Author's Notes: I have nothing to say about this chapter, for once... It is the way it is... lol Sure, I could have made it longer, but it was originally supposed to be even shorter, but then I decided to add Renji's part too.

Another fic suggestion. This time, it's "Entwined – Secrets" by the amazing Writing is Necessary. I personally really love this fic! It has everything a hardcore Kira-fan could ever ask for. If you like any of the couples mentioned in my fic (there is even slight past-ShuuRen hinting in it and even RenKira...this fic is perfect for 369 fans, I tellz ya!), I definitely recommend this fic. And I'm aware dear promoted my fic there too. Don't think I am doing this just to return the favor. Thing is, Writing is Necessary is one of my most fave Bleach fic writers EVER! Thank you dear so much for making me happy with your outstanding writing!

Chapter Ten: Daring

Silently staring at the two Taichous, Hisagi's heart skipped a beat as he slowly entered the office, closing the door behind himself and bowing politely.

Ichigo Kurosaki... What a terribly dangerous character he was. And Shuuhei should have known as much. He should have known that powerful man wouldn't keep things as they were. The brunet should have expected Kurosaki would find any ways possible to execute his revenge.

And above all, he should have suspected Ichigo would turn to the former 'Visored' for help... Especially Hirako-taichou.

Should have known or not, it was too late to do anything. And Hisagi was really going to get what's coming to him.

Trying to keep his voice as calm as possible as he was bowing he finally spoke up, "...Good morning Muguruma-taichou, Hirako-taichou. You requested my presence?"

Kensei was leaning against his hand as he turned a page of some kind of paper he was reading into and Shinji remained silent, staring intently at Shuuhei though, leaning against the desk, almost sitting on it, arms crossed.

An uncomfortable pause followed, only occasionally ruined by Kensei's rustle of papers before he said, "Straighten up, kid. It's going to be a long talk."

Okay, so far - so good. He was still alive and it didn't look like either of the former Visored had any intention of killing him. Hisagi wasn't at ease yet though as he straightened up, eyeing both men better.

Muguruma-taichou's eyes were serious with a hint of anger even and Hirako-taichou's were unreadable, though he had a toothy frown shown directed at him.

Indeed, Shuuhei couldn't be at ease yet. A death penalty could come up any second.

"I'm sure you know why you're here, so I'll cut to the chase immediately," Kensei said, scratching the back of his head as he leaned back in the chair to sit more comfortably, "As it was a month ago, the Ninth Division didn't have a Taichou to make any official comment or decision and since there were basically no regulations saying who should be the one to make a decision, you got off the hook easily," Kensei paused a second, staring at Shuuhei expectantly, "...is there anything you have to say to justify your actions, Hisagi-fukutaichou?"

The brunet had a lump in his throat at that point, gathering saliva in his mouth and gulping, feeling his heart starting to beat faster, but his stance and face were firm as he opened his mouth, letting out a shaky breath, "No, sir..."

"Really, now... Attacking a fellow Fukutaichou without a reason is a serious crime... And if memory serves right, it meant immediate execution," Kensei's eyes were glued on Shuuhei's as he said that, "...if you think I have no candidate to take over your position, you are quite mistaken. Do you understand what I'm saying, Hisagi-fukutaichou?"

Losing his precious position as a Ninth Division Fukutaichou would mean the end for him. He let go of it easily weeks ago when he discharged himself, but... Hearing that from his own Taichou was heavy. Too heavy. He was basically told right now he was not needed, easily replaceable... By the exact same man who inspired him, thanks to whom he found resolve and strength to stand where he was today. He was told this by his own hero...

Shuuhei understood at that second that... He was on his own in this. No one would be on his side if things got really bad. It was as if Muguruma-taichou just pointed at the door.

And he wished he had, but he really didn't have anything to say. At all. Nothing at all to protest with. He was powerless...because he knew he was in complete wrong.

It was really painful and hard to take all of the words said at him, but again, Shuuhei kept his calm, "Yes, Muguruma-taichou."

"...at least, that's the sentence you would have gotten in da old days," came Shinji's voice, who simply stood watch until now, "Thing is, the fact ya discharged yourself changes many things."

Hisagi stared. Changes..?

"Yeah..." Kensei picked and dropped the file with papers for emphasis, "Apart from this so called "small misstep", you have a completely clean record, too."

Huh? What was this..? It was too early to get happy, but the sudden conversation in favor of the brunet was giving him much needed hope.

He just wished it wasn't false hope...

"But that's not even all, really," Hirako leaned hands against the desk, his toothy scowl still in full view, "That time when Kira-fukutaichou dug into this matter, it seems all of the Fukutaichous from every single Division accepted your return," the blond let out an annoyed breath, his eyes holding a bored expression now, "And as it is, us Taichous have authority over Fukutaichous, but this decision should be made by them alone without any pressure. And in this case, it means dat ya have total protection of all of Fukutaichous on yar side. In other words, if say, all of the Taichous voted for your execution, it would be going against all of the Fukutaichous' will, which could result in unnecessary conflict, even force. And that is something strictly forbidden by law, despite Taichous having greater authority, ya see."

