Dearest readers, I'm in the process of copying my stuff over to Ao3, but I'm not planning to take down my stories here.
Chapter 32: Starting the Road to Recovery
Warnings: Aftermath
His fists clenched inside his sleeves.
"The pack deserves a chance to react."
.
Sure that he was about to get kicked out of the pack for the lies and secrets and for letting Renji fall into Aizen's hands, Byakuya faced the small group of Renji's family members.
Kenpachi, Ikkaku, Yumichika, Toshiro, and Rangiku stood in a tight little circle, and they seemed to be arguing.
"You go."
"No, you go!"
Finally, Kenpachi came forward, slowly approaching Byakuya. He braced himself as the huge captain stepped close, eyeing him.
"Are you ok, princess?"
Byakuya's jaw almost dropped.
"I...yes? I'm ok. Are you not angry with me?"
Kenpachi shook his head, bells tinkling as he glanced back at the others.
"Nah, not really? Does suck that the two of you were lyin', so we're gonna have some trust issues for a while, but tha's not the the big picture right now. Mostly, we just gotta process that everythin' Ren said about his 'secret partner' was really about you. You were gettin' accepted into the pack on two fronts."
The demon hesitated, meeting his eyes.
"Renji...he bargained himself to save you. I can't imagine how you must feel. None of us can. That's why I asked if you were ok."
Byakuya shook his head in wonder, incredulous that he wasn't being drowned in vitriolic accusations, but instead, was being shown the same care that the past few months had accustomed him to.
"Compared to Renji, I'm fine. He's the one that needs us right now. All of us."
When Kenpachi nodded, Byakuya continued, ignoring the burn of tears.
"He's going to be ok. I have to go to the Head Captain to get our relationship recognized. Can...can you just make sure he doesn't leave before I get back? He doesn't like the Fourth anyways, and if he wakes up while I'm not there, well..."
Kenpachi nodded again.
"He'll wanna come find you, no matter what state he's in."
Byakuya smiled gratefully, relieved that the pack wasn't taking the lies too hard, at least not now while Renji was recovering.
He glanced at Shuuhei, who stepped up to his side. He met Kenpachi's uncovered eye.
"I'll be back as quickly as I am able."
He flash-stepped to the First, Shuuhei on his heels as he demanded to see the Head Captain. The scarred lieutenant stayed at his side as he was admitted, and they knelt in front of Yamamoto's desk.
Byakuya took a deep breath and spoke firmly.
"Head Captain, I am here to get my relationship with Renji Abarai officially recognized. We have been seeing each other in secret for just over five months."
The old man asked gruffly, "Can anyone support this claim, Byakuya?"
Shuuhei scooted forward on his knees, bowing his head respectfully.
"Head Captain, sir, I can testify to this. I've been aware of their involvement since the third day they were together, and I've helped them keep it a secret, sir."
Yamamoto nodded thoughtfully.
"Very well. I know the lieutenant is being treated at the Fourth. I will send a messenger ahead of you to say you can visit him. But we will be having a conversation soon about in-office relations."
Byakuya bowed low in his kneeling position.
"Thank you, sir!"
He backed away before rising, Shuuhei at his side. They hurried back, seeing the messenger kneeling in front of Unohana and Isane as they came up the hallway. The captain and lieutenant of Squad 4 sent Byakuya relieved smiles.
He nodded to them as he strode into Renji's room.
Hanataro had cleaned Renji up some, exposing angry bruises. The young healer looked up at Byakuya.
"He really needs a bath to get completely clean, but I thought it'd be best to wait for you."
Byakuya nodded in approval, glancing towards the bathroom. Hanataro squeaked, "I-I'll go run that bath, sir!"
As the diminutive healer ran into the bathroom, Byakuya turned back to his lover, swallowing hard at the obvious signs of abuse; the bigger Soul Reaper was thin and haggard-looking, clearly from reiatsu depletion and not eating nor sleeping. Bruises, cuts, and scrapes littered the tan flesh. The fiery mane was a tangled, filthy mess.
It was heartbreaking.
Byakuya swallowed again and moved to Renji's bedside. Gently, he undid the sleep kido, and tired mahogany eyes fluttered open to meet his.
"Tai-Taicho? Uggh, I hurt all over. And I feel absolutely filthy!"
Byakuya squeezed the redhead's hand, knowing that if he had the strength and will to bitch, he was ok for the moment.
"Come, Renji. There is a nice bath waiting for you. I'll send for food, as well."
The redhead nodded and carefully sat up.
"Yeah, 'm hungry. Starving, actually. But bath first?"
He nodded, leading his partner to the bathroom as Hanataro left to change the bedding and fetch food.
Byakuya noticed that the younger man was limping badly, and felt rage flood him.
Damn you, Aizen!
He stayed calm for Renji's sake, though, watching him take each step with care.
Finally, they were in the bathroom, and Byakuya undressed while Renji removed each piece of clothing gingerly, careful of his wounded body.
They climbed into the tub, Byakuya behind Renji.
