichigo began to speak again, but the sudden rush of air from his lungs due to Isshin's added weight on top of him stopped the conversation short.
"Ichigo, you let your guard down!" Father smirked, singing the song all too familiar to the struggling teen. "You should always be prepared while at the beach with your family!"
"Get…off…" Ichigo grimaced, flipping the older man from his body. Rubbing his shoulder he plopped onto the beach towel. "Jerk…"
"Speaking of protection, Ichigo," Karin called, tossing a tube over to the substitute shinigami, "Put this on."
"Thanks, Karin." He mumbled, fumbling with the lid. "Hey, do you guys have lotion?"
Renji shifted a bit on the beach blanket. "Yeah, Urahara said something about dry skin on the gi…bodies," he corrected, shooting a glance toward the rest of the Kurosaki family.
Ichigo shook his head. "No, I don't mean that. Sunscreen. You have sunscreen lotion, right?"
Renji looked over at the orange haired kid, a puzzled expression on his face.
"Look, Renji," Ichigo bent closer and whispered to the two shinigami, "Here in the human world the sun isn't like the one in Soul Society. If you're out in it for a while, you can get pretty fried. While we're here, it might be good idea for you to put this on."
Renji nodded, an alarmed look etched on his face. "O-okay."
Byakuya had been staring at the shoreline until his ears perked at the new line of conversation. Sunscreen would be beneficial; however the new topic of discussion was somewhat uncomfortable as he listened in.
"Here, I'll do you," Ichigo retorted, "Then you can do me next."
"Okay."
"Take off your shirt."
"Why?"
"So you don't get it all over your clothes."
Byakuya's mouth became somewhat drier.
"Is this the best way?" Renji hesitated.
"Well, you have to rub it in for it to work."
"Oh…H-hey! That stuff's cold!"
"Stop squirming around or I won't be able to do it properly!"
Byakuya's internal anger spiked as he seen the substitute shinigami rubbing the white cream along his fukutaicho's back, hands tracing along the rigid muscles and the jagged tattoos. Needless to say, Byakuya was not amused.
But what could he say? Stop touching my fukutaicho? Obviously the substitute soul reaper was only aiding Renji with applying lotion…
"Hey! That tickles!"
That was it.
Renji felt the twinge of some unrecognizable reiatsu from his captain. Being the well versed shinigami in the ways of Kuchiki Byakuya, even he was slightly perplexed at what the emotion was.
"Eh?" he breathed, taking note of Byakuya's disengaged position. It was kind of distracting as Ichigo placed his hands in that same position under his arms, causing him to jump yet again.
"Stop that!"
"Ah, stop complaining. I have to get it everywhere, or you're going to get burned!" Ichigo scowled. "There. I'm finished with yours, now do mine."
Renji felt odd as Ichigo plopped in the sand, back turned to the shinigami. His back was clean and vibrant, not at all like the skin of a gigai. His hands somewhat trembled as he put a bit of the lotion in his hand.
"Make sure you put on a lot." Ichigo muttered as he shifted slightly on the soft grainy surface.
Renji mulled a lot in the short time his hands took to reach the substitute soul reaper's back. Fought together, bled together, and here he was skittish over the idea he had to touch Ichigo for the simple fact of sun protection.
Or what is the fact that the taicho had been eyeing the interaction between them this whole time?
Not directly, Renji noticed, did Byakuya stare outright at the two; but there was a shifting of attention from his shore gazing that Renji noted a few times at most. What the hell was wrong with his captain now?
Ichigo sucked in his breath as Renji placed his large hands on the teenager's back. "Man, that stuff is cold," he spoke between clenched teeth.
"And you told me not to whine," Renji smiled, happy about the exacted revenge.
"I am not!" the hotheaded teenager replied, crossing his arms over his chest.
After a few minutes deemed centuries by Renji, he finished the task. Placing a small amount in his hands he covered the rest of his own exposed skin. Ichigo did the same, and as he dropped the cream onto his palm he whispered to Renji.
