Appreciation

Renji shifted his weight in his seat, growing steadily more uncomfortable in the wooden chair. He said nothing, knowing that his captain would be released soon and he could go back to his quarters. Of course, this meant that he would have no more excuse to put off his reports. He nearly groaned when he thought about all the paper work he had to do.

"Abarai,"

The sounding of his name drew him from his thoughts. Looking up at his captain, he saw a different man than the cold-hearted superior he once knew. Although he knew Captain Kuchiki would maintain the same countenance and outer façade, Renji would no longer be so uncaring toward him.

"Abarai," Byakuya repeated, pushing himself into a higher sitting position, catching his breath after a slight pain in his chest. The healers had done well, but it would still take time for his wounds to completely heal. He welcomed the pain. It was his pittance for both making promises he could not keep and for failing to stay true to those oaths.

"I will discount your actions of late. We have all acted out of our place. You were both honorable and dishonorable to attack me as I was both right and wrong to act as I have." Here he paused for Renji's input.

Renji only bowed his head in agreement, knowing that he had shown his captain great disrespect when it was respect and honor that his captain valued most.

Seeing the gesture for what it was, Byakuya waited until his lieutenant looked him in the eye before he continued.

"The world is neither black nor white. We tread in many shades of grey," Byakuya mused. "However, I will tolerate no further insubordnance from you.

Renji nodded once more, aware that this was only a formality. He was interest to see his captain's true point. "Yes, my captain," he answered, showing his compliance. He knew what his captain sought. Captain Kuchiki was a man ruled by an ethic code. As long as a subordinate adhered to that code of Bushido and properly respected their subordinace, then there would be no problems. However, Kuchiki-taichou did believe in redemption. For that, Renji was thankful.

"Further still, I applaud you on reaching your bankai. You progress with amazing speed, Abarai Renji." Byakuya paused slightly when he saw the faintest hint of a blush cross his lieutenant's face. He knew Renji was not shy. 'The boy has much pride,' he thought. 'But then again, so did I when I first achieved bankai. Hopefully the memory of our duel will keep that pride in check, as the memory of General Yomamoto's spiritual pressure has suppressed my pride.'

"I expect you to continue in your work."

"Yes, Captain."

"Also," Byakuya continued, his voice softening ever so slightly, "I wish to thank you, Abarai Renji."

Renji snapped his head up at this, not expecting thanks. In fact, he had been dreading a lecture on honor if anything.

"Yes, I thank you, Renji," Byakuya was almost amused at his lieutenant's reaction. "I thank you for attempting to remind me where my true loyalties lie." With that, Byakuya Kuchiki lowered his head to Renji before finishing. "Confliction is no excuse."

Lifting his gaze, he noticed a fire in Renji's eyes, a flame he had witnessed once before on the battlefield.

The lieutenant could sense Captain Unohana coming down the hall. He rose from his seat and took a step closer to his captain. "No, Captain," he whispered, "It is I who should be thanking you." He watched as Byakuya's brows furrowed in surprise. "Thank you for saving Rukia when I could not."

With that, Renji departed, leaving his captain stunned.

Sighing, Byakuya tried to remember the last person who had sincerely thanked him. To the best of his recollection, that person had been Rukia, thanking him for her adoption in to the Kuchiki family upon learning of his deceased wife. She had been so overcome with emotion, thinking that Byakuya had made some extreme sacrifice for her, wondering why he would put up with the torture of her appearance and the memories she knew it would evoke.

It had truly been a long time.

He was amazed at how such a small and seeming average person could teach them all so much. Perhaps she was worthy of his gratitude as well.