I don't own a damn thing besides this fic and The Wolf Den.

! Check out my pack if you haven't already! They're linked on my profile! Oh except transbyakuya. I don't have him linked yet. Go check him out on Ao3 as byakuyakuchiki!

Also, a warm welcome to Beebo85! Newest kit in the pack!

Warnings - Sensual tension (not necessarily sexual, but in the same neighborhood) suggestions of poly-affection, a hint of trauma-induced behavior, insecurity, and referral to what Ren previously referred to as 'playing'.

There will be no 3some in HtM. Stay tuned for side-pieces, though ;) some of those may not be entirely canon to HtM...

Chapter 25: Affections

Previously on HtM - ((Kneeling side by side, Renji and Shuuhei basked in the authoritative calm of the noble's riatsu that positively hummed with his power.

Renji knew they would kneel here all day and night if they could, but from what he'd seen, Byakuya didn't meditate for long.))

Byakuya was impressed with how quiet and unobtrusive his companions were being, barely able to sense their suppressed energies, though he thought he had felt them coming closer. As his meditation drew to a close, he slowly opened his eyes to see both Renji and Shuuhei on their knees just within reach of him, perfectly still and silent with their heads bowed.

In control of his reactions after meditating, he still felt the thrum of excitement that passed through him as he gazed down at the younger Soul Reapers in their submissive pose. He spoke quietly, calmly. "Renji."

His partner raised his head just a few inches, auburn eyes shyly meeting his. He inclined his head and flicked his eyes to Shuu, who still had his head bowed. When he looked back to Renji, the crimsonette gave a small nod and a smile of acceptance and encouragement.

Apparently, his boyfriend had no problem if he had any interest in his best friend, and as always, Byakuya got the sense that Renji only wanted his happiness. In a moment of clarity, it occurred to him that Renji may have only been pushing Shuuhei away to protect his comfort.

He stood and took that one step that put him in front of the lieutenants.

Renji gazed up at him with trust and pride, then he realized that Shuu had begun to tremble at his approach. Renji glanced at his friend, concern filling the dark honey eyes as they rose back to his.

Remembering what the Rukon Dog had told him about people being afraid of him, and that Shuuhei had a story of his own, Byakuya gestured to his partner, silently encouraging him to reassure his friend.

Staying in his kneeling position, Renji scooted over a few inches so his shoulder touched Shuu's, and he began humming low and soft as he tilted his head to rest it against the older lieutenant's.

Shuu stopped trembling at his Alpha's actions, becoming still and giving a relieved-sounding sigh.

Byakuya lowered his hands, first resting one on Renji's scarlet mane. When auburn eyes filled with pleasure lifted to his, he slowly lowered his other hand to brush his fingers through Shuu's soft dark spikes.

The scarred man shivered at the light touch, making a tiny noise that might have been nervousness or pleasure or both.

Byakuya watched as Renji moved one hand to wrap around one of Hisagi's, and the bigger Soul Reaper breathed into his friend's ear, "Shhh, babe, he ain't gonna hurt you, I promise."

He continued caressing the dark spiky hair as Shuuhei whimpered again and tentatively leaned into the attention. His partner's warm amber eyes met his, and he smiled down at the redhead.

Renji smirked back, pride and satisfaction written all over his features. He was reminded of his revelation - that Renji's former apparent jealousy had likely been protectiveness.

Remembering that they still had a celebration to go to, Byakuya lifted his hands from the heads of the younger men, murmuring "It is time to go."

Obediently, the lieutenants rose to their feet, Renji standing a good 5 inches over him and Shuu.

He spoke softly, allowing satisfaction and pride to color his tone. "A man could consider himself very lucky to have two such beautiful coins by his side."

Renji grinned at the compliment, and Shuuhei's sky-silver eyes widened, looking caught off-guard by the same compliment.

Byakuya narrowed his own eyes as the leader of Squad 9 turned his head a few inches, deliberately hiding the scars that slashed down the right side of his face.

Not having realized until now that Shuu was bothered by his scars and didn't consider himself attractive because of them, Byakuya reached out and gently caught his chin, coaxing the younger man to face him fully, scars and all. He spoke firmly, yet softly.

"Don't, Shuu. There's something you should probably know about me - I never give compliments unless I mean them. I do think you're beautiful, inside and out. You shouldn't hide these, and if you ever try to reject a compliment from me again, you and I are going to have a problem. Understand?"

Looking surprised and reassured at the same time, the scarred lieutenant gave a small nod. "Yes, sir."

Byakuya allowed a smile to curve his lips as he nodded. "Good. Are you two ready to go?"

X~X~X~X~X

Renji locked his quarters as the three of them stepped out. 'The Wolf Den' wasn't too far and the night was comfortable, so they didn't bother with flash-step, instead walking leisurely.

Shuu crossed his hands behind his head as he sauntered a few steps ahead, a smile in his voice. "Y'know, I can recognize some boundaries, so I ain't gonna ask if I can come over tonight. I will say that I'd really like it if the two of you would...invite me over in the future."

Renji grinned, seeing a small smile on Byakuya's face as the noble asked, "How do you intend to spend tonight?"

Shuuhei chuckled. "Maybe with Ichi? He's like me and Ren; likes being top or bottom."

Byakuya tilted his head. "That reminds me - I was wondering about him. I was under the impression that the pack was made up of Rukon survivors, but Ichigo is from the World of the Living. How is it that he seems to be a primary pack member?"

Renji shrugged, meeting the curious platinum eyes. "Bad things happen in the Living World too, baby. And Ichi has been like an Alpha to his own group of friends, which is a bit bigger than his Ryoka pack that you've met. Once we became friends and had done some talking...well, it kinda developed from there. Here, in the Soul Society, he is in charge of his group, but within my pack. In the Living World, I'm in charge of my pack members, just within Ichi's group."

His partner nodded in understanding as they reached the street 'The Wolf Den' was on.

Shuuhei smirked over his shoulder. "Oh, meant to tell ya, Ren. Even though they're getting married, Ikkaku and Yumi said they'll still play with other pack members sometimes."

Renji sensed a flutter of surprise from his superior, then a somewhat curious interest.

But no judgement.

He grinned as he replied to his best friend. "Bet Kenpachi was happy to hear that bit of news."

Shuu nodded just as the sounds of music and laughter began filling the air.

'The Wolf Den' was bustling and bumping with a crowd worthy of a Saturday evening, with people scattered around outside the building as well. Above the energy of all the other patrons, Renji sensed the powerful swell of a familiar collection of riatsu, towards the back of the bar.

He saw Shuu glance in that direction, and lowered his gaze to see that his boyfriend's platinum eyes were focused on the alley that led to the back of 'The Wolf Den'.

Shuu was already turning towards the alley to avoid the crowd in the 'The Wolf Den' in the main part of the bar, and Renji smirked when Byakuya began to follow the other lieutenant.

They walked down the dark alley until they reached the end of the building, and stepped into the garden courtyard, kept for exclusive use by whoever was renting The Dragon Room.

Seeing several of his friends already, and sensing the rest of his family just inside, Renji felt a proud smile curving his lips. Gentle fingertips brushed his, and he glanced down into dark silver eyes that were full of happiness and pride.

Just then, the trio was noticed by Yumichika.

End of Ch25 Affections

Yeah I know it's short as shit *ducks thrown objects* but I promise the next one will be longer.

Next time, on HtM: Ch26 Engagement Party. Including pack scenes! (I've had several readers say they love pack scenes)