Author's note: Hey! Byakuya may seem OOC in this chapter, but it's intentional - I want him to seem confused. (: Haha. Please review, and a HUGE thanks to those who did! I write for you guys!
Oh, and a warning: FLUFF AHEAD! (:
Blossoming Romance
~Chapter11~
M o o d S w i n g s?
When Renji awoke the following morning, he was, quite honestly, shocked.
Because there, mere inches away from his face, was his beautiful Captain.
Because he had hit his head yesterday as a result of the Hollow attack, Renji couldn't remember anything that had happened after said attack.
Oh, God. Why is he here… lying next to me… What did we do?
I doubt that it was anything… He wouldn't lower himself down to my level…
More importantly, what do I do now…?
Renji lay there, breathing heavily, wondering how he should react. Because the truth was that he didn't want to move. He wanted to imagine that this situation was what it looked like; that it was something that it would never be.
So Renji did what any sane-yet-confused person lying next to a gorgeous man would do.
He closed his eyes, pretended to be asleep, and waited for the man himself to wake up.
As Renji lay, he thought about his conversation with Rangiku. He seemed to be thinking about it a lot, recently.
"Tell him. …Take a chance; risk it all, because I'll catch you every time you fall."
I… I'm too far in love to survive the fall.
And with that ever-so-slightly depressing though in his head, Renji drifted back off to sleep.
An hour and a half later, Byakuya stirred.
He opened his eyes, and blinked at the harsh sunlight shining through the half-drawn curtains.
As his eyesight focused, however, Byakuya's heart started racing as he noticed how close his Lieutenant was to him.
Close enough to kiss.
Renji's scarlet hair was intertwined around his own ebony strands. Renji's face was inches away from his own.
Byakuya immediately noticed that Renji's chest was bare - something that he hadn't noticed last night. His exotic tattoos were obscured by strands of his thick hair.
…Why does fate tempt me so?
Byakuya gazed at Renji's face, before slowly, reluctantly, turning back around to look at the alarm clock.
It was ten-thirty – a time that Byakuya was usually always awake before.
The Noble sighed, and turned back around, in order to wake up his Lieutenant.
How should I wake him?
Hesitantly, Byakuya gently placed his pale hand on Renji's tanned, bare shoulder.
"Wake up, Abarai." Byakuya said quietly.
Renji stirred, and stretched out, causing one of his legs to brush against Byakuya's. Byakuya felt the same tingle as he had whenever he accidentally touched his Vice Captain.
"C-Captain?" Renji asked, confused. He sat up. "What are we doing… together in bed?"
Byakuya felt his face flush. "What are we doing?" he repeated, before frowning.
He… can't remember anything about this… situation?
What would his reaction be if I told him that it was as he suspected…? Not that it is, of course.
But of course I wouldn't. He would be disgusted by me.
"Abarai, don't be utterly ridiculous. Nothing happened, you absolute idiot." Byakuya snapped.
It was Renji's turn to turn red. "Oh, Captain, I didn't mean it like that! I'm sorry!"
Hurriedly, the red-head jumped out of the bed, and looked down at himself.
"I'll just go get dressed." He said, knowing that him being half-naked wasn't helping the scenario.
And with that, he hurried off behind the one meter wall.
Byakuya sighed, annoyed at himself for having scared Renji off on his birthday.
Why must I always act so… cold? Why did I not tell him what actually happened, instead of letting him think the worst of me?
Byakuya scowled at nothing in particular, and sat on the bed, waiting to apologize to Renji.
When Renji came back, Byakuya stood up.
"I am sorry, Abarai. I shouldn't have snapped at you... How's your head?" he asked.
"Uh, it's okay, Captain." Renji said, in reply to both questions.
"Good…" Byakuya trailed off.
"So, er, would you mind telling me why we were in bed together?" Renji asked, his face still almost as red as his hair.
I have a right to know… why I was in bed with my Captain.
"You asked me to." Byakuya said simply, turning around and walking over to the kitchen in order to make breakfast.
"I… what? Oh, God, what did I say?" Renji asked, panic present in his voice.
Oh crap. What the freakin' hell did I tell him? Does… he know about my feelings for him?
"Renji, you were obviously delirious. I haven't taken anything you said last night seriously." Byakuya told him, his back still turned.
That's not an answer.
Taking a deep breath, Renji walked up to Byakuya, and put his hand on his Captain's shoulder. Byakuya turned around, surprised.
"Please, Captain. What did I say to you?" he said softly.
"You told me you wanted me to sleep next to you, because you were cold… You said that you needed me." Byakuya said, his face as expressionless as always.
Thank Christ… I can blame that on my obvious deliriousness.
But, for some reason, Renji felt a little disappointed.
If he had told his Captain the truth, then that would mean that Byakuya was okay with it.
I mean, he wouldn't have gotten in bed with me if he wasn't, right?
But the truth was that Byakuya didn't know. So, he probably wouldn't ever. And he definitely wouldn't be okay with it if he did find out.