"Are you gonna…you know?" Ichigo tilted his head in the way of the complacent captain still observing the beach. "He'd be pissed if he got burned."
Renji made a noncommittal noise. "It's in the job description; Do paperwork, rally the squad, put sunscreen on your captain…" Renji counted on his fingers as Ichigo hid a smirk, given away only by the chuckle in his throat.
Renji looked over at Byakuya sitting on the sand. Briefly he wondered how it was at all possible to sit on the sand, unless that stick up his ass had anything to do with it.
Clearing his throat, he gathered what courage he had left and approached his captain. The man paid no heed as he stepped forward, bottle in hand.
"Taicho," he spoke, taking care in not saying the formal title too loudly," I need to apply this to your skin so that you are protected from the sun." Renji held out the bottle for Byakuya to look at, however the shinigami showed no interest.
Suddenly Byakuya stood and stripped of his shirt, quickly undoing the buttons and moving to the pants next. Renji sat bewildered, wondering why his captain had literally begun to strip right before his eyes. It was as the trousers came down that Renji made a move to protest, however…
There it was.
As it was uncovered, Renji couldn't tear his eyes away.
It was blue with some white logo on the side. It was the swimsuit that Byakuya had on underneath his clothes.
And it was very tight fitting.
Kuchiki Byakuya, Captain of Sixth division in the Gotei Thirteen, was wearing a speedo.
Renji felt his whole body flush as Byakuya resumed his seated position on the sand. Whether the captain took notice or not was uncertain; the shinigami had already made moves to position his back to the fukutaicho. Then in his dry, practiced voice, his captain gave the order.
"Proceed."
It was with mixed emotion that Renji began to squeeze the lotion into his hand. How Byakuya got that swimsuit, he did not know – he surely did not remember packing it and lucky as it may seem at first that his captain did not wear the thong, the tight form fitting material he had on now was not comforting the vice captain at all.
Renji rolled his eyes as he thought of something, anything at all that would take his mind off of how nice Byakuya looked in the tight, navy blue shorts.
The whimsical side of Renji's brain declared that Byakuya was going to need a lot of sunscreen.
Renji settled behind his captain, keeping the distance between himself and the intimidating captain at the maximum; slowly, deliberately his hands went to the porcelain, unmarred skin.
He heard the captain suck in his breath and he apologized almost immediately. "I-It's a bit cold, sorry…" the vice captain muttered quickly, watching as the milky white substance rolled across Byakuya's shoulders.
Sake. He could really go for some sake right now.
The smell of sakura blossoms wafted to Renji's nose as he worked, the fruits of Byakuya's shower frazzling his thoughts further. He caught himself bending toward the lithe frame to inhale more, closing his eyes in the rapture of his euphoric trance.
Renji shot upright again, hoping his captain didn't notice anything odd. Of course his whole attitude was odd, he hoped that his captain didn't pick up on it. Or was it odd, maybe it seemed normal? Renji sighed, tired of the tangle of thoughts he seemed to wrap himself up in.
Byakuya felt ready to undertake his vice captain's lotion application. As he heard Renji settle into the sand behind him, he waited for the initial shock of cold on his skin.
The reaction, however, was not that of the icy sunscreen, but of the very dexterous hands that pressed into skin. Involuntarily he sucked in his breath as those smooth hands worked into every inch of his back even going so far as to touch his shoulders and neck, gently applying the sunscreen to those places as well.
"I-It's a bit cold," Renji almost whispered in his ear, the husky voice sending a ripple of pleasure down his spine, "Sorry."
He felt the breath of his fukutaicho along the rapidly drying lotion, hot and humid on his skin. Long strands of crimson hair worked its way onto Byakuya's shoulder, and he watched the locks bounce as Renji worked the lotion in. Byakuya closed his eyes, losing himself in the warmth and comfort of his vice captain before Renji suddenly shot upright, causing the captain to regain composure just as quickly.
If his gigai wasn't causing problems before, it certainly made itself known now, reacting very obviously to the ministrations of his subordinate. Luckily with the deterrent of the Kurosaki literally a stone's throw away, Byakuya managed to keep his body in check.
