Author's note: Squee! (; Ahaha. So, this is chapter fourteen~ Now, I thought that I should include this chapter because I didn't want people to forget the main reason why Byakuya and Renji went to the real world. But, but, but, I added fluffy stuff at the end! Haha. (Sorry. I'm on a bit of a high. Not sure why.)
Just in case you didn't realise, this is NOT the confession soon. Repeat: this is NOT the confession scene. (: That's next chapter!
The beginning of this chapter is the end of the Amusement Park day thing. Obviously, the other part is... the next day.
Thanks for all of your LOVELY reviews :P Please, continue to do so!
~Rainbow Fruit Loop.
Blossoming Romance
~Chapter 14~
U n n e c e s s a r y F e e l i n g s
Byakuya collapsed onto the small hotel bed next to Renji.
His head felt like it was going to burst with the number of feelings rushing through it.
Byakuya was feeling hurt about Renji loving someone else, confused about his feelings for his Lieutenant (they were stronger than he had originally thought), miserable because there was no chance of Renji retuning said feelings, lonely because of his current love-life situation, embarrassed because he had thrown up in front of his Vice Captain, jealous of the Fifth Squad's Vice Captain for holding Renji's affections, frustrated at Renji for being able to break through his cold façade so easily, destructive – he wanted to break something to relieve his pent up tension –, angry at himself for acting foolishly, and incredibly exhausted because he had had a stressful day. However, at the same time, Byakuya was also feeling content because Renji had cared for him whilst he had felt sick, elated because he had survived the day without losing limbs and/or dying, calm (despite all of the things that had happened) because Renji was currently lying next to him, and completely and utterly infatuated for obvious reasons.
...This has been one long day.
Byakuya squeezed his eyes shut, and exhaled deeply, hoping to rid himself of all the emotions causing havoc in is mind.
It didn't work.
Now I remember why I never got close to anyone. It causes horrible feelings.
I think I preferred it when my strongest emotion directed towards Renji was distaste.
Renji chuckled beside him.
"Did I say that out loud?" Byakuya asked, his eyes widening.
"Say what, Byakuya?"
No. Thank God.
"Nothing. And I said that you were only to call me 'Byakuya' whilst we were out in public." Byakuya instructed.
"Sorry, Cap'n." Renji said apologetically, blowing a strand of hair out of his face.
Both Renji and Byakuya watched as the strand of hair slowly floated back down to land on Renji's face.
Renji blew at it again.
I feel so… worn-out. Physically and mentally.
Renji blew again.
I really, really shouldn't have agreed to go with him to that damned Amusement Park.
…It didn't create any amusement whatsoever.
Renji blew again.
"Oh, for God's sake, Renji. Stop blowing." Byakuya instructed; pressing his fingers to his forehead.
"Sorry."
The two lay – fully clothed – on top of the bed in silence.
"…You hungry?" Renji asked.
Yes. I threw up everything in my stomach, remember?
"It's too late to call a takeaway shop, and you are not cooking for us again." Byakuya said, avoiding the question.
Renji sat up. "Yeah. I'm not really hungry anyways." he said.
Byakuya was silent.
He's probably lying.
That man eats an abnormal amount of food.
"I think I'll just go to bed now." Renji said, walking over to where his bag of clothes lay discarded on the floor.
"Alright." Byakuya said, sitting up. He sighed. "I suppose I'll do the same."
After both men had gotten dressed into their night clothes, brushed their hair, and brushed their teeth, Renji grabbed his pillow off Byakuya's bed, and tossed it onto the floor.
"Why did you do that?" Byakuya asked, sliding into the bed.
"Oh…" Renji paused, and then went and retrieved the pillow. "Sorry, Captain. I didn't realize ya wanted both pillows."
"…What are you talking about, Renji?"
Why must I continue to call him 'Renji'?
"Well, this is my pillow, remember? It's only up here 'cause I slept on the bed last night."
"Oh."
Why did I presume that he was going to sleep on the bed with me tonight?
The thought made Byakuya blush slightly, but he hid it by looking downwards.
"You are welcome to have half of the bed tonight." The words were out of Byakuya's mouth before he could stop them.
…What has gotten into me lately?
Oh well. He'll probably deny my offer anyway.
"Thanks, Captain!" Renji enthused, his face slightly red.
Or not.
Byakuya lay down, and felt – rather than saw – Renji get into the bed beside him, causing the balance of the mattress to shift significantly.
Their shoulders brushed, and Byakuya had to suppress a shiver.
This is going to be a long night.
"Thank you." Renji mumbled, his breath warm on Byakuya's neck.
Byakuya turned his head to face Renji, and was surprised at how close they were.
"What for?" Byakuya managed to say.
"For today. I had a great birthday." Renji gave Byakuya one of his heart melting smiles.
