Title: Covenant
Series: Amaranthine (third in series; sequel to Nexus and Apotheosis)
Author: Akuni
Universe: Bleach
Genre: Drama/Romance
Rating: M for 'Much Smut' (NC-17)
Pairing: Renji/Ichigo (Note: I always write them reversible)
Spoilers: read through Soul Society, Arrancar, & Hueco Mundo Arcs
Warnings: By this point, everyone reading this story should know that this is futurefic, with all that that implies – character development, interpretations of events not yet seen in canon, etc. There's more talk of the war with Aizen, and mentions of character deaths during the war.
Word Count: you wouldn't believe me if I told you yet ;)
Summary: Three years after Ichigo began a rewarding life as a full-time shinigami captain, an unexpected challenge changes things for everyone, and Ichigo and Renji face their biggest trials yet.
More info and author's notes on chapter 1.
Chapter 12 – Development
The first expedition to Hueco Mundo after the break went incredibly smoothly. Ichigo's team handled their encounters easily, and the most serious injury was a wrenched finger. Not a single researcher complained when he issued the command to pack up and return at the four-hour mark, despite the lack of serious attacks – one of the new rules firmly established to ensure the teams going into Hueco Mundo regularly were not as overworked as they had been.
Ichigo still felt like his skin was too tight when they left, but the sensation faded soon enough. He told himself not to get used to things always running that smoothly, but it was hard not to feel hopeful.
Things remained thankfully quiet again for a while, but of course it was too good to last. Two weeks into the second wave of missions into Hueco Mundo, senior officers in the Gotei 13 noticed stirrings of trouble rising again, especially in the ranks of the newer shinigami. The early summer rains had everyone feeling a bit grumpy, but with the increased workload it was just one more straw.
Early one morning, Ichigo and Kira splashed across the courtyard and quickly ducked into the 5th Division headquarters, where their colleagues were gathering for an informal meeting to discuss strategies for dealing with the grumbling and complaints before they became serious discipline problems again. They were welcomed amiably by all, but Ichigo only nodded briefly to his friends before delivering his news.
"Get a load of these." Ichigo squelched across the room and flopped down next to Renji on the couch in the 5th Division meeting room. He cleared his throat and began to read from a soggy sheaf of papers.
"Just 'cause they got to go on those missions, they got extra time off. How's that fair?"
"It's preferential treatment, that's what, because their captains were something special like, ages ago."
"We take their shifts and they take a vacation!"
Ichigo put the report down with a grimace. "I think you get the gist."
Rukia rubbed her temples. "They just don't understand. A trip into Hueco Mundo isn't like a regular patrol. It never was, but after the war it's just that much worse."
"They ain't had time to finish their training," Renji shook his head. "I knew it'd be a mistake to streamline the Academy program. 'Half-trained shinigami are better than no shinigami'" he quoted mockingly. "Yeah well now look what we got."
"At least they're good at covering the regular patrols," Rukia reminded them. "We really would be in trouble without them."
"But surely the other captains won't let this go." Kira's brow furrowed, and he glanced at the 9th Division captain. "Hisagi-taichou, you met with Komamura-taichou this morning, did he have anything to say about this?"
Shuuhei nodded. "The 7th Division has been hit pretty hard, since they had a lot of new recruits in the last batch. Komamura-taichou is having Iba hand out a lot of reprimands, but of course that doesn't fix anything. It just reinforces the idea that there are different classes of shinigami. We don't want to send that kind of negative message."
"Maybe there should be," Ichigo said moodily. "Then I wouldn't have to deal with the whiny brats who think I'm livin' in luxury and gettin' perks for nothin', instead of bustin' my ass 'til I can't even think straight!"
The room fell silent. Ichigo flushed as he realized what he'd said, and he didn't need to see to know Renji was masking a startled look. "Forget it, I didn't mean that," he said with a sigh. "We need a way to make 'em understand that every job is important to keeping us all going, but that they're not all the same."
No one had any ideas, though they all agreed it was a vital point that needed to be made. The meeting broke up soon after when the other officers had to report for their shifts.
When everyone else had left, Ichigo turned to Renji. "What've you got today?"
"Gotta take a patrol out this afternoon, but we'll be done before dinner." Renji eyed him candidly. "Is everything okay? Am I missin' somethin'?"
Ichigo waved a hand. "I just never thought I'd have to deal with these kinds of complaints. I mean, don't they know what it'd be like if we'd lost?" He shuddered just thinking about it.
Renji shook his head. "No, I really don't think they do. The accelerated program cuts out everything but the practical stuff – no more history, no more studyin' first causes of the war or analyzing the major players' tactics." He paused and winked. "That's us."
"And with all that's going on, no more trips taking 'em into Hueco Mundo to see what it's like for themselves," Ichigo finished, nodding.
"At least they gotta sit the rest of the classes after this crisis is over," Renji said. "Though it'll be hard for second and third-year members to go back to school."
Ichigo snorted. "Next they'll probably want me to go through it all, so it's 'fair'."
"Naw," Renji chuckled. "They wouldn't want ya skewin' the curve."
"Ha ha." Ichigo cracked a smile. "I better go. We've got advanced swordsmanship training this afternoon, and Kira's been naggin' me to do the officer evaluations all week. Gonna take me all day." He made a face as he stood and headed for the door. "Oh by the way, Unohana's been askin' when I'm comin' in for a full physical again."
Renji grimaced. "That means she'll be after me, too. Good thing we ain't got time for that now."
§
Really hate those damn energy drainers! Renji dropped his uniform in a heap on the bathroom floor and slowly began washing. He'd taken his time walking home that afternoon, lost in thought. His patrol had encountered a small pack of Hollows with a range of unusual abilities, and he'd wound up taking several hits from one with energy draining abilities in order to protect his people from lethal injuries. It was worth it, but it meant he wouldn't be able to sense much for the rest of the day.
Renji rinsed off and sighed with relief as he slid into the bath. It had been a long day, and tomorrow was going to be even longer, but thanks to the new schedules he'd have plenty of time to rest and prepare for it. His spirit energy was still ridiculously low, though, and he doubted he could sense a Hollow even if it popped up under his nose.
As he soaked, he contemplated something that had been floating around the back of his mind all day. The week he and Ichigo had just spent relaxing in Karakura had done them both a world of good – they'd caught up on their sleep and had time to remember what it was like to be themselves again instead of fighting machines.
Eating 'cause we're hungry and the food tastes good, not 'cause we know we gotta fuel our bodies even though we don't want it. Havin' time and energy to laugh and joke and fight.
And the freedom to lie tangled up in each other and just relax after sex, instead of wearily pulling their uniforms back on and going out to face yet another crisis.
So why ain't things back to normal for us both? Renji leaned his head back and closed his eyes. What was that comment this morning all about?
Getting back to work after a week off felt good, but it was still a bit of an adjustment. Maybe that's all it is. He ain't like everyone else, so why should it be the same? He's got more to deal with than most anyone else every time he goes into Hueco Mundo, I guess it takes a li'l more time to straighten things out. Guess I'll just hafta help him relax more. Renji grinned to himself.
Thinking of all the enjoyable ways he could help his lover relax got an immediate reaction from his libido. Renji turned his head to look at the clock on the shelf – still more than two hours before Ichigo was due home.
Guess I'll just hafta start without him. Lazily, he slid one hand down under the water…
§
"Ok that's enough for now. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow, so go home and get some rest." Ichigo cast his eyes over the advanced sword training class as they broke off and bowed. They'd done well, very well, and the smoothly executed session had done wonders to improve his mood.
He left the 3rd Division training yard and headed back to his office, not looking forward to the seemingly endless paperwork but determined to clear his desk before the end of the day. When he arrived, however, he found all of the reports neatly stacked in his outbox.
Ichigo stared at his empty desk for a moment before stepping across the hall and rapping lightly on his lieutenant's door.
"It's open," came Kira's slightly muffled reply.
Ichigo let himself into the office. Kira's office was tidy, tidier than Ichigo's, but it looked almost too neat. It had taken him a few months to figure out what the difference was, but Ichigo had eventually realized that it was the lack of personal effects that made his lieutenant's office so austere.
"Hey." Ichigo raised a hand in greeting. "When did you finish those reports?"
Kira looked up from his work with that small smile that never quite reached his eyes. "The lieutenants' meeting finished early, so I had some extra time on my hands."
"Whew!" Ichigo scrubbed a hand through his short hair. "Thanks, Kira, I really appreciate it."
Kira waved away his thanks. "It's no trouble, really. After everything you do, at least I can help with the administrative work."
Ichigo frowned at the self-deprecating tone. "Kira, you work the same hours I do, and you're with me when I take the Division out on nearly every Hueco Mundo expedition. I'd say you're doing more than your share already."
His lieutenant shrugged. "It's not quite the same, but I appreciate the sentiment, Taichou."
"Ok well…" Ichigo let out a heavy breath. "Good work, anyway." He looked around. "I guess I might's well go home and prepare for tomorrow's mission, then, if you've finished up here." Kira nodded, and offered another not-quite smile as Ichigo left.
Least he's better than he was. Ichigo reflected hopefully on Kira's progress. Two years ago he woulda asked permission before just going ahead and doing what needed to be done.
As he approached his quarters, Ichigo put away all thoughts of work and started thinking about supper as he stretched his senses to see if Renji had returned from his patrol yet. Renji's spiritual signature was indeed evident in their quarters, but Ichigo had to strain to pick up more than the faintest edge of it.
Wow, he's really drained. Concerned, Ichigo paused with his hand on the door handle and focused harder. His face split in a grin when he felt the tingle of arousal in his partner's depleted energy. Damping down his own reiatsu as much as he could, he slowly, silently opened the door and slipped inside. He stripped his feet bare and padded noiselessly to the open bathroom door.
A soft splash and a deep, contented sigh had Ichigo biting his cheek hard to keep a burst of laughter from escaping. Desire curled deep within him as he peered cautiously around the corner and took in the sight of Renji resting comfortably in the bath, eyes closed and head back on the ledge. One arm lay on the side of the tub, and the other was immersed in the water that rippled around his lightly flexing bicep.
Ichigo licked his lips, mouth gone dry even in the steam-filled room as he watched his lover's casual, unhurried movements. His eyes followed a droplet of water as it made its way down the side of Renji's face – running over the inked neck and across the throat that moved as the shinigami swallowed and took in a deep breath. Ichigo bit his cheek again, this time to hold back a groan, but he was unable to resist pressing his hand to his suddenly aching groin.
Now for some payback. Ichigo was never going to forget the time Renji had caught him in an unguarded moment much like this one less than a year ago. He'd been itching to turn the tables; now that his chance had arrived, he intended to make the very most of it.
Ichigo stepped all the way into the room and put on his best smirk. "How much longer 'til I get to see the good part?"
"Fuck, Ichigo!" Water splashed everywhere as Renji started violently, head snapping up and eyes flying open in surprise.
"Maybe later." Ichigo's grin grew wider.
Renji snickered and rolled his eyes. "Well don't just stand there, get over here an' gimme a hand."
"I'm good here, watchin' the show."
"All right, then." Renji's shrug was lazy as he resumed stroking himself and dipped his other hand into the water. Ichigo watched, amused at his lover's studied nonchalance as Renji slid deeper into the bath.
"What're you doin'?" His own hand slid into his pants; he finally let himself groan with the pleasure as he mimicked his lover's movements, putting on a show of his own.
"Gettin' ready for…mmmh…'later'." Renji's voice hitched as his arm twisted, and the realization of what he was doing slammed into Ichigo's mind.
"Oh fuck!" His vision hazed over with lust; before he knew it he was hauling Renji out of the bath and flashing them both to the other room. Ichigo dropped Renji – soaking wet and grinning ear to ear – onto the futon and fell on top of him.
"Is it later already?"
Ichigo replied with a hard kiss before moving to attack Renji's neck with teeth and lips, following the same path as that lucky little water droplet.
Renji's laugh was a little breathless as his arms and legs wound around Ichigo's body tightly. "Guess so." The link between them was very light due to Renji's state, but it was amplified by the physical contact, sending their mutual passion racing through them.
Ichigo groped toward the shelf and the small bottle of oil they kept there. He fumbled the cap open with one hand while the other roamed over the muscles moving under his lover's warm, wet skin. Renji's mouth was distracting, climbing up his neck and latching onto his own, drawing a needy groan from him.
"Hurry," Renji urged in the midst of the kiss. One hand left off kneading his back and moved to help. "Ya got any idea how bad I wanted this all day?" The spiky swirl of the thin reiatsu flowing between them echoed the lust in his voice.