Renji made a cursory check of the smooth, firm skin, making sure no leftover sunscreen remained on the captain's back. Placing the tube into Byakuya's waiting hand, he cleared his throat and spoke.
"You can do the parts you can reach. I'll return it to the Kurosaki family when you've finished."
"Arigato, Abarai." Byakuya replied, turning the bottle over in his hands. The thought of putting on his own sunscreen, however, paled in comparison.
Attempting to get Byakuya to participate in beach sports seemed to become quite an effort. It was obvious to Renji that his captain's stoic attitude would already complicate things, so it was with much patience and politeness Renji tried to coax the latently menacing captain to participate in something.
Renji did have to congratulate himself this far; to have the Kuchiki noble do anything in relation to human affairs had been quite a feat. He would be proud to have it listed as a great accomplishment in his shinigami career. He kept that in mind as Byakuya shot down every idea that he came up with.
Renji locked eye contact with his captain. "The Kurosaki family invited us to a game of volleyball. Would you like to play?"
"No."
"Would you like to swim?"
"No."
"Would you like to build a sand castle?"
"No."
Renji scrubbed his face, the fine stubble on his chin audibly scratching against his hand. He was half tempted to leave the brooding captain on the beach and enjoy himself, however his temper would not leave the situation alone.
"Well we're going to do something," Renji inhaled sharply, "and I'll be damned if you're just going to sit here."
"Remember your place, fukutaicho." Byakuya rigidly stated, though the threat was not as intimidating as it could be.
Renji's eyebrow poked upward. He had just about used every nice way and given the captain plenty of options. The redhead had been polite, and in his case patience was a virtue he was in very short supply of. The quirky side of the vice captain began speaking louder now, especially when there was so much opportunity to be had…
A sinister grin spread across Renji's face. Renji in height alone was bigger than Byakuya, not counting muscle mass and weight…
In a single swoop, almost quicker than Byakuya could register, Renji threw the smaller shinigami over his shoulder.
"Abarai - What-?" Byakuya started, but felt the air leave his lungs as Renji hoisted him over, trapping the captain on his muscular physique. Renji was prepared for the struggle that followed, maneuvering Byakuya to a defenseless position as he walked from the beach towels.
"What are you doing?" Byakuya found his voice again, Renji hearing intonations that his normally stoic captain had never used before. "I demand that you release me this instant," his tone teetering on an exclamation.
"Sorry taicho," Renji spoke through his wicked grin, "I've tried to be nice. You said that you'd try to participate, but you didn't keep up your end of the bargain – you leave me no choice."
Byakuya wrestled his way to a position that offered a glimpse of where they were going. The captain froze as he realized the shoreline was getting closer.
"Abarai, you will put me down." Byakuya demanded, his intimidating demeanor all but robbed from him in his compromising position. Renji in the meantime was still talking.
"And I told you that you should be more open to learning customs if you really wanted to get an understanding of living in Karakura," Renji continued in a chastising tenor, "hell, you asked me to help. But what do I do if the student doesn't want to learn?"
The precarious position began drawing attention, and Byakuya could hear the sounds of laughter amongst the crowds as Renji walked past. Looking around merited no comfort, for the skewed perspective showed people smiling and pointing at the two shinigami.
Byakuya would not succumb to thrashing about on his fukutaicho's shoulder. "If you do not release me Abarai, I shall see that you be court marshaled immediate-"
Byakuya stopped as soon as he realized they had reached the shore, the sound of waves rushing across the sand and splashing against Renji's ankles silencing his threats.
Renji emitted a deep chuckle. "Yeah, but you see, the thing is…We're not in Seireitei right now. Soul Society is not between you, me, or this water." Renji knew he was taking a chance, and never once would have even thought of this tactic, mostly because he favored living and breathing. Something had changed subtly in the past few days that Renji couldn't place, and he was willing to bet that just maybe he had an edge on the ever ominous Kuchiki Byakuya.