"It was… no problem." Byakuya was surprised to realize that his words were sincere.
Renji grinned, and turned on his side – away from Byakuya.
Byakuya's lips twitched upwards into a small smile, as he noticed that, even though Renji was only wearing light-blue boxer shorts, he was wearing his new necklace.
After a few minutes, Renji's breath steadied, indicating that he had fallen asleep.
Some people have all the luck.
Without thinking, Byakuya reached out and ran his fingers through the bottom of Renji's braided hair.
And he smiled.
-Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep-
Renji and Byakuya both awoke at the same time the following morning, as a result of Byakuya's alarm clock beeping.
The two Shinigami were in a position which could never be considered innocent.
In the night, Renji had turned back around to face his Captain (Renji tossed and turned a lot in his sleep). Their legs had become entwined, and Byakuya's hands were gently resting on Renji's naked chest.
Renji was the first to realize what a suggestive position the two were in.
Oh. Dear. God.
What the hell?
"Crap…" he mumbled, at the same time that Byakuya pushed himself away from Renji's chest.
Renji noticed the look of mild horror on his Captain's face.
Ya don't have to look that disgusted, Captain…
There are worse people that ya could have woken up in the arms of.
The beeping continued.
-Beep, beep, beep, beep, beep-
"Can't ya shut that thing up, Captain?" Renji hissed, untangling himself from the smaller male.
Waking up early always made Renji irritable.
"Give me time, Renji." Byakuya replied coolly.
Having freed his legs from Renji's, Byakuya reached over, and turned the clock off.
"Thank God." Renji muttered, rubbing his temples.
"Hm." Byakuya made a noise of agreement.
Slowly, the Kuchiki Noble got out of bed, and stretched.
"These gigais are very stiff." He commented.
"I know."
Getting out of the bed, Renji crossed his arms and shivered.
"Gee, it's cold." He complained to Byakuya.
"Maybe that's because you aren't wearing very much?" Byakuya suggested, reaching for the pearl-white comb that lay on the table beside the bed.
Maybe.
"Mm. So, what are we gonna do today?" Renji asked, thankful that Byakuya hadn't said anything about the position they had awoken from.
"Not much." Byakuya said, pulling the comb through his dark hair. "I refuse to let you take me anywhere."
"Oh. Alright." Renji shrugged, and pulled a black shirt over his head.
Just then, Byakuya's Hollow detector started beeping.
"Aw," Renji whined. "We only killed a Hollow a few days ago. Can't we leave this one to someone else?"
I've only jus' woken up…
"This… isn't a Hollow." Byakuya said, studying the device. "It's two Arrancar."
Renji groaned.
Having located their gikongan dispensers, Renji and Byakuya flash-stepped towards the Arrancar.
"Are you sure that you're up to this, Renji?" Byakuya asked as they ran.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Renji asked.
"Well, you were injured a day ago." Byakuya stated, turning a corner.
Renji followed.
"Nothin' could keep me from fighting an Arrancar!" Renji said.
Well, sleep could…
"If you insist."
The two Shinigami ran for a few more minutes, before they were hit with incredible reiatsu.
"There." Renji said, pointing at two figures floating in the sky.
Byakuya nodded, and Shunpo-ed up to them.
Again, Renji followed.
"What do you want with this town?" Byakuya addressed the two Arrancar.
Renji noted what they looked like.
One was female. She had long, white hair and pale skin. Her eyes were black.
That's weird.
Her Hollow mask was located on her forehead.
The other Arrancar was a male. He had chin-length black hair, pale skin, and bright blue eyes. His Hollow mask ran down the side of his neck.
But, apart from the Arrancar's coloring and the location of their Hollow masks, the two were identical.
"Be careful, Renji. We don't know yet what their abilities are." Byakuya warned, his voice suddenly low in Renji's ear. His warm breath on Renji's neck made the Lieutenant shiver.
I can't get distracted in this battle by my gorgeous Captain…
"I will repeat my question. What do you want with this town?" Byakuya said, his voice sharp.
"We were sent here by Aizen-sama. We are supposed to kill Ichigo Kurosaki." The female Arrancar said.
"Ichigo Kurosaki is not here." Byakuya stated.
Renji marveled at his Captain's cool demeanor.
He doesn't look in the least bit worried.
"We were told to kill anyone who approached us." The female deadpanned.
"Damn it." Renji muttered, reaching for his Zanpakutō.
"Captain, do we fight one each, or…?" Renji asked.
"Yes. I'll fight the female." Byakuya said.
"I'll fight the male then." Renji said unnecessarily.
"Don't stress, Renji. I am the Captain of the Sixth Squad, and you are its Vice. Two measly Arrancar won't be a challenge for us." Byakuya said.
"Yup."
Renji turned to face the dark haired male. His face was completely expressionless – and he hadn't even reached for his sword.
