Disclaimer: Don't own anything

Note: So here's the next chappy! tell me if you would like an academy fic about Renji and his struggles there, how he got Zabimaru and so on :D

Also check out "Run Boy Run."It is the beginning of the series, which this story will be a part of :)

A sequel to this one is also in planning and the overall plot figured ^^

Fuyublue, sapharra:Here you go :)

Sakurayuri89:Yes the background to the how Renji was able to become pregnant will be revealed in the sequel ^^

Shenigmatic:Yes Ginrei will be important ^^ and in later chappys he will interact more with Renji :D

Ivy jane Baker:Of course, couldn't leave him out ^^

Special thanks to PaulaGay for beta-reading! Check out her sequel to "The Mating Game," which is called "Baby Boom."

Chap 21: Telling Truth and Planning

It was a nice morning in the Seireitei; sitting on the porch of his estate in the lands of the city, away from military influence and yet not near the Rukongai. The first light of the rising sun illuminated the garden and its beauty perfectly, making his morning tea more enjoyable.

When he dressed this morning in his favorite silver-grayish Yukata with a black floral pattern he had decided to take a stroll through the busy streets of the Seireitei, observing how well the Gotei was doing; that is until it suddenly began to rain. He wasn't bothered by rain, but neither was he fond of going out when it was pouring.

Calmly sipping his tea he watched the rain. Although some didn't enjoy the rain, because of the darkness it caused, he saw it as a necessity, giving life the needed resources to bloom everywhere.

Suddenly a thought of his beloved grandson entered his mind and he wondered how the man he sometimes still saw as a boy was faring. He would pay him a visit in the near future.

That was when movement caught his attention. Looking around he saw a hell butterfly hovering near him. Raising one elegant grey eyebrow he wondered who would contact him… The person to do so would be his grandson, but he would rather visit personally than send a message. He decided that he would not know until he let the insect spill its message, so he extended his finger and let the insect tell its story.

He had to frown… it couldn't be a coincidence that he thought of his grandson and shortly afterward this message reached him. Shaking his head he got up and made his way into the living room of his estate, grabbed his zanpakutou and made his way to the next senkaimon. Whatever was going on for them to contact him, he was eager to find out what really was going on.

Kuchiki Ginrei couldn't wait to see Byakuya again and maybe he would get some more… well… action in his life; it really was boring when retired with nothing to do…

He was very comfortable where he lay and Byakuya decided to never lie anywhere else. He really had no desire to wake up and be confronted with everything they still had to do before facing the council the next morning. Yes he knew that this strange day still wasn't over… somehow it was a relief and somehow it wasn't…

It meant that he and Renji still had time to fully enjoy themselves and that they could now wrap their minds around the fact of his partner being pregnant… He would send the red-head to Unohana-taichou, maybe she could shed some light on this.

Then there was the situation with his cousin Naraku… He was convinced that it was him who did all those things to Renji and was determined to make his scarred cousin pay… on what level he wasn't sure. He would speak with Renji about this, he had as much of a right to decide the punishment as Byakuya himself.

He was still laying curled next to Renji, head resting on the red-head's firm and solid chest, when he suddenly felt a very very familiar reiatsu in the shoten…

He had woken up because of Ukitake's and Kyouraku's reiatsu in the first place, but didn't feel bothered to really get up and ask them what they were doing here, he somehow knew the reason anyway… he and Renji had left with much ado after all.

But this reiatsu was a whole other story… he couldn't ignore it, its presence bothered him way too much to do so.

Opening his eyes he saw that his fiancé was still fast asleep, a rare treat these days… and it bothered him. Renji was usually a good sleeper, although he had told him yesterday that he was always on a certain level alert, but looking at the slightly snoring red-head Byakuya had to smile. Renji didn't seem to be that alert, yesterday he woke up just by stroking the red mane and now the man wouldn't budge one bit. The noble felt satisfied leaving the man in such a deep sleep; it would do him a world of good.