Byakuya tensed as Renji shifted the captain on his shoulder. He paused for a second to let the captain take in his situation. He heard a grumble just above the sound of rushing water, and he feigned an off balance step.
"What was that? I didn't hear…" Renji couldn't keep from smiling, delighted with his captain's abnormal unhinged distress.
"Volleyball." Byakuya choked out, straining from the uncomfortable position on his fukutaicho. "I will…play…volleyball." Byakuya exhaled, sounding defeated.
"There. That wasn't so hard, was it?" Renji grinned. It was taking every bit of moral fiber in his being from tossing the captain in anyway, but Byakuya did cooperate, so he had to give him points for th-
"Look out!" a girl shouted, but the warning came too late as an orange haired teenager plowed into the two shinigami, sending all three bodies into the icy cool water of the beach. There was a loud splash as they made contact with the surface, Byakuya making the most distance as he was thrown from his subordinate's shoulder.
The ball that Ichigo had been attempting to catch bounced off of the substitute shinigami's head, one last insult before realizing that he'd just backpedaled into Renji. The how's and whys were jumbled in his mind as bodies went sailing into the water, the upheaval leaving nothing but the feeling of caressing waves and prickling skin.
Renji was the first to rise, gasping as the frigid tendrils soaked into his body. The water was freezing, a huge contradiction to the summer heat toasting the beach.
Ichigo was the next to surface, Renji throwing the full brunt of his temper toward the teenager in the form of a wave of water.
Ichigo sputtered, and retaliated.
Renji grunted as the icy wave splashed his chest. The two stared at each other, then slowly a smirk spread on both their faces.
"You asshole!" Renji mock yelled at Ichigo. "This water's freezing!"
"Then stop splashing me and I won't do it back!" The teenager grinned, sending a wave to meet one Renji sent.
The two pelted each other until it was indistinguishable who was doing what, crests of water blocking view of either shinigami. Laughter rose from between the men as their 'fight' came to a close, Ichigo and Renji breathing hard from lack of oxygen.
"Bastard." Ichigo smirked.
"Jerk." Renji grinned.
The vice captain turned to where Byakuya had fallen in, still smiling. Byakuya had risen in approximately the same place, raven hair wet and slicked to his head in the most provocative fashion Renji had ever seen. What's more, the captain seemed to have what appeared to be a slight smile on his face.
It disappeared just as quickly, replaced with the casual listless façade that made Renji wonder if he had only been seeing things.
Renji gathered his wet crimson locks and squeezed as the plodded over to his captain. "Sorry taicho, I didn't mean to drop you. If it wasn't for some idiot-" he called over his shoulder, "I wouldn't've-"
"I understand, Abarai." Byakuya gazed on his fukutaicho, midnight eyes delving into fiery orbs. Water beaded on dark eyelashes as wetness created rivulets down his raven hair. As the captain talked, his eyes roved over Renji's body, fixating on some point along his chest.
Kuchiki Taicho looked hot.
"Let me help you back," Renji sputtered, offering an arm though the captain already begun heading toward land. Neither accepting or refusing the aid, Byakuya worked his way back onto dry sand.
Ichigo followed, unable to resist a final splash at Renji's expense. The two shared a somewhat rude but appropriate gesture before slapping each other on the back in the best show of affection they could manage.
Byakuya had been stunned by Renji; those red tresses glistening like liquid fire, trailing along every curve of his muscular build. Droplets coated his body, small streams of water beading from the tips of his eyelashes as he blinked. His deep laughter sent chills along Byakuya's back, and this time the captain was certain it was not the flash freeze from being tossed in the water that did it.
Byakuya internally scolded himself; he just admitted that his subordinate, Abarai Renji, looked amazing.
Luckily the water temperature had prevented a reaction below the waist. It seemed that he was not alone in the predicament, as the two shinigami complained about the water being so cold that it was 'freezing their nuts off' or some such nonsense.
