Chapter 4

MONTHS LATER

Renji, once again, slept next to Byakuya. The older man wondered if he should just move in already. Though he knew what Renji's answer would be. The morning sky was dim as the sun just barely creeped it's way above the trees. Byakuya pressed his face into his lover's shoulder blades, breathing in his personal scent. He could never resist this.

"Morning..." it was more a groan than anything. Since Renji had started working full time, it had become a million times harder to get his bouncy butt out of bed. He was heavy as a log and if the smell of breakfast didn't wake him, there was little that could.

"We need to get up, Renji," Byakuya whispered. Renji rolled violently around and grabbed Byakuya in a hard clamp, not letting go. Typical Saturday behavior.

"Nope."

"We need to get up Renji, the sun is almost totally up."

"I hate the sun. The sun is my enemy and sleep is my salvation," the red head mumbled into his lover's hair. Byakuya tried in vain to push himself out of Renji's iron grasp.

"Mmpphhh, Renji...let go...can't breathe..."

"Stop talking about this getting up nonsense and I'll consider it."

"Don't you want breakfast?" He asked in a huff as Renji's hold (somehow) tightened. With a sigh, he was released.

"My only weakness...you know too much." He rolled back over and pulled the blankets totally over his head. Byakuya coughed a bit and stood, his back still hurting from a few months ago. He might see a doctor for it.

"You're just (gasp) too much..." He had no idea how he had survived Renji for so long. They had been together damn near two years now. He thought back to how it had all started out. Renji had been a 22 year old ball of energy.

Now he was 24 and Byakuya was almost 32. His age had begun to show. How grossly unfair.

As per their usual routine, Byakuya made breakfast and Renji eventually joined him when the smell of sausages permeated the entire house. Renji bounded down the steps and practically flew into the kitchen, grabbing up his brunette in a fierce good morning kiss - to which Byakuya had no chance against. Nearly dropping the spatula, he hip checked Renji lightly to get him off. The young man leaned against the counter.

"Stop playing around, Renji, please make a pot of coffee." Byakuya huffed as he began plating. It was a wonder that getting out of bed was an extreme sport. But dealing with him afterwards was practically a marathon.

The coffee was made, though no matter how many times Renji made it he continued to make the same grumpy face regarding the smell. When it was made, Renji poured the liquid into a mug and placed it at Byakuya's plate.

"Is your back okay?" He asked, coming up behind him and wrapping his arms loosely around his lover's waist.

"I'll be fine, Renji. Probably just a pinched nerve," he said into the smoking hot pan. Renji rested his head on Byakuya's shoulder. This, Byakuya had realized through the years, was his happy place. The sheer domestication of it tickled him. Cooking breakfast with the smell of coffee in the air and his large, perfect lover resting against him as he finished up. The windows were open and the sun shined through with the gentle ringing of chimes singing just outside. Their light chinging promised a gentle breeze.

He smiled.

0000

Byakuya shifted through the small pile of papers at his desk. Urahara was more useful than Aisen ever was. He was slightly irritated that he didn't give him the position earlier. It might have saved him a huge headache.

"Byakuya?" Came Yuroichi's silky singsong voice. She must have been trying to impress someone. He'd come to find that particular voice frightening.

"Yes, Yuroichi," he answered nervously. He was in a good mood today. Renji had not gone back to his apartment in some time and it made for a very relaxed CEO.

"Do you have a moment to speak with the GM of the warehouse sometime today? He's visiting and wondered if you had a minute."

Byakuya looked at the short stack of papers.

"Actually, I have time now, let him in," he said. A few seconds later, a rather gruff looking man in a suit entered the room.

The older gentlman looked like a mountain man trapped in a buisness outfit that was trying desperately not to fall apart under the pressure. His work boots clomped into his office, leaving a thin outline of dust in the shape of a large foot.

"Good morning, Mister Kuchiki, my name is Gregory Tremper and I'm the general manager in the warehouse. I know you're a busy man, but I was wondering if I could discuss one of my construction workers?"

"Mister Tremper, yes, I believe we met at the seminar a few months back. How can I help you?"

Tremper seemed a bit confused as he cleared his throat to continue. It was clear he'd believed Byakuya would be cold, aloof, and tough to speak with. He supposed he had been that way at one point. He never realized how much he had changed.

"You see...his name is Renji Abarai."

Byakuya visibly tensed. What could Renji have done to cause the general manager to speak with him.

"What seems to be the problem?" He asked, trying to hide the concern in his tone.

"Well, it's not really that I have a problem with him - quite the opposite, actually. Renji had the best work ethic I've seen in a while. He comes to work in a good mood every day, is never late and does everything asked of him exactly how he's asked to do it."

Byakuya felt the tightness in his chest melt away to be replaced with pride. Pride in someone else. It was far more powerful to him than pride he felt in himself for accomplishments.

"That's great to hear. Are you asking to give him a raise? It's not really my department anymore, but I'm sure I could push it through," he said with perhaps too wide a smile. Tremper shuffled his feet again.

"That's not everything, actually. He shows intense leadership skills and has a great repor with his coworkers. They all love him. Actually, since he started working, he's given us several ideas on keeping them all happy. He's very smart, despite his...apprearence. But the point is, he's wasted in the construction department and I believe he belongs somewhere where he could work with people. He would be perfect in HR as an in house therapist."

Byakuya couldn't believe what he was hearing. This man wanted his Renji to be...a doctor.

"I'm not sure if he's qualified to do something like that," he said while lacing his fingers together. He never considered the idea that Renji could excel in something like that. But it did make sense.

"Which brings me to my next topic. In order to begin working in HR, he would require at least a bachelor's degree in psychology. That said, the prestigious Misayori University would be perfect if he could get in. They have a very good Psychology department and if he could take the entrance exam, I believe he could get in with some tutoring. The problem is...money. Renji doesn't exactly make much," he explained. Byakuya was bewildered. This is exactly the sort of thing Renji needed. Byakuya himself had taken several buisness courses at Misayori.

"So in light of how beneficial he would be to this company's morale and in light of how good he really is in dedication to this company, I'm asking Serete to please help fund his schooling."

If it were up to Byakuya, he would fund Renji's education himself. Trempor patted his person, quickly coming up with a folded paper in his pocket. He was starting to look more and more nervous.

"I, uhh...I have a petition! Lots of signatures! Would you, perhaps give it a look?"

"Have you spoken with Renji?" He asked, accepting the paper and pretending to look at the signatures.

"I have brought it up to him, but he usually laughs it off like it isn't possible. But with your help, I think it's very possible."

Byakuya cleared his throat.

"I'll speak with him to see how he feels about all this. I'm sure we can work something out."

Tremper nodded his head in his direction, seeming almost blown away by how well the conversation went.

"I'll send him up on his lunch break then. Thank you so much for your time, Mister Kuchiki."

Byakuya always forgot that no one else really knew that he was in a relationship with Renji. Even when they carpooled together, they went separate ways to different buildings and it just happened that no one saw them come in together. He wondered if Renji had told anyone. Given his desire to do things himself without help from Byakuya's influence, it was unlikely.

A few hours later, Renji had made his way to Byakuya's office.

Renji stomped into Byakuya's office with the sort of confidence only he (and perhaps Yuroichi) displayed to the CEO.

"Are we having lunch together?" He asked, planting a kiss to the top of his lover's head. Byakuya smiled and stood up.

"Sure, let's go down to see Rukia."

000

When they were seated at their usual table, Byakuya didn't even bother looking at the menu. Ever a creature of habit.

"So your supervisor came to me this morning with an interesting proposal. I wanted to know what you thought of it."

Renji smiled.

"What's up? Am I in trouble?"

"No, he...he thinks you should get your bachelor's in psychology. He thinks you should go to school to get a new job in the HR department as a therapist. What do you think?"

Renji laughed heartily. "He said that to me a couple times. I've never been all that into going to school, I don't think it's feasible," he brushed it off. Byakuya had a feeling this would be his reaction.

"Have you ever taken an entrance exam? Masayori is a very prestigious school for psychological advancement. If you could get in, I would be more than happy to provide the funds to-"

"Out of the question."

Byakuya was taken aback. He wasn't even going to consider it?

"But...Renji this is an amazing oppertunity. You're fantastic with people and this is just the thing to get you a great career! Therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists are needed everywhere, you would have job security. Won't you even consider how great this would be for you? Plus you could get your doctorate if you wanted, it would be nothing to get you the funds, even if I paid for it myself."

Just then, a hugely pregnant Rukia waddled up to their table.

"Well, well, my two favorite customers," she beamed. She looked adorable with her tiny frame and huge belly.

"Rukia, shouldn't you be taking it easy? You only have a few weeks before your due date," Byakuya worried.

Rukia giggled. She pulled out her notepad.

"I tried, I just cant. I don't know why but I just can't bring myself to sit still. Anyway, what would you like? Your regular, Byakuya?"

"Please. And a water."

Renji scratched his head absently before ordering also. He seemed deep in thought.

"Also, Ichigo needs a night out. Will one or both of you take him out tonight for a drink or something? He seems like the stress is getting to him."

Renji smirked.

"I'll do something. I'm sure we can find a place. Do you want to go, Byakuya?"

The older man shook his head slowly.

"No, thanks, you two should go. I'd just be awkward the whole time. You know him better anyway."

Renji shrugged. Rukia smiled widely at Renji and turned to put in their order. Renji looked absently out the window.

"What's the real reason you don't want to go to school, Renji?" Byakuya asked. Renji's dark eyes flicked over to him as he sighed.

"The university is four hours away. I wouldn't be able to see you or see Rukia's baby. It's just so far," he started mumbling. Byakuya hadn't even considered the distance in his excitement.

"It would be mostly online courses, I'm sure. You may have a few months here and there that you'll have to stay down by the school, but honestly you won't have to do it all the time...we could cope..."

Renji was quiet for a little while. He fiddled with his fingers and strummed them on the table.

"I'll take the entrance exam, but I'm telling you, it's a waste of time."

Byakuya smiled. This would be really good for Renji. He was truly growing up.