The raven-head slowly got up and dressed, making his way to the reiatsu, silently closing the door, but not before looking one last time at his fiancé, who grabbed Byakuya's pillow and snuggled up to it.

After he closed the door Byakuya took a steadying breath and began to walk towards the reiatsu he simply had to face.

It was silent in the main room of Urahara's shoten. Ever since Ukitake had sent his message to Kuchiki Ginrei no one had dared to make a sound.

Few words of greeting were shared, when the old man entered the shoten and nothing was said after he sat down on one of the cushions on the floor. Some were too afraid to and others simply had nothing to say. Ginrei certainly didn't mind, he enjoyed the silence and it would soon be broken, he was sure.

They didn't have to wait long either when the shoji doors slid open and a slightly disheveled Kuchiki Byakuya entered, leaving the doors open. Surely it was a sign to leave, although who was supposed to leave no one really knew.

"Grandfather," he greeted in an even voice with a deep bow, showing his respect.

"Byakuya," Ginrei gave him a short nod in greeting, gesturing for him to take the seat next to him.

Accepting the demand Byakuya sat down, ignoring everyone else and focusing on Ginrei. "What brings you here to Urahara Kisuke's shoten?" he nearly let a groan escape him when he realized his mistake.

"Well what brings YOU here Byakuya? Aren't you supposed to be in the Seireitei leading the squad?" well that certainly backfired…

Predicting the rising tempers and the frustrations ahead, Kisuke ordered, "Tessai. If you would be so kind as to bring the others somewhere else; we need to talk. Privately," he said, peering at them from under his hat, eyes set serious.

The giant did as he was told, even if the others didn't like it very much. They wanted to know what was going on and what the old man was doing here.

When Jinta, Ururu and Rangiku were gone the atmosphere turned very tense.

"So what is it that brings you three here?" the still raven-haired noble asked the remaining men.

Shunsui left it to Juushiro to explain the current situation, not wanting to get on the bad side of the raven, he seemed rather agitated…

"We met Ichigo on our way to the 13th division, he seemed rather furious so we asked him what was going on and what he revealed to us caused us concern Byakuya. Unfortunately Ichigo seemed to be rather irritated and so we went to the manor, searching for you, but you were already gone. Instead we found Rukia, and she was devastated. Then we came here in search of answers, which Kisuke gave us, although they could have been a bit more accurate. That is the reason I asked Ginrei to come here, hopefully you two can figure out what is best to do," ending his speech Ukitake looked expectantly to the two Kuchiki males.

"Well it would be best to know exactly what happened first, now wouldn't it? I still have no idea why I am here…" Ginrei counterd back, calmly sipping his tea.

"It is a rather long story and I am afraid that we don't have that much time left," the raven-head replied, furrowing his brows, fearing that time was running short after all.

"Well then you had better start already Byakuya," old and wise grey eyes looked into young purple-grey ones making it clear that whatever happened he would listen and give his support.

"A week ago a high-ranking officer disappeared. It was as if he vanished, but there were signs indicating that in truth it was an abduction. Of course that alone would be enough to put the offender in front of Central 46, but when we found the officer, there was no sign of the abductor. However one might call it luck, another might call it misfortune, but the abductor was so obsessed with his victim, that he tried to convince him to willingly go with him. Also… the officer was sexually abused, making it possible for his victim to catch a glimpse of him, confirming a suspicion I had," Byakuya summed everything up pretty well… so he had left out most of the important things, but he knew from experience that you never give someone all information; especially when that someone was Kuchiki Ginrei…

"You said that the abductor was seen. Someone we know?" the older Kuchiki had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach… he suspected someone and hoped against hope that he was wrong.

Byakuya's nod gave him a knot in his throat, the uneasy feeling growing in intensity. A simple "Who?" and he heard the dreaded answer.

"It was Naraku," he heard his much calmer and reasonable grandson say.