Renji had come over to apologize, wringing his hair out in the process. It was only then he caught a glimpse, but the moment was long enough to commit it to memory…
There was a bruise between the jagged tattoos on Renji's neck. Something was odd about that mark on his fukutaicho. Why it had escaped him before, he wasn't sure – maybe because it was obscured by his hair. But there was something…peculiar about that mark. Something that caused him to wonder about it, drew his attention to it. It had stunned him to silence as the shinigami made their way back to the beach.
It wasn't long before Ichigo was trying to pry his old man off of him again.
Isshin looked up, tears glistening in his eyes. "Did you see that, my darling daughters?" the man clutched at his first aid kit, knees huddled to his chest. "I thought for sure that I would have to resuscitate Ichigo after perilously falling into the water – but look! His struggling is very healthy and strong!"
"Get off of me, already! I don't need resuscitation - I'd have to stop breathing for that! What kind of doctor are you, anyway?!" Ichigo's ranting streamed seamlessly, limbs flailing under the weight of his father. His arms crossed defensively as Isshin declared a test to see if Ichigo needed mouth to mouth or a shot with the defibrillator.
"No! Get off!" Ichigo muscled his father off, sending the man flipping onto the sand below. "Use that first aid kit on yourself!"
"I was only looking out for you, son…" Isshin mumbled, face in the sand.
For good measure, Karin kicked Isshin in his upraised butt, adding "Then you shouldn't have tried smothering him."
Isshin adopted a fetal position, an occasional 'So mean to your only father' heard above the other beach noises.
"So…how about a game of volleyball?" Renji smirked, planting a hand on his hip.
After outlining basic rules of the game, the group split in teams of three, equally diving family and shinigami among the playing field. Ichigo, Renji and Yuzu consisted of one team, while Isshin, Byakuya, and Karin created the other after much debate about the physical prowess of the two 'exchange students'.
Isshin and Ichigo claming captain positions commenced picking team mates, Ichigo drawing the last member of the team. He was able to alleviate the frustration of having Yuzu on his team by picking with Renji.
"Heh," the substitute shinigami smirked, "Now I'm your captain. Seems that you never catch a break, huh?"
"Like hell." Renji retorted, returning an impish grin. "I'd rather be fed to eighty hungry hollows than be apart of your squad."
"I guess you're right," Ichigo shrugged. "Besides, I wouldn't want to have a hotheaded, arrogant, egotistical maniac like you under my command."
"Wha- hey!" Renji turned towards Ichigo's devious smile, a retort dying on his lips as Isshin called out to the other team.
"Alright – Now's the time to flip a coin!" Isshin produced a flat silver object from seemingly nowhere and placed it on his palm. "Whoever calls it in the air goes first!"
Ichigo stepped up to the outstretched hand, determination on his face. The hand closed around the coin and faster than imaginably possible, the token was spinning in air.
Both father and son stared hard at the silver as it glinted in the sun, fists clenched, teeth gritted as if waiting for the precise moment to call.
Ichigo was the first to call heads, the sound of his voice followed by the thud of the coin on the forgiving ground.
Everyone stared at the ground. The coin was heads.
Ichigo's smile widened a little more, never losing its hard edged frown.
Though it seemed a bit silly and overrated as a challenge, Byakuya actually kind of enjoyed the game of volleyball. Not that he would admit it to anyone, but the rush of excitement and the surge of adrenaline brought about a sense of nostalgia from his youth; thoughts that he did not indulge in frequently.
These, unlike most of his thoughts of the past, did not hinge on sadness. Somehow this was different; whether it was the current company or the place itself, the normal well of inadequacy was not present.
Needless to say, the absence was enough to put him off center.
There was normalcy within the restrictions of subdued emotion for the complacent captain. The simple fact that he was even participating in this event was a complete and utter contradiction for the reserved noble. He could count on both hands the number of regulations they were in violation of just by agreeing to play the childish game.
Yet here he was, thanks to his ever volatile vice captain. Renji often seemed to be more trouble than he was worth.