"Oh, and Renji?" Byakuya said, his eyebrows pulling together slightly.
"Y-Yeah?"
First name usage again…
"Happy birthday."
"Thanks!" Renji said, surprised that his Captain had remembered.
Hm. Usually he doesn't acknowledge my birthday… He doesn't usually acknowledge his either.
"I have something for you." Byakuya commented casually. Renji couldn't help but notice that his cheeks were slightly pink.
"Aw! Thanks!" Renji exclaimed, happy that the awkwardness between them was over.
"It's, er, it the drawer beside the bed." Byakuya said.
Renji hopped over, and pulled out a collection of things. One was a pen, one a sketch book, and the other a small box.
Suddenly, Byakuya was at his side. "Not this…" he murmured, hastily putting the sketch book back.
Hm. I wonder what is in the book that he doesn't want me to see.
However, Renji's thoughts on the matter disappeared when Byakuya held out the small, burgundy box.
"Here." He said casually.
"Oh, er, thanks…" Renji couldn't help but to blush slightly.
Slowly, he untied the thin, black ribbon from around the box.
He was holding his breath (as was Byakuya) as he opened the box.
"Oh, wow!" Renji murmured to himself, dropping the box in enthusiasm.
Damn. I'm such a klutz.
But… this is beautiful.
He scrambled around on the floor, picked up the box, and sat down on the bed.
He pulled the necklace out of the box, and held it up to the light.
It was a bit of bone, carved into a shape which was very similar to his tattoos. It hung on a black cord.
Did he… buy it because it reminded him of me?
Strangely, Renji was overcome by the sort of happiness that made him want to cry.
Renji turned to Byakuya, who was watching him silently.
"Thank you, Captain." He whispered. "It's absolutely beautiful."
'Like you.' He wanted to add, but didn't.
"You're welcome." Byakuya replied, equally as quietly.
What would he do if I hugged him?
Probably punish me…
But it'll be worth it.
Slowly – the necklace still in his palm – Renji took a step towards his Captain. When Byakuya didn't flinch away, Renji wrapped his arms around Byakuya's slim waist.
The two didn't break eye contact.
He felt Byakuya stiffen in response, and was just about to pull away when, slowly, tentatively, Byakuya lifted his own arms, and enfolded them around Renji's shoulders.
They stayed like that – bodies entwined – for a few minutes. Renji buried his face into Byakuya's thick, dark hair. It smelt like vanilla.
Of course, Byakuya was the first one to break the hug.
He lowered his arms, and took a step back, causing Renji's arms to drop to his side.
Renji noticed that his Captain's cheeks were pink.
Said Lieutenant stood watching Byakuya, unsure of what to say.
Oh God. I've made things really awkward again.
Why don't I ever think of the consequences of my actions?
But, then again, he did return my hug.
What does that mean?
"Are you going to have breakfast now?" Byakuya asked, as if nothing had happened.
"Er, yeah.
Out of the corner of his eye, Byakuya watched Renji eating his muesli.
Why did I let him hug me?
…Why did I return the hug?
He was confused, annoyed, and embarrassed, which wasn't a good mix.
However, luckily for him, Renji seemed to be thinking of something completely different.
"Hey, er, Captain?" Renji asked, looking up from his muesli.
Byakuya sighed.
Would it kill him to let me have peace and quiet for one second?
"Yes, Abarai?"
"What are we doing today?" Renji asked, scratching the back of his neck.
"What we have done for the past few days; not much. We're only here in case of a Hollow attack." Byakuya told him, taking a bite out of his banana.
"Ya know, there's a Shinigami already here in Karakura Town." Renji said.
"Is there?" Byakuya was mildly surprised.
Why are we here then?
"Yeah! His name is…um…" Renji trailed off, not actually knowing. "Well, I can't remember his name. But surely we could do something fun today, and leave guarding-the-town to him? It'll only be one day." It sounded as though Renji was begging.
Byakuya brushed his dark bangs out of his face.
Hm.That doesn't sound too bad. It is his birthday, after all.
"What did you have in mind?" he asked.
Renji's face brightened, presumably because it seemed as though Byakuya was considering it.
"The Amusement Park!" he enthused.
Byakuya's eyes widened. "No. Absolutely not." He said firmly.
I dislike rides of any sort…
Renji frowned, looking disappointed. "Please? Captain, we do everything side-by-side. But I want us to do something together. Like all the other Captains and Lieutenants. Together." He emphasized.
Byakuya stood up, and scowled at his Lieutenant. "Renji, we are not friends. Alright? I am your Captain, and you are my Lieutenant. The only reason why we don't do things together is because I don't want to." Byakuya said harshly.
He watched as Renji's face fell, and grew red in embarrassment.
That's the second time I've hurt him today…
He must think that I'm rather 'hot and cold'.
Snapping at him for something which wasn't actually his fault… buying him a nice gift… cuddling him… and then finally telling him that I don't like him.
Which is a lie. I do like him. Too much, in fact.
Surely I, as a Noble, should tell him the truth?