Ginrei had to shake his head, he knew that Naraku treated everyone with less to no respect at all, especially if the person came from the Rukon… but to abduct a high-ranking officer? THIS grandson was certainly crazy…

"Tell me Byakuya. That officer… did he come from the Rukon?" the former clan-head didn't care that his grandson felt more attracted to men, regardless of which one; but he had to know of the victim's origin.

"Yes he came from Inuzuri to be exact," Byakuya was no fool, he knew the way Naraku treated those with supposedly lesser blood and that made his blood boil for the things he did to Renji, his red-head.

Ginrei of course noticed the small changes in Byakuya's features and became curious. "Is something the matter Byakuya?" it didn't sound accusing or betraying anything, because he wasn't.

"It is just that the officer Naraku choose to abuse was my fuku-taichou," he wasn't sure if he should add more, after all he could be accused of fraternization when Renji became a taichou on his own. It wouldn't even matter that the Soutaichou ordered it… but Byakuya really didn't want to let the red-head go.

"Is he just your fuku-taichou?"again he didn't sound accusing, but curious and Byakuya was relieved that at least his grandfather was open minded.

"No. He is special to me, very much so, but I discovered my feelings for him after Naraku did all those horrible things to him. I feel foolish for seeing what was in front of me this late. He could have died and we wouldn't have had the chance to be together just because I couldn't move forward or I didn't want to move forward. It was a mistake to think that no one could give me a greater love than Hisana did."

He revealed nearly everything, but it was okay. The only people in attendance were Ukitake, Kyouraku, Urahara and his grandfather, three of which already knew this information, although not in such detail.

"It wasn't foolish of you Byakuya. You were merely cautious, having had a broken heart before you tried to avoid this situation again and who could blame you? But then you saw that not revealing your feelings could result in the same. Know that I am not mad at you, how could I be? I raised you to be of open mind and not to treat someone less, because of their heritage. But do tell me how is it that one man was able to bring both of my grandsons into such a situation? For one to go mad and for the other to accept love again?"

It was a very good question and Byakuya really had no idea how to answer… Renji himself could not be to put into words… No, there were no adequate words that could describe the red-head; he was so much and yet nothing he could describe.

It was at that moment that said red-head opened the shoji doors and entered, with a very tired expression… "Ah here you are Taichou," all eyes on him Renji felt suddenly very awkward…

"You are awake Renji?" the raven-head inquired, curious what might have woken the red-head; when he left the man was sound asleep…

"Yeah… couldn't sleep," the unsaid 'without you' wasn't even needed, Byakuya understood.

It looked like it would need a lot of time for Renji to be comfortable enough to not be bothered by sleeping alone, but Byakuya would help him with that.

Renji sat down next to the young noble, putting his hand on Byakuya's knee under the table, conscious of the older Kuchiki male; it wasn't difficult to tell either. Looking at the silver-haired man Renji felt like he was looking at an older version of Byakuya himself and Renji had to admit, that for his age the man looked pretty good. He still held himself with elegance and grace, showing his might and power and yet hiding it quite well.

Add to that that Kuchiki was a fucking legend… Everyone in the sixth division and who came from the academy learned of the man, the most powerful taichou the sixth ever had, in age only second to Yamamoto Genryuusai Shigekuni and just as powerful. It was well known that Ginrei could easily have led the division until this day, but decided to make room for the younger, making room for Byakuya. Also was it no secret that the sixth division was a legacy of the Kuchiki clan. Ever since its foundation it was led by a Kuchiki and passed down every generation. Their members were mostly other nobles, who agreed to the standards the Kuchiki portrayed. Others just hoped to make connections to the clan, hoping to become a member by marrying some distant relative, so they could sport the name of the strongest of the four noble houses. For most that was motivation enough.

Renji respected the old man, but somehow he felt a grudge forming inside him towards the man. Naraku was his grandson too, so wasn't the old man as responsible for him as he was for Byakuya?