Even as set himself for the serve he couldn't help but stare at his fukutaicho's agile body; his bronze skin, his flush cheeks, even the way his breaths came in short bursts reminiscent of that of battle. Determination set on his face, those crimson eyes following every move he made; Byakuya averted his when they exchanged glances – hopefully Renji could not read his mind. But it was there, all the thoughts that hounded him for the past few days boiled down to the fact that Renji looked incredible…
…except for that damned mark. Where did it come from?
Byakuya could no longer see it, but he was hounded by the vision of that purple colored bruising along his vice captain's neck.
Surely Byakuya had no place in his fukutaicho's personal affairs, but the discoloration marred an otherwise perfect surface.
It wasn't like the captain hadn't seen him in worse conditions; the ryoka incident was one of the worst cases of physical injury he had ever seen Renji sustain, most caused by none other than himself. Why a single bruise bothered him so much made no sense…
The volleyball sailed across the court to where Ichigo was prepared to return; he ran close to the net and struck downward, hoping the spike the ball…
Even the night before Renji had returned with a few bumps and scrapes after helping the substitute soul reaper, why would that mark be of any significance…?
Isshin struck out, sailing between the ground and the ball, popping the sphere high into the air. It gave Karin an opportunity to strike at the ball, sending it far over the net…
Unless something other than a hollow caused it…a wayward thought wormed its way in, causing Byakuya to pause as he watched the three opponents scramble for the ball, the orb edging its way toward the boundary lines.
That would make sense, Byakuya mused. It would explain the positioning alongside his neck as well as the fact that Renji loathed keeping his hair untied… but why hide it…?
With a yell, Yuzu smacked the still inbound ball, keeping it from touching the ground. The supplied attack wasn't enough to reach the net, sending the sphere off course towards one of the ends. Ichigo was there, deflecting the ball towards Renji on the adjacent side of the court, sending Isshin and Karin in a frantic scurry for defense.
Unless something other than a hollow caused it…perhaps something else…? Byakuya's circular logic constructed an image…
Renji leaped upward, prepared to strike the ball over the net. Byakuya was there to greet him.
…perhaps someone else…
The ball impacted Byakuya's forearms, skittering across his shoulder and behind him. Isshin and Karin dove for the ball, but both came up short as the orb bounced softly in the sand, center of their court.
Ichigo and Renji's triumph was loud, the two shinigami slapping each other five as the 'tournament' came to a close, their side victorious…
…someone like him… Byakuya clenched his teeth, the thought of that substitute soul reaper coming anywhere near his subordinate set him on edge.
Renji couldn't believe it. They'd won. Against Byakuya. Granted his teammates were partially responsible, but even the mere thought of winning against his captain seemed impossible.
Yet they did. Renji felt unstoppable.
Ichigo slapped Renji five, reading the look on the redhead's face. Moments like these could hardly be expressed by words alone.
Renji basked in the feeling until he seen his captain struggle upright. That last move by Byakuya was rather impetuous and by the sight of his superior officer in the sand, it was obvious that the strategy was exactly that.
Byakuya never lost his composure. Ever.
Renji ignored all thoughts of restraint, impulsively running over to Byakuya in an attempt to assist the floundering man.
Suddenly beating Byakuya didn't seem so important.
"Gomenasai, taicho," Renji blurted, checking the captain over for injuries. The panic in those red eyes were dully noted by Byakuya as the lieutenant brushed his hair back, and most suddenly, hoisted Byakuya to his feet.
"There is no need to apologize, Abarai." Byakuya nonchalantly spoke. "It was my own recklessness that caused my fall," he added, brushing the sand off of his legs and arms.
Byakuya casually made eye contact with his subordinate; in those crimson eyes was the intense desire to say something more, however Renji opted to look away.
"Hai." The vice captain simply stated, turning to walk back to the beach towels.
Ichigo cocked an eyebrow in a mischievous grin. "So, is picking your captain up off his ass also in the job description?"
"Can it, carrot top." Renji smirked back.
The sun was nearing the horizon when the Kurosaki family began packing up their belongings. Renji had at least managed to involve Byakuya in a few of the activities, building some figures in the sand (though the tide had washed away Renji's perfect castle complete with moat), and at least helping to bury Ichigo in the loosely packed dry sand (much to the teenager's dismay). All and all Renji would have to chalk this up as a successful venture in Byakuya's social behavior. There were still moments of awkward tension, however it seemed as the week passed, the ever ominous captain began to soften up…or maybe wear down, as it were.
Currently the Kuchiki noble was sitting with Yuzu, watching as the young girl played with a plush animal she affectionately named 'Bostov'. Renji had finished dusting the sand out of his trunks, since Ichigo had taken a keen interest in revenge.
Being buried in the sand was a unique experience.
"She does know that creature is not a toy?" Byakuya whispered as Renji knelt by the captain.
"You know, I don't think she does." Renji smirked, watching as the animal was dressed in a frilly yellow dress. He could almost see the tears shining in the poor lion's eyes as Yuzu donned a bonnet as the final touch.
"Well, Renji – it was fun." Ichigo waltzed over, knapsack slung on his shoulder. "And Byakuya – nice seeing you again." The substitute soul reaper nodded toward the dark haired noble. Those golden yellow eyes shifted back to Renji, still putting supplies in his bag. "Good luck with the rest of the week."
"I'll see you around, Ichigo." The redhead stopped and wiped his brow with the back of his hand, pausing to look at the teenager. "With your abilities, probably sooner rather than later."
Renji couldn't help but get the last laugh.
"Good one, Renji." Ichigo turned, offering a wave over his shoulder. "See ya around."
The two shinigami made their way back to the safe house in silence, the occasional scrape of Renji's sandals the only sound between them. Even the street seemed quiet, the ebb of people thinning as the sun's light faded behind darkening buildings.
Unlike this afternoon, the absence of dialogue seemed uncomfortable; Renji kept getting a strange vibe from the man next to him as they walked – like the captain had something to say, or wanted to speak. The lieutenant dismissed the odd feeling and attempted to strike up a conversation.
"Getting kind of chilly tonight."
"Hm."
Whether it was agreeing or simply confirming that he heard him, Renji couldn't be sure.
"So, what do you want to do tomorrow?" He tried again, hoping that this topic would survive long enough to make the end of the street.
"You are the lesson planner as it were, Abarai." The Kuchiki noble was a pro at dodging questions.
"Yeah, but what do you want to do?" Renji grinned. "It's a question of your creativity." Luckily for Renji, he knew how to circumvent his captain.
"Hm." Byakuya exhaled, rather than spoke. That sound seemed to be a favorite expression for the dark haired shinigami.
They were nearing the front stair as Renji took the initiative and stepped up to the door, key in hand. Byakuya didn't need to break his pace as the fukutaicho opened the door.
"Abarai," Byakuya began, then stopped short. Of what relevance was this? How did it matter in any sense of the word? Regardless of every rational protest in his mind, the question still required an answer. "How did you receive that mark?"
"What mark?" Renji asked self-consciously, looking down at himself.
"The bruise on your neck."
Byakuya could see Renji visibly stiffen as the shinigami clapped a hand to that part of his body.
"I must've got it at the beach earlier." Renji stared hard at the ground.
"It was there before then." Byakuya countered.
Renji's heart was pounding in his ears…What should he tell his captain? Should he lie? Should he come clean about the ordeal? Maybe it was simply a fluke and Byakuya casually noticed the bruise…
But why would he specifically ask?
Byakuya simply stood, the listless look in his eyes daring Renji to answer. Did the captain know what kind of look that really was? How intimidating that lifeless stare could be?
Renji gulped. What should he do?
He felt disconnected as he gazed around the room. He suddenly realized how tightly he gripped the doorknob even after he closed the door. The last rays of sunlight dappled the wall, painting the small room in orange and pink shades.
Then after what seemed like minutes passed, Renji looked up at his captain. The gaze had not changed, patiently waiting an answer from the lieutenant.
Renji knew what he had to say to Byakuya.