Muguruma frowned as he raised his eyes at Shinji, "Where the hell did you learn all that detailed nonsense?"

"In dis new rulebook," Hirako reached inside his haori, taking out a thin book and throwing it to Kensei, who caught it with ease, "It's amazing how much Soul Society changed while we were gone and after Aizen's imprisonment."

Shuuhei stared at the two with slightly widened eyes. He actually didn't have much time to read into all of the new rules with his tiresome work, so what he heard just now was majorly new to him. If this how things worked now, he was very glad. Really glad. It meant he wouldn't get executed and got to keep his position.

He almost smiled as he stared at Muguruma-taichou asking where the new fucked up rule was written and Hirako-taichou listing through pages trying to find it, pointing his finger at it when he did.

...But wait...what were they doing? Weren't they on Kurosaki's side..?

It was still early to celebrate, wasn't it? And Shuuhei was proven right as Shinji and Kensei exchanged looks.

"But ya know what, Hisagi-fukutaichou?" Shinji continued, spreading his arms at the sides and shrugging innocently, as if they were having a talk about weather and not a person's fate, "Even though we can do nothin' to ya officially," he tilted his head to the side, showing off a toothy smile, "There are other ways for us to help out our great friend."

And all of Hisagi's inner hope suddenly disappeared into thin air as if it never even existed. He felt weak and his head was spinning from all of this pressure and stress. Why did it look like it was a game for these two..? Both Taichous held hideously wide smirks now and it could mean that something was up. And whatever it was, it was not good.

Kensei stood up, his hands on the desk, "As the Ninth Division's Taichou, I officially pardon you off this crime due to the law, however," getting some document, he pushed it towards the end of the table, "Come and read this, Hisagi-fukutaichou."

Shuuhei's legs felt like jelly as he made slow steps towards the table, picking up the offered piece of paper and reading it, his eyes widening.

N-no way... This was-

"You see, Hisagi-fukutaichou, it's all about connections. And Ichigo certainly has no problem with that within Gotei 13," Shinji grinned, watching Shuuhei's hands shake a bit.

Friends help out each other in any way possible, huh..?

Hisagi could hardly breathe.

"You understand what this means, don't you, kid?" Kensei sat back down, completely at ease, "An order signed by Soutaichou himself... None of the Taichous or Fukutaichous in the entire Gotei 13 have the right to stop your battle with Kurosaki Ichigo, no matter the circumstances."

Hisagi's eyes were wide as he scanned every single word with his eyes. This couldn't be real. Even Soutaichou himself was on Ichigo's side?! Did the entire Gotei 13 truly go against him now?! And to be honest, the brunet couldn't help a nagging feeling that something wasn't right, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was.

All he knew was... He was completely fucked.

"And in this case, not even the Fukutaichous being on your side can help you. This is what they call the law of the jungle, kid."

Yeah, jungle... The brunet still couldn't believe this was happening. Everything was so well before his emotions and hurt took the better of him. He couldn't forgive himself for what he did to Renji still, it was a fact, but... The redhead forgave him. Abarai even returned to him. They were together again and yet, this had to happen. All because of one single person who couldn't let go of a grudge.

If this was exactly how Ichigo Kurosaki truly was, Shuuhei had no idea how this man went as far as he did...

Putting the paper back on the table, Shuuhei did it just in time to hear a "have a nice morning and day", so he bowed his head and left the office, burdened and beat by his cruel fate.

Just as he walked out, he actually momentarily wondered what Ichigo Kurosaki promised in return to execute his revenge, but he guessed since Gotei 13 owed him a lot as was for all of his help, Shuuhei's life was a small price to pay.

How very...interesting...

Eyeing said man as the brunet closed the door behind himself, he had to admit that Ichigo's smirk looked really tasteless, "Did you like your good morning surprise, scum?"

Scum, eh..? This just kept getting better and better. And Renji was actually great friends with this guy. What did he see in him..?

Getting his thoughts back together as he stood there a second longer, Shuuhei looked directly at Ichigo, "...I don't have a choice now, do I?"

Ichigo snorted, "No way, freak."

Closing his eyes a second, Shuuhei sighed, "I accept your duel then," he really didn't want to get stabbed in the back if he refused. Besides, his pride as a seated officer wouldn't allow him to.

"Great, let's go," unfolding his arms and leaning away from the wall, Ichigo glared at Hisagi as he walked past him, arms in his shihakushou pockets, "This is the last fucking day of your life..."

Quietly following after Ichigo, Shuuhei couldn't help but run everything that was said to him in the office over and over in his mind. There was something odd about all this. He would have gotten to the bottom of it, but he had no time or choice at this point...

Oh well, he was kinda getting what he deserved. But this was not the same as last time anymore. Last time he went against Ichigo, he wanted to die... This time, he didn't. Because...Renji came back to him. And that's all he needed. All he wanted. To him, nothing else mattered. Because he loved the tattooed monkey idiot without fail...without fail.

And then, he suddenly remembered something, grinning widely as he snickered under his breath at the amusing thought, receiving a disgusted look from Ichigo, "What's so funny? Do you even realize the seriousness of the situation you're in, fucker?"

Shuuhei didn't reply and just grinned wider. Thinking back to Renji, he had to mentally apologize.

Hisagi wouldn't be able to keep his promise to go heal all of the wounds on his body during a break.

Stirring in the futon, Renji woke up, stretching his muscles as he yawned. Looking around the room, he remembered he was at sempai's place, grinning to himself as he turned on his side and snuggled the pillow, taking in the scent that belonged to Shuuhei. Gods, he really had to admit it, he missed the brunet's warmth, that beautiful smile, those gorgeous kind eyes that shined with love and care only for him, that amazing body he got to touch whenever, the goofy conversations they had, everything. It was really impossible to not love him.

But then his momentary musings were ruined as he remembered where he was supposed to be. Raising his still sleepy eyes, Renji looked at the clock, amber instantly going wide as he jumped out of bed.

Oh fucking shit. He was late by one hour already. Kuchiki-taichou will have his hea-

Pausing as he decided to take one of Shuuhei's sleeved shihakushous, for he had no time to return home, the redhead was stoned as he faintly felt two familiar reiatsus in the distance.

The fuck was this..?! Were Ichigo and Shuuhei seriously...battling..?

Eyes getting even wider, grumbling about what a fucked up morning it was, Renji put on the shihakushou fast, running out of the room, completely forgetting to lock it as he promised Hisagi, not caring to remember either as it didn't matter at that second, running out of the Ninth Division barracks only to run into another familiar reiatsu.

Stopping in his tracks, Renji's stared at the person he didn't yet wish to face. His heart beating fast and uneven. It was time to face the music sooner than expected, huh..?

But he had no time. The two reiatsus were only getting stronger.

"Kuchiki-taichou," he half-bowed half-nodded, "You can kick my ass after for being late, but right now, I need to go and-"

"The only thing you are doing is keeping far away from the battle, Abarai-fukutaichou," Byakuya's face was a normal stoic.

"...what?! Why is that, Taichou? Two of my friends are fighting, I need to-"

"...so in the very end, you have made your final decision," Byakuya interrupted Renji, saying what actually mattered to him, going slightly out of his way by doing that, a new emotion shining in his eyes.

And then... Renji felt lower than shit for a second time in his life. In fact, it looked like déjà vu to him... But... He really couldn't help his heart.

And as he stared at Byakuya right now, he couldn't help but think back to Hisagi, especially with his reiatsu going out of it at high levels in the distance.

A 180 degree change of preferences again? No... Staring into dark eyes, Renji realized it...

He has always been truly in love with only Shuuhei. Was he lying to himself all this time? Was he lying to Byakuya about loving him all this time?

Did he...truly fuck things up so badly..?

His face serious with a hint of misery in his eyes, Renji let out a heavy sigh. This was foolish and crazy. What has he been doing all of these months..?

"I'm truly very sorry..." letting that out, staring directly into Byakuya's eyes, putting all of his sincere emotions into that one sentence, Renji understood.

It was over.

He would never be able to grab hold of the moon ever again and bask in its tender glow...

Even then Byakuya's expression remained unchanged, but... Renji knew. He knew how much he hurt the other. He had already witnessed the damage done with sempai.

But this showed the difference between two men. Major difference. Still, he couldn't believe he fucked it up yet again.

Will this circle ever end..?

Closing his eyes Kuchiki-taichou reached inside his haori and pulled out a folded piece of paper, offering it to Renji, "Please read and understand the situation. That is all," he really showed nothing, but the air was heavy and there was a change in Byakuya's aura.

As soon as Renji accepted the paper, Byakuya left, disappearing out of sight just like that. And with it - out of Renji's personal life.

Squeezing the paper in his hand, Renji tch'ed, looking up at the morning sky, thinking about what kind of worthless idiot he was.

First sempai, now his Taichou... When will he stop fucking up so badly? And the shitty part was, it's not like he never loved Byakuya... But it seems... His feelings for Shuuhei were just stronger.

That's what his soul told him. And he didn't know if this was good or bad, but... He didn't regret the time he was with Byakuya. Not even for a second. The man showed him so much love, so much caring, so much...everything Renji could ever wish for.

But maybe, deep down, he was fooling himself all this time... And actually missing Hisagi.

Letting go of his messed up feelings for now and unfolding the paper, Renji couldn't believe his eyes at what he read.

"No...Shuuhei..."

To Be Continued...