Healing the Moon

by YaoiHime420

Renji knows he is the monkey - always chasing the moon, but never able to capture it. What will the monkey do when he discovers that the moon is broken and not as out-of-reach as he's always thought? YAOI

6. Stay

'Healing the Moon'
RenjixByakuya

Chapter 6: Stay

x
Previously, on 'Healing the Moon:
((The noble hesitated, then sighed. "Renji, I literally cannot remember ever being told that I was loved. The way I normally act, so emotionless... my entire family was just like that. My parents and grandfather, they never shared feelings, and felt there was no need to say they loved me, as long as I was aware of it. So I knew they loved me, but I never heard those words until today."))
x

Byakuya could clearly sense the distress his words were causing in his lieutenant; Renji was bothered just from knowing he'd never been told those 3 little words. He spoke gently. "Renji, I did not tell you this to make you upset. I just wanted you to understand why it was not a bad thing that I cried when you said you love me."

He hesitated, then continued. "Also, my family and how I was raised... it is difficult for me to understand and process, much less express, my own feelings. If you really want to pursue this, having a... a relationship, I guess, then you deserve to know this about me, because I do not wish to put you in the same type of situation I was in with Hisana. I imagine it would not be easy for you to do this, attempt a real relationship with someone with the emotional issues I have. But, if you really want to try, then I would do my best not to be too much trouble for you."

He had watched the auburn eyes get wider and wider throughout his speech, and when he finished, Renji looked as if he were caught between shock and ecstasy.

Then Byakuya was being kissed within an inch of his life, Renji not holding back as much as he had before. He didn't resist the passionate assault; how could he, when the Rukon Dog's aura and energy pulsed with excitement? He found himself smiling as he returned the kiss, then the crimsonette broke it to kiss every inch of his face, which made him blush. "Renji?"

The tender, but enthusiastic kisses continued as his host murmured between them, "I don't care if it's gonna be hard, I can handle it. Gods, I can't believe this isn't a dream! I told you how I feel, and you didn't kill me! That's more than I ever hoped for, and now, you just said I can try to make this work! I swear you won't regret this, Byakuya. And I promise I'll be good at the office. Or if we're around anyone else."
The affectionate kisses paused, and warm bronze eyes met his. "I'd be right to assume this'd be a secret, yeah? Nobody else can know?"

Byakuya was instantly struck with guilt at the truth he hadn't even considered. "Oh, Renji, I'm sorry. You deserve much better than that, and it is selfish and cruel of me to suggest a relationship you can't even be proud of."

He started to pull away, but the bigger Soul Reaper gently held him still on his lap, speaking in a soft, sure tone. "Byakuya, I'd be proud enough to shout it from the rooftops, seriously. But I understand the secrecy; I wouldn't wanna tarnish your reputation, whether as a captain, and especially not with your clan. You're probably supposed to be with someone as high-born as yourself, with noble blood and money and connections... everything I don't have. I know the Kuchiki clan would never approve of me, and I'd rather keep this a secret than cause you that trouble."

Byakuya was surprised that the younger man was having such a mature and insightful response to keeping their involvement a secret. "How do you know how my clan would react?"

The redhead smirked and lightly tapped Byakuya's nose with one finger. "Ah, I believe you have underestimated not only how much I love you, but also just how much I've thought about what it'd be like to be with you. I've always known I ain't nowhere good enough for you, Taicho, so I knew that if a miracle happened and I actually got a chance with you, it'd probably have to be a secret."

Byakuya's chest tightened at the thought of what Renji might have to go through because of this, hating the idea of him suffering and thinking that he wasn't good enough. "Don't say that." he whispered, and the Rukon Dog tilted his head. He breathed, "Please don't ever say you're not good enough for me."
He watched as his host gave a small nod of assent, though the coppery eyes expressed his disagreement as Renji murmured, "If you say so."

Byakuya hesitated, then asked softly, "Are you sure about this? About keeping it a secret, and that you can deal with being with someone who is so emotionally screwed up? Renji, can you really be happy like that?"

To his surprise, a charming smile curved the younger man's lips. "Ah Byakuya, you worried 'bout my happiness? Deny it all you want, you just proved you actually have a sweet side. And I'm definitely happy to have that side of you all to myself." The crimsonette tilted his head closer, touching their foreheads and noses together as he continued gently, "I love you, Byakuya, so much that I'm incredibly happy to have any kind of relationship with you, even a secret one. It'd make me even happier if I knew for sure that I could make you happy."

Byakuya smiled at the thought; as far as he knew, nobody had ever truly been concerned about his happiness, yet it seemed like a priority for this man. "You do make me happy, Renji." He tilted his head up to brush his lips against his lieutenant's, murmuring, "When you say you love me, that makes me very happy."