"Here." Ichigo sat back and tilted the bottle over their eager hands. "Do me, I'll… er…"
Nothing came out of the bottle."What the hell?" Ichigo tipped the bottle upside down. "We're out." He rested his head on Renji's stomach and laughed before looking up. "We forgot to refill it."
Renji's eyebrow shot up. "We forgot to refill it? Don't ya mean you forgot?"
Ichigo rolled his eyes. "No, you used it last, that's the rule." They had this ridiculous argument fairly often, though the heat had long since gone out of the performance.
"I did not! Just 'cause ya put it on me don't mean I used it last – it was your hands that emptied it, so that means your hands gotta refill it." Renji smirked at him, still radiating desire as he plucked the now-useless bottle out of Ichigo's fingers and rolled it off to the side. "Either way, we're out. Now whatcha gonna do, hmm?"
Oh, that was a challenge. Ichigo licked his lips and gave Renji his best grin. "Improvise."
"What—" The question ended almost before it began as Ichigo flipped one of Renji's long legs over his shoulder and leaned down to lick at the inked lines on Renji's abdomen. He left a wet trail as he savoured the taste of each stripe, tracing them one by one before dipping the tip of his tongue into Renji's navel. This elicited something that sounded suspiciously like a giggle from his lover.
Ichigo raised his head and cocked an eyebrow in surprise.
Renji returned the look sheepishly. "Tickled," he admitted with a rueful grin. He ran a hand through Ichigo's hair. "Don't stop." The flush on his face wasn't embarrassment.
"Wasn't plannin' to." Ichigo bent and continued licking his way around his Renji's body, nibbling a path straight down overtop of the hardened length twitching under his lips. He slid back on his knees, pulling his tongue down farther as he went.
Renji's fingers closed hard over his shoulders when Ichigo took one smooth globe into his mouth and sucked gently, laving it with his tongue. A strangled gasp of pleasure and new marks on his shoulders were his rewards, and Ichigo hummed happily around the sensitive flesh. He circled it twice with his tongue before letting it slide out of his mouth, then captured the other and gave it the same treatment.
Renji's breathing was quick and heavy when Ichigo raised his head again to offer him a smug smile. "How'm I doin' so far?" The only response he got was a moan and long fingers buried in his hair. Ichigo's laugh was deliberately low and sensual.
Ichigo left a trail of kisses over Renji's inner thigh as his mouth worked downward. He paused a moment to admire the sight before leaning in with a firm kiss, triggering another electric jolt of energy. Pressing his tongue inside, he coaxed his lover open with long, slow licks and slicking him with his saliva. The faint hint of soap blended with the salty taste of Renji's skin.
Ichigo pushed further into the tight heat, adding a finger beside his probing tongue, but pulled back with some amusement when Renji cried out and nearly bucked out of reach – both of his hands were needed to hold his partner steady as he squirmed under his touch.
"Fuckin' hell, Ichigo, don't stop!" Renji groaned loudly.
Ichigo laughed. "Hold still, and maybe I won't have to!" A loud smack rang out as he slapped his palm against one bare cheek.
Renji sucked in a breath and stopped squirming. "Can't help it, ya know what that does to me."
"Oh I know." Ichigo ran his eyes over the sleekly muscled body still writhing under his hands. Flushed, still glistening with moisture from the interrupted bath, strands of wet hair plastered to his neck and shoulders – Renji looked delicious.
Ichigo licked at him again, one hand flat against Renji's hard muscled abdomen keeping him from twitching out of reach. A deep moan was his reward as he pressed his lips down and sucked before he circled his tongue inside again one last time. The clean, musky scent of arousal set Ichigo's blood racing even faster, and he needed to be inside now.
More saliva, this time on his palm, was used to coat himself carefully before proceeding. Ichigo watched, fascinated, as his own flesh slowly disappeared inside his lover's welcoming body. Rough hands grabbed at his rear, pulling him forward until they were flush.
"Finally!" Renji gasped, his head falling back.
"Nnnh," Ichigo agreed. A shiver ran through him as he attempted to hold himself still, trying not to drown in the blissful heat that surrounded him. But the way Renji was moving insistently beneath him, Ichigo couldn't hold back for long. He shifted just enough to slide one hand under Renji's hip, gripping tightly and pulling Renji to him firmly as they began to move in sync.
Neither one of us are gonna last long, not after all that. A hand tangled in Ichigo's short hair and pulled him down to meet the parted lips. Renji's eager tongue slipping past his teeth sent another shot of raw desire through him, and the answering need in his lover's faint reiatsu pulsed through their link.
Ichigo's own reiatsu flowed into Renji, replenishing a bit of the energy his partner had lost and stabilizing their connection. He dragged himself away from the sensuously curving mouth and pulled in a rough breath; sitting up straight on his knees, Ichigo clung to Renji with both hands so he could alter the speed and angle.
Renji's eyes suddenly went very wide. "Ya wanted…oh, right there…don't gotta wait…" One of his hands dug into Ichigo's leg while the other moved steadily over his arousal. Ichigo watched intently and groaned as Renji gasped loudly and clenched around him, his release splattering over his taut abdomen.
He couldn't take any more. "Not… quite what I meant, but…ahh!" Ichigo dropped his head to the inked chest and gave himself up to the moment, moving swiftly in and out of the soft, tight embrace. Renji gripped him tightly as he thrust urgently, and Ichigo breathed raggedly against his lover's skin as the pleasure swept over him.
Still firmly clasped by the arms and legs that pulled him down, Ichigo let his weary body settle on top of Renji's. Sharp tingles ran through every nerve, and he lay listening to their loud panting filling the silence of the room. Eventually he looked up and shared a sated grin with Renji before pressing a lazy kiss to his lips.
When they separated, Ichigo had only just managed to extricate himself from Renji's grasp and lie back before a long arm and leg pinned him in place; damp red hair draped across his chest as Renji made himself comfortable, half-sprawled over Ichigo.
"Don't get comfy, we gotta clean up."
"Sleep first," Renji suggested, shaking his head. His movement sent a cool trail of water dripping uncomfortably down Ichigo's chest.
"Ugh, you're soaking the whole bed!" Ichigo pushed at Renji's shoulder. "I haven't even had supper yet. I'll bring you something, too, if you just let me get up and change the sheets," he offered, hoping that the promise of food and warm blankets would rouse Renji from his impending nap.
Renji raised his head and cocked one inked eyebrow at him. "Whose fault is it I'm in bed wet?"
Ichigo smirked. "Your own damn fault." He heaved Renji off of him and slithered off the side of the futon. Renji just laughed and burrowed back under the blankets as Ichigo stretched and sauntered out to the kitchen.
When he returned to their bedroom with a bowl full of yesterday's noodles, he nearly tripped over the sheets heaped untidily on the floor. Renji was lying face down on the now-uncovered futon, a single clean sheet draped over one hip and elbow but leaving the rest bare to Ichigo's appraising eye. He enjoyed the view for a moment before he noticed Renji was snoring lightly, the sound slightly muffled in the pillow.
Ichigo smiled and shook his head, and went back out to the main room to eat his supper. As he ate, he thought back on the mood of the meeting that morning. There are still problems, for sure, but things seem to be better. We've got more reasonable schedules for the Hueco Mundo expeditions, so we're not all worn to a thread before we even get to our regular duties.
After he finished his dinner and cleaned up the kitchen, he took his time bathing unhurriedly. Yes, definitely better. I'm enjoying a relaxing evening at home, with plenty of energy for more than collapsing in a heap when I get in the door, and I won't be exhausted tomorrow when I take the 3rd out for our regular patrol.
His good mood reinforced, Ichigo returned to the bedroom and curled up next to his happily snoring partner.
§
Omake
-Chapter 12-
Ichigo: You keep doing that.
Akuni: Doing what?
Renji: Exhausting us. All these missions…
Ichigo: And then all that sex…
Akuni: -raises eyebrow- Well, I offered before to cut back on the—
Renji/Ichigo: No!
Akuni: Well then quit complaining!
Renji: It's just…
Ichigo: …does it all hafta be on the same day?
Akuni: Hey, that's how life works. Some days nothing happens, some days everything happens. It's not my fault your lives and your libidos are so overactive.
Renji: Well actually…
Akuni: I'm just writing it as it happens, guys.
Art
See the story posted on LJ or ygal for links to the art that goes with this chapter. Link to my LJ – where this story is very prominently featured – is on my bio.
'Bedtime Snack'
Music
♫ 'Kiss You All Over' – Exile