Or at least make up my mind about how I am going to act around him.
Byakuya was so distracted by the debate he was having with himself, that he was slightly startled when Renji spoke up.
"I'm sorry, Captain. I should not have forgotten my place. Forgive me," he broke off to bow. "please. I'll be outside."
And with that, he trudged outside the hotel room, being careful not to slam the door.
Renji leant against a brick wall, thinking over their conversation bitterly.
And just when I thought he was close to trusting me as a friend.
Why did he hug me, if he doesn't like me?
Maybe he's figured out that I really like him, and felt sorry for me.
I don't need anyone's pity.
Renji scowled. As much as he was trying to blame this situation on his Captain, he knew that it was his own fault that he had embarrassed himself.
I need duct tape.
Renji couldn't help but to grin slightly. Duct tape was obviously the only solution.
Just then, a soccer ball hit the wall beside his feet.
Hm. Kids are playing soccer?
Renji had used to love playing soccer; he had played it a lot during his time in Rukongai.
He nudged the ball with his foot, and swiftly kicked it to a kid who was running up to him.
Heh. My good deed for the day.
"Oi! Leave my soccer ball alone, freak!" the kid yelled.
Or not…
"Gee, I was just kicking it back to ya." Renji replied, looking bored.
"I could'a got it myself!" the brat insisted.
…This kid acts just like that red-headed freak who lives with Urahara-san.
Renji peered down at the child. He was very skinny, and had a tangle of black hair. He had smudges on hisangry face.
"Yeah, I know. I jus' though I'd help." Renji sighed, not in the mood to have an argument.
"I didn't need your help, jerk!" the kid yelled.
Why is he overreacting? I only kicked his ball to him.
He reminds me of Ichigo.
"Whatever." Renji said offhandedly, really wanting to kick the child in the face. "Hey, do you know an orange-haired guy called Ichigo? You both have the same personality."
"Who's he? Your boyfriend?" the kid mocked, poking his tongue out.
Renji, who was now only balancing on one leg (the other was the wall behind him), fell over in surprise.
Ew. That is disgusting.
"What the hell, kid?" he demanded angrily, nursing his sore leg.
The brat said nothing, and continued laughing.
"Get lost." Renji told him.
"Suit yourself." The kid told him, before kicking him in the face. And with that, he ran off.
Freak! What is it with kids these days?
Renji frowned, as his eyes started to water; a result of his eyes being hit.
Damn it.
Damn it all.
Byakuya exited the hotel, hoping to find his Vice Captain.
I should apologize.
He turned a corner, and saw Renji.
He had his back against a brick wall, and was on the ground. He had his head in his hands.
He was groaning "Ow; my face. Friggin' jerk", but Byakuya didn't hear.
Said Captain walked up to his Lieutenant, slightly hesitantly.
"Ren-Abarai?" he asked.
Renji looked up.
Byakuya was shocked to see that Renji's dark brown eyes were red and watering. His nose was red.
Has he been… crying?
Byakuya felt horrible, although he didn't allow himself to show it.
Is he that upset by what I told him? I made him cry?
He doesn't cry easily. I must have really hurt him.
"Hello, Captain Kuchiki." Renji said miserably.
Byakuya noted the full title.
"Are you alright?" Byakuya asked.
"I'm fine." Renji told him, standing up.
He rubbed at his eyes.
Byakuya felt his heart pretty much melt.
"I'll go." He said, sighing.
"You'll go where? If you want to have different living arrangements, I'll go and live with Urahara-san." Renji said, biting his bottom lip absentmindedly.
"No… I'll go to the Amusement Park with you."
"No, it's fine. I'll just…" Renji trailed off, and looked around. "I dunno. Wait for a Hollow, or an Arrancar or something."
He obviously doesn't want to go anywhere with me.
Which isn't surprising.
"Abarai, I didn't mean what I said." Byakuya said, leaning against the wall next to Renji. He couldn't help but to notice that Renji stiffened when their hands brushed. He then yanked his hand away.
Byakuya didn't notice Renji's cheeks turning pink.
I'm not that bad…
"Captain, I'm fine. Really. You don't have to apologize." Renji told him.
"No. I only said what I said because I… am mildly inconvenienced by heights, and, therefore did not want to attend the Amusement Park with you." Byakuya admitted.
"You're scared?" Renji asked, an incredulous look on his face.
Byakuya couldn't tell whether he was surprised or amused.
"No. I am mildly inconvenienced. There's a difference." Byakuya informed him.
"Maybe it's just 'cause you haven't been on a ride with someone else." Renji said. "Someone who cares for you." He added, his voice low.
"I beg your pardon?" Byakuya asked.
"Nothing, Captain. But if you come with me, I'll make sure that nothing bad happens to you!"
Byakuya frowned. "Alright." He found himself saying.
Oh, Christ. Here we go.
Author's note (again): Just to make myself clear: Renji wasn't crying. His eyes were watering, 'cause he'd been kicked in the face/eyes/nose. 'Tis what happens! (: Please review!
