Title: If You Must Go
Characters: Byakuya x Renji, Rukia
Word Count: 287
Rating: G
Summary: Byakuya lets go of the two most important people to him.
Notes: Spoilers for chapter 247.
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He knew they would not stay for long. As much as Byakuya wished he could keep them near him, he knew that if he cared for them as much as he believed he did, he had to let them go do what they had to do. And even if he tried to stop them they would go anyway. They were both stubborn like that. A trait he admired in them both for different reasons no matter how infuriating it made dealing with them at times.
He never let either of them know he could read their plan like a book. That he already knew the day they would set off to aid their friends. In the end it did not matter that he knew so there was no reason to burden them with that information. So he treated Rukia just the same as if she was back in Soul Society to stay. And when he lay with Renji he did not suddenly begin talking of everlasting vows or an end to their affair. He could tell they were uneasy with leaving the ones they cared about for a fight that they may not return from, and he would not add to their anxiety.
But before they left he would make sure to help ease their worry. So before Rukia left he gave her a cloak and behind his simple words his silent permission. Then before Renji left he gave the redhead a request to protect his sister and a kiss that carried with it a silent wish for him to return safely as well.
There was so much else he wanted to tell them, but he knew it could all wait until they returned to him again.