Wait… I can't even see his sword.
"Er, are ya gonna fight me or what…?"
The male nodded, and pulled a small, circular blade about the size of a dinner plate out of his robe. It also had a handle.
Renji looked at it in confusion.
Is that… his weapon?
I thought that Arrancar's swords all looked the same.
Sneaking a glance at Byakuya's opponent, Renji noted that her sword wasn't the normal shape either.
These Arrancar must have already released their swords.
That's stupid.
Not wanting to be outdone, Renji unsealed his sword.
"Howl, Zabimaru!" he yelled.
The Arrancar didn't even bat an eyelid.
Renji jumped forward, and brought his sword down on the Arrancar's shoulder. The Arrancar Sonido-ed away, and threw the now-spinning blade at Renji, who hit it to the side.
It's like… a Frisbee.
But deadly.
"You're gonna have to better then that if you want to defeat me." Renji said, smirking.
Byakuya gave his opponent a cold stare. She grinned.
Bothersome Arrancar.
Byakuya reached for his Zanpakutō, and, in the next second, was behind the Arrancar, his sword ready to plunge into her back.
She used Sonido, and disappeared.
Knowing what she would do next, Byakuya looked upwards, and defended himself from her attack.
Too obvious.
The two swords hit each other, and a metallic twang was emitted.
"It was obvious what you were going to do." Byakuya said haughtily.
"That's what I was aiming for!" The female Arrancar enthused, pumping her fists in the air.
She started laughing.
"What is so funny?" Byakuya asked, narrowing his eyes at his opponent.
"My sword." The female replied.
"Yes, it's hysterical. Now, please, stop laughing and start fighting properly." Byakuya said.
"Ah, but you see, it's my sword's ability which is so funny. Look at your sword."
Sword's… ability?
Byakuya glanced down at his Zanpakutō. It was covered in what looked like… pollen.
"What does this do?" Byakuya asked.
I should have been more cautious.
"Well." The Arrancar flicked her white hair over her shoulder. "As soon as a sword hits mine, it is immediately covered in that yellow powder." She gestured to Byakuya's sword. "It then proceeds to paralyze its wielder's limbs."
How is that possible?
Byakuya's eyes widened, and he went to drop his sword, only to find that he couldn't move his fingers.
Damn it.
"I mean, you'll only be paralyzed for a minute or two, but it gives me enough time to kill you." She said, grinning evilly.
She's demonic.
She sauntered across the sky to Byakuya, and pushed the tip of her blade into his chest as slowly as she could.
Byakuya gritted his teeth, closed his eyes, and held back a cry as she pushed the cold blade further in.
…And then, she screeched. The blade dropped from his chest, and everything went quiet.
Byakuya opened his eyes, and was shocked to see his Lieutenant behind the female Arrancar. His un-sealed sword had been thrust into her back, and her blood was everywhere.
Renji…
Renji pulled his bloody sword out of the female Arrancar, therefore causing her lifeless body to fall to the ground.
"T-Thank you." Byakuya managed to choke out, overcome with emotion.
Renji saving me shouldn't render me an emotional wreck.
…He was just doing what I would have done to him.
Just then, Byakuya heard a metallic buzzing behind him. Renji's eyes widened, and he flash stepped behind Byakuya.
Because he was unable to turn around, Byakuya was not expecting to be sent flying into a nearby building.
The force of his body hitting the concrete building shocked his limbs back into working.
Byakuya pushed himself out of the building's wall, his jaw almost dropping at what he saw.
His Lieutenant falling.
Renji…
Byakuya shunpo-ed down to gently catch an incredibly bloody Renji in his arms.
Renji had an incredibly deep gash that went from his upper chest to his lower stomach. His dark red blood was draining out of his body.
Byakuya's mind worked quickly.
That male Arrancar must have thrown his weapon at me. Renji must have jumped in front of it… so that I wouldn't get hurt. In my position… I would probably have been cut in half.
It must have been his body which crashed into mine, sending me flying into the building.
…Renji sacrificed himself… in order to save… me.
Byakuya took a shaky breath in, and looked back down at Renji's wound.
He's losing a lot of blood.
If I don't do anything within the next few minutes, he's going to die…
Just then, the male Arrancar's blade whizzed past Byakuya's ear, slicing off a few strands of hair.
Byakuya whirled around with Renji still in his arms.
Drop dead, Arrancar.
Byakuya dodged the blade again.
I'm going to have to kill him, even though I need to heal Renji.
"Hold on, Renji." Byakuya whispered, even though he knew that Renji couldn't hear him.
In a smooth movement, Byakuya hoisted Renji over his shoulder, holding him in such a position which wouldn't make his wound any worse.
He shunpo-ed behind the Arrancar, and slashed through his shoulder.
The Arrancar (who was unable to keep up with Byakuya's movements), whirled around, only to be met with Byakuya's blade resting on his neck.
"Did you think that you, a measly, low-level Arrancar, could defeat me?" Byakuya asked, not expecting an answer. "You are fortunate that I am making your death quick. You don't deserve it; you hurt someone that I love."
Byakuya sliced through the Arrancar, effectively cutting him in half, and ending his life.
Wait… did I just say… 'Love'?
I certainly do not love Renji.
…Do I?
That's not important now.
Byakuya shunpo-ed over to the top of a nearby building, and gently placed Renji down.
He was looking very pale – a result of his blood loss. His red hair was strewn around his body, and was also covered in blood.
Byakuya straddled Renji's hips, and placed his hands on his Vice Captain's injury.
"You'll be fine, Renji." Byakuya whispered, assuring himself. "I won't let you die."
Byakuya poured all of his reiatsu into his palms, and started trying to close up Renji's wound.
As he healed Renji, Byakuya thought about what he'd do if Renji died.
The though made Byakuya feel hollow inside, and made his stomach and heart ache.
Do… I love you, Renji?
Could I say to you 'I love you', and mean it with all my heart?
And Byakuya knew that he could.
It seems as though I have unwillingly fallen in love with you, Renji.
"If you died, Renji… I do not know how I would cope. You are… absolutely brilliant. You are like a ray of sunshine, which makes everything seem worthwhile. Before I met you, and… possibly fell in love with you, I knew not what it was like to smile for no reason." Byakuya admitted, knowing that Renji couldn't hear him.
After a few minutes, Byakuya realized that his reiatsu wasn't entering Renji's body quickly enough. The blood continued to drain out of his limp body – and the wound wasn't closing.
He's… going to die.
Because he saved me, and I failed to save him.
The sudden realization made Byakuya's heart drop.
But then he thought of something.
Could I…?
Would it work?
Byakuya inhaled sharply.
The problem here is that my reiatsu isn't entering his body quickly enough.
So…
Hesitantly, Byakuya leant down, and pushed his lips against Renji's own blood-stained ones.
He felt his reiatsu explode as a result of the feel of Renji's lips on his own, and focused the energy into his palms and lips, therefore making the reiatsu flow into Renji's body.
Please, Renji. Please don't die. Renji, I need you. Please, Renji, don't die.
Byakuya closed his eyes, and focused his everything on filling Renji's body with his reiatsu.
Just as Byakuya was thinking that his attempt to heal his Lieutenant was futile, Renji gasped against Byakuya's lips.
Byakuya pulled back, his breathing ragged, and, still using his palms to heal Renji's now-closing wound, watched as Renji opened his eyes.
Oh, Renji. You scared me – which is a hard thing to do.
"…There was no… no need to kiss me while… I was un-unconscious, Byakuya. If… If ya wanted a k-kiss that badly… ya could'a jus' asked." Renji choked out, his breathing low and rough.
Byakuya looked down at Renji, and allowed himself to smile.
A full, sincere, happy smile.
"It was for therapeutic purposes only." Byakuya informed him, brushing his hair out of his eyes.
Renji chuckled, and then coughed. "Obviously."
"Now, stay still and let me finish healing you." Byakuya instructed, a small smile still on his face.
"Of course."
After an hour of healing, Byakuya had carried Renji back to their hotel room.
Renji was currently lying on the bed, having been asleep.
"You shouldn't have done that, you know." Byakuya said, as he walked over to Renji, two mugs of hot chocolate in his hands.
"Done what?"
"Jumped in front of the blade meant for me." Byakuya said, passing Renji his mug.
"Yeah, I know. You've now got injured pride and all that." Renji said, waving his hand dismissively.
Is that what he thinks? That I'm ashamed that he had to save my life… twice?
"That's not what I mean." Byakuya said.
"Isn't it? What did ya mean, then?" Renji asked, blowing the steam off the top of his chocolate.
"You… could have been killed. I… don't know how I would have lived… with myself." Byakuya added after a moments thought.
"I knew that I could have been killed." Renji said truthfully. "But it was a chance I was willing to take."
"I would have been fine." Byakuya lied.
"Yeah, I know." Renji lied back, grinning. "But I wanted to save your life. Now we're even."
Byakuya shook his head, and smiled slightly. Without hesitation, he leant down and carefully wrapped his arms around Renji's shoulders.
He buried his face in Renji's sweet-smelling red hair, before pulling upwards, his cheeks tinged with red.
"Thank you, Renji. It means a lot to me."
"Likewise." Said a slightly pink Renji, as he gestured to his stomach.
And, in that moment, Byakuya realized that it was possible that the many feelings – good and bad – bubbling up inside him were a nice thing to feel.
Naw. Sweet Bya-kun. (: Please, please review (: I accept anonymous ones and everything!