Well, on deeper thought it made sense that he wasn't… Byakuya was raised by him, because his parents died when he was young, just a boy. His cousin on the other hand… he didn't know for sure, but something told him, that it wasn't the case with the white skinned man.

"Renji?" Byakuya's voice brought him out of his thoughts and he looked sheepishly at the assembled taichous and ex-taichous, rubbing his neck in an awkward manner. "You weren't listening, now were you?" the raven-haired noble asked with a raised eyebrow and Renji knew enough of the man to know that he was annoyed with him… way to go Abarai…

"Uhm… no?" well it wasn't as if he couldn't try to soothe his fiance's nerves… although that was a hard task. "Hey… I'm still a bit tired, okay? Cut me some slack… I haven't slept in ages or so it feels…" just that moment was a cup of tea placed in front of him, by no other than Ukitake-taichou.

"See? And now they want to keep me up longer!" well it wasn't as if the red-head minded… it was just that he tried to provoke the other… if they really were going to marry Byakuya had to endure his teasing and testing every now and again… it is just the way he was.

"You will fare well enough Renji. Now to the things you certainly weren't listening to," he began and heard a groan coming from the red-head. Ignoring it he continued, "As you might know, this is Kuchiki Ginrei, my grandfather. He came here at the request of Ukitake-taichou, although why exactly is still a mystery to me. Also I told him, that you are my fuku-taichou. I felt this was necessary information, seeing as he led the division before me," the hidden message was obvious in Byakuya's eyes for Renji: 'Don't you dare fuck this up Abarai!' Yup that was it, what the younger noble was telling him, albeit in a more subtle way.

Taking his tea Renji decided to make the most of the situation… so first to drink the tea; the caffeine it contained would help him to wake up…

"So you are the one who drove my two grandsons to go mad and love again?" it was a casual question and was meant as smalltalk…

Well not so for Renji. The red-head spit the mouthful of tea he just wanted to swallow out, effectively embarrassing himself.

"Really Renji?" the tattooed man heard his partner ask, as always when annoyed, one eyebrow raised.

"Hey don't blame me! That question was unexpected, you know?" pouting he turned back to his now again full cup of tea; looking at Ukitake he only saw the man smiling at him and stroking Shunsui's hair. The brown-haired taichou had decided to take a nap in his lovers lap, again.

"And, he knows? Really? Mind telling me who doesn't know any of this? You know if I decided to tell anyone it would be okay, but you guys can't decide for me! I am no one's dog, no one has the right to decide for me and it is not as if anyone ever cared… I really liked the times when everyone kept out of my business… it meant that I would decide what information to give to whom and I don't like this new development one bit! You could have at least asked if I was fine with it, you know?" angrily he nearly yelled at Byakuya, who else could have told the old man?

"Please calm down Renji. We can trust him and I don't like to keep secrets from him," trying to soothe his fiancé Byakuya felt Renji tense when he grabbed his hand, rubbing the palm of the red-head's hand with his thumb he felt him relax again.

"I told my grandfather because it is important. We are together and are facing difficulties; also we have yet to make plans for tomorrow morning, when we face the council. I am sure that my grandfather will be of help in that case."

"Ah so that is what this is all about. A clan meeting tomorrow morning? Do they know the truth?" a shake of his grandsons head was everything Ginrei needed to know.

"Uh… yeah, you have a plan for that Taichou?" the red-head asked and Ginrei wondered if they truly were together. Why did he speak to his grandson with his military title?

"I am not sure… It will be difficult to convince them of Naraku's acts and he certainly won't admit to them… Also they will not like it one bit that I chose a male partner and I am sure that my cousin, out of jealousy, already poisoned them with his reasoning… I wouldn't put it past him."

Looking at his frowning partner, Renji thought again of this morning, when the council was on the manor grounds. "Say… that asshole is on the council, right?" waiting for a confirming nod he continued his thought, "Is there a chance that you can remove him? I mean you're the head of the clan and your other cousin is on your side and the head of council, right? It shouldn't be too difficult to get rid of him there… only question is who should replace him," looking at Ginrei, Renji's message was quite clear and both Kuchiki males raised their eyebrows.

"Think about it… it would be the best opportunity to get more influence. I know how hard you struggle to get majorities in the council, always one missing vote; to have your grandfather on the council would do you a lot of good."

"That is… Renji… that is brilliant, but under what reason shall I remove him?" Perplexed the Kuchiki's exchanged glances and a nod from Ginrei confirmed that he was fine with being on the council again; being retired was quite boring after all.

"Well, say that after assaulting a fuku-taichou, you can't trust him to make any sane decisions, thus making it impossible for you to take him seriously. As for them to believe that he really was the one to abduct me… I'm not an idiot… I know that Unohana-taichou has samples from me being there… let her give them to Urahara-san and maybe he can recreate the genetic material. It's worth a shot, right?" looking from one person to the other he was met with blank expressions.

"What?" really it was somewhat annoying to be looked at like that…

"Ah say Abarai-kun, how did you come up with such a plan?" Kyouraku asked, now sitting upright to look into the red-brown eyes.

Rubbing his neck in an awkward manner, and madly grinning the only fuku-taichou at the table replied, "Well it's not exactly my plan… Zabimaru thought of it, probably figured it out together with Senbonzakura."

"Ah yes that is most likely," just now realizing what he said, Byakuya looked at his glaring partner.

"Really? It's unlikely for me to figure something like that out?"

"No, but you don't have this much insight on the workings of the council, not yet that is."

"Well yeah that might be true, but anyway what do you plan to do as his punishment? I assume you want to make it a clan matter?" a wicked spark entered the red eyes, a spark Byakuya wasn't sure that he liked.

"Well I do not know yet, but yes I will make it a clan matter. Do you have any ideas?" he didn't even regret the question, curious of what Renji might decide and happily obliging the wish.

"Well actually, I do have several ways for you to punish him…" a wicked grin and wicked eyes looked back at him and Byakuya felt a shiver run down his spine. The presence of Zabimaru in Renji's very being was obvious and although he had never faced the nue, he had the feeling that it was very creative when it came to punishments.

'You have no idea what I define as punishment, boy. You be glad you are not at the receiving end of my grudge,'a thundering voice entered the younger noble's mind and he felt a rumbling alongside the voice in his chest. An ominous presence looming over him, as if a demon watched his every move; readying to cut him down any second, if necessary.

If that presence punished his cousin he would be glad; the man certainly deserved it.

'Are you sure of this?'

'Of course. Our masters are working together and about to share their whole lives, the sooner he gets used to me the better. Also Renji already saw you and interacted with you, it is only fair to reveal myself to him, Senbonzakura.'

'True enough,' agreed the samurai to his nue's reasoning.

Their worlds were still merging and neither was able to decide where to reside…

On the one hand Zabimaru desired his jungle, but on the other hand the sakura trees and their smell were very soothing to his nerves.

Senbonzakura was somewhat simpler, he would be wherever Zabimaru was. It was mostly his bad conscience, still feeling guilty for nearly killing the lovely nue and his master. Although Zabimaru had reassured him multiple times that it was fine he still felt terrible and so it came that he spent more and more time with the other spirit and they fell in love.

It was strange when he now looked back, but he was also sure that if they hadn't fought they and their masters wouldn't be together now.

A smile came to Senbonzakura's lips, when his partner changed into his human form. He loved both appearances of course, but the strong physique of Zabimaru's human self was somewhat more appealing to him. And so he sat next to him, snuggling into the others soft, white, fur covered chest and enjoying every moment.

Not a word was needed; they understood how precious these moments were.

So that was chappy 21!

Tell me how you liked it in a review :)