Byakuya began to rinse out his subordinate's hair, frowning at the amount of blood that flowed into the water along with the dirt. The redness floated in front of Renji, who stiffened at the sight of his own blood.
Byakuya slowly and gently hugged him, murmuring, "It's ok, honey. I've got you."
The bigger Soul Reaper began to tremble, sniffling a bit. But he kept his face turned away, so Byakuya just continued cleaning his lover with his hands.
"I love you, Renji."
The redhead sniffled again and glanced over his shoulder.
"I love you too, Byakuya."
XXXXX
Renji folded his arms on his knees and rested his chin on them. The feeling of his boyfriend gently running his hands over his back and shoulders was soothing.
He started to relax, but tensed again when the hands ventured to his lower back.
'No, it's just Byakuya, not him! Byakuya wouldn't hurt me!' he scolded himself, even as his superior's hands paused, then carefully moved back to his shoulders. He sighed, mumbling, "Sorry."
Behind him, he sensed the noble shake his head, voice sounded. "No, honey. Don't apologize. You...you saved me, at the cost of yourself."
Renji tilted his head to glance over his shoulder again. "You remember the first promise I ever made to you?"
The silvery eyes widened as his captain whispered, "That no matter what it took, you'd never let me be hurt again."
He nodded, seeing tears rise in the dark eyes. Byakuya looked absolutely devastated.
Renji wanted to comfort him, but before he could, his partner brushed the tears away, looking determined. "You spent so long helping me, now it's my turn to help you."
Renji managed a smile for that. "Cause you love me?"
The noble nodded, returning the weak smile. "I do."
Renji murmured, "You said it when I was about to hurt you. Hearing that is how I was able to expel that serum. I swore on my life that if you could ever say it, I'd say it back, remember?"
The ravenette smiled again, stronger this time.
"Yes, I remember. And you kept that vow, as well."
Then the older man leaned in as if to kiss him. But he paused an inch away, wide platinum eyes meeting his. "Is...is this ok?"
Renji nodded and leaned in. The kiss was gentle and tender, and he felt a hand touch his cheek. The kiss was carefully broken, and Byakuya whispered, "I love you so much, Renji."
Renji felt tears in his eyes, then they spilled over onto his cheeks. Byakuya began wiping them away with gentle fingers, speaking softly.
"It's ok, honey, it's ok. We'll be going home soon."
Renji trembled as the noble carefully embraced him, and he leaned into the tender hug.
The first sob was a surprise, a gut-wrenching thing that clawed its way out.
Then Renji wrapped both arms tightly around his partner's waist and let it wash over him. Great heartbroken waves crashed through him in hiccuping sobs.
Byakuya never let go.
XXXXX
Byakuya held Renji long after the heartrending sobs had faded. Only when the bathwater grew cold did he loosen his embrace, stroking his lover's scarlet crown.
"It's time to get out, honey."
The bigger Soul Reaper nodded, quietly following him out of the tub and allowing himself to be dried. Byakuya was about to grab a hospital yukata for Renji to wear, but realized they looked quite similar to the ones they'd worn during their captivity.
He glanced over his shoulder to see auburn eyes fixed on the thin white garment.
Renji met his eyes and opened his mouth...but nothing came out.
Byakuya shoved the yukata back into the cupboard and firmly shut the door, moving to his partner's side.
"It's alright, Renji. I'll go get one of yours, ok?"
Renji nodded, and Byakuya wrapped him in towels before sitting him on the bench that ran along one wall. "I'll be back. I love you."
The redhead gave a small, weak smile, pulling the towels tighter around himself. "I love you, too."
Byakuya kissed his partner on the cheek before leaving. He went out into the main room to see a meal waiting and that the bedding had been changed. Outside the room, he found Shuuhei waiting, holding Renji's cherry blossom yukata.
Byakuya met the bright gray eyes and smiled gratefully as he took the offered garment. "I'll do what I can to get him visitors as soon as possible," he promised.
Shuuhei nodded his understanding, and Byakuya returned to the bathroom.
Renji tensed when he walked in, and he froze until the redhead relaxed. He approached slowly, holding out the yukata. Renji wiggled out of the towels, ditching them in favor of donning his favorite comfy garment.
Byakuya took him by the hand and led him back to the hospital bed, making sure the younger man was comfortable before offering the tray of food.
Renji sat back against the pillows with the meal tray in his lap, eating with an eagerness that hurt Byakuya's heart.
Once Renji was done, Byakuya rang for Isane and Hanataro. They came in and moved to their patient's bedside.
Byakuya saw his partner tense, and their healer friends paused, Hanataro speaking softly.
"It's ok, Renji. We're not gonna hurt you."
Renji relaxed with visible effort, shrugging out of the yukata enough to get treated. "Yeah, I know, Hana."
Byakuya felt his chest tighten when the redhead looked at him and tentatively held out his hand, a shy, wordless request for comfort and support. Byakuya took it in both of his own hands, giving a reassuring squeeze.
Isane and Hanataro began carefully healing the alpha of their pack, taking turns pouring healing kido into the battered body. It went smoothly, bruises and lacerations fading under the glow.
Soon enough, though, the treatment reached Renji's lower body.
Byakuya could've wept when his partner tensed up again and pulled away from the healing energy. The big hand tightened on his as a tiny, heartbreaking whimper pierced the silence.
Hanataro and Isane both stopped, the tall lieutenant speaking gently. "Renji, we won't do anything you don't want us to do, but you need more healing."
Renji began trembling violently, the grip on Byakuya's hand becoming painful. Byakuya touched Renji's cheek with his free hand to gain his attention.
"Shh, Renji, it's ok. Would you rather me heal you?"
The auburn eyes grew wide and the trembling eased up a bit as Renji whispered, "But… you said not to tell anyone you could heal?"
Byakuya shook his head, using his free hand to stroke the hand wrapped around his. "Never mind that. You need healing, so if you can't accept it from our friends, can you accept it from me?"
Slowly, the redhead nodded, and Byakuya smiled reassuringly. "I need my hands, though, honey."
Renji reluctantly released his hand, and Byakuya turned his attention to Isane and Hanataro.
"I know it's not allowed for me to heal him here since I'm not Fourth. But I'm going to do it, and if you try to stop me, I'll use force. Are we clear?"
Both healers held their hands up and stepped back to show they wouldn't interfere. Byakuya smiled and winked at them, softening his tone.
"There, now if your captain asks, you can tell her I threatened you."
The uncertain anxiety from his threat faded as they realized they weren't actually in danger. They both gave relieved smiles, Hanataro speaking up in his soft voice.
"You know it's a lot rougher to do a lot of healing without training?"
Byakuya nodded. "I'm aware."
Then he refocused on Renji, who was smiling weakly.
"My clever Taicho. Thank you for not letting them get in trouble."
Byakuya smiled back, reaching out to caress his partner's cheek.
"You're welcome, honey. Is it ok if I heal you now?"
Renji nodded, whispering, "Wish you could still hold my hand, though."
Byakuya knew in an instant what to do. He went to the window and opened it. Sensing the reiatsu he wanted, he called out softly.
A moment later, Shuuhei rounded the corner, head tilted curiously. Byakuya gestured him closer.
"We need you."
That was all it took to have the scarred lieutenant nimbly scrambling in the window. Byakuya directed him to the bed.
"Hold his hand while I heal him."
Shuuhei moved close to Renji's bedside, gently taking the redhead's hand and smiling.
"Hey, darlin'. Gave us a bit of a scare, y'know?"
Renji bravely smiled back.
"Yeah, 'm sorry, babe. But you oughtta see Byakuya, breaking all the rules today. Just for me."
Byakuya smiled at the two, moving into position.
"Ok now, my control isn't perfect, so Renji, I need you to tell me if I hurt you."
The redhead nodded, only trembling a little as Byakuya took a deep, bracing breath and focused.
When his energy touched Renji's battered body, impressions of the damage flooded his mind and echoed in his own unharmed body.
Byakuya closed his eyes in pain, not for himself, but for the sweet, patient, good-hearted man in the hospital bed. He focused on keeping the healing energy stable, even as his heart ached.
After several minutes, he sighed and lowered his hands. He was drained, but as far as he could tell, all of Renji's worst wounds had been healed, as well as most of the less serious ones.
"There you go, honey," he whispered, unable to speak any louder at the moment. Renji's eyes widened with concern, but before his partner could express his worry, the door to the room opened.
Unohana strode in, lips in a thin line though she spoke calmly.
"What is the meaning of this? Not only is there an unauthorized visitor - " Shuuhei winced but didn't release Renji's hand, " - but I also sensed healing kido that did not come from a member of my squad."
Byakuya squared his shoulders at the older captain, placing himself between her and the other occupants of the room. His voice was still weak, but he forced as much steel as he could into his tone.
"Renji needed further healing, but was… not receptive to treatment. I threatened Isane and Hanataro if they tried to stop me from healing him myself. As to Shuuhei, I snuck him in to comfort Renji while I healed him. I was the highest rank in this room at the time, so none of them could've refused anyway."
He stood his ground as Unohana stepped closer. She gazed at him for a long moment, then gave a soft, genuine smile.
"It is so good to see you fighting for love again, Byakuya."
Byakuya was speechless, bowing his head in acknowledgement of her words that almost sounded like a blessing of sorts.
The healer captain continued, "However, I still do not appreciate having my authority subverted."
He nodded a bit sheepishly at the older captain and stepped aside so she could approach her newest patient. Renji laid perfectly still as he was examined. After a few minutes, Unohana nodded with a gentle smile.
"Your injuries are healed for the most part. I can clear you to leave, unless you want to finish treatment here?"
Renji shook his head.
"I wanna go home. I know I'd still be in good hands."
Unohana continued smiling gently at the red haired lieutenant. "Very well - I'll sign your release papers. I would like to remind you that we offer a range of counseling, though I'm sure you're in good hands in that regard, as well."
Byakuya saw the sweet smile his partner sent him before answering.
"Yes ma'am, I am."