The bigger Soul Reaper blushed lightly. "And you say you have trouble expressin' your feelin's. You've been doin' pretty good today."
Byakuya shrugged. "Well, I am tired- that does make it harder to maintain my usual facade of composure."

Renji gave him a small smile, but the auburn eyes filled with concern. Byakuya held the bright gaze as gentle fingers rose to his face. The feather-light touch grazed the dark circles he could practically feel under his eyes as his host whispered, "You do look tired, Byakuya. Not that you look bad or anything, I just..."

Byakuya could feel the concern and protectiveness in the younger man's riatsu, and picked up where Renji had trailed off. "You are just worried about me, and want me to be ok?"

The redhead nodded. "Yeah. I actually worry about you a lot, you know. I see the strain you're under sometimes, and I can tell when you're stressed out. It's been so hard, seeing the struggles that you succeed in hiding from everyone else. But I see them, Taicho. Maybe it's cause we're always around each other, or maybe it's cause I like you and watch you so closely. The point is, I see when you're struggling, and it kills me not to be able to help. Maybe... maybe now you'll let me help?"

Touched that his subordinate had noticed when he was troubled, Byakuya tilted his head at the hopeful tone of the question. "Help how?"

Renji gave a shy smile and a shrug. "I dunno; however you'll let me, I guess. Talk to me when you're stressin', tell me all about whatever's botherin' you. And when you've had a really long day, let me take care of you afterwards. I can run a mean bubble bath, and I'll cook for you, and I give pretty good back and foot rubs."

Byakuya found himself smiling at the thought that Renji wanted to treat him in such a way. "That all sounds very nice, Renji. You really wish to do things like that for me?"

The redhead nodded, blushing as he replied softly. "Well, yeah. There's lots of things I wanna do for you cause you're really important to me. Think about it- I've cared about you for years. That's years' worth of love and attention for you that I've had to suppress."

The Rukon Dog grinned at him. "Now that I have a chance to let it out, I'm gonna spoil the fuck outta you if you'll let me."

~X~X~X~X~

Renji felt his grin widen as his guest blushed and smiled shyly at him. "I think I like the idea of you spoiling me." Then his captain yawned cutely, and Renji glanced at the clock on one of the end tables.
"Well, we've been here for a few hours already; it's almost 6 now." He met the amethyst eyes and spoke hesitantly. "Umm, I'd understand if you don't wanna, but you... you could sleep here... tonight... if you wanted to."

The smaller Soul Reaper, still curled up on his lap, widened those dark silvery eyes at him. Renji was afraid he'd just offended the noble, or perhaps alarmed him by suggesting such a thing so soon, and he was about to retract his offer. Just then, the older man gave a tiny nod, whispering, "My home is lonely, Renji. I... I'd rather stay here, if it's really ok with you."

Renji smiled and pressed a gentle kiss to his superior's temple. "Of course it's ok, baby, and I won't let you be lonely. I know you're tired as fuck, but if you go to sleep now, you'll probably wake up early, like stupid early."

His guest nodded. "Very likely; I tend to wake up early anyways, even when I'm tired. You intend to keep me awake, then?"

Renji smiled and shrugged, keeping his arms loosely wrapped around his moon's waist... his moon. "Yeah, at least for a bit. Don't get me wrong- I know you're tired and need sleep, so we can still go to bed early. It's 6 now, so how does a couple more hours sound?"

The ravenette nodded shyly. "That sounds good. Um, first, might I ask about sleeping arrangements?"

Renji tilted his head thoughtfully, a soft smile curving his lips. "Well, you probably oughtta know that I really wanna sleep with you. And not just in a naughty way, either. See, I'd love a chance to sleep with you in my arms, or sleep in yours. But I totally understand if you don't wanna do that yet, so if you want, you can sleep on my bed, and I'll take the couch."

The older man still curled up on his lap lowered his eyes and murmured, "It has been a long time since I've slept with anyone, and sometimes, I rather miss the feeling. But, I am not sure..."

Hearing the soft voice trail off, Renji gently kissed the top of his captain's head. "It's alright, you ain't gotta decide right now. We still got a couple of hours, k?"

The violet-steel eyes rose to his, looking relieved as Byakuya nodded. "Ok. Thank you, Renji."

He shrugged, grinning at the noble. "No problem. In the meantime, you hungry?"

The ravenette nodded. "I could eat, especially if it's more of your cooking."

Renji chucked at the compliment. "Ah, be careful, Byakuya. You'll inflate my ego, then I'll be even more annoying."

He was surprised and pleased when his guest rolled his eyes playfully and spoke in a subtly teasing tone. "More annoying? Gods have mercy on us all. I may have to rethink this transfer thing."

Delighted by his gorgeous taicho's playful side, Renji laughed and kissed a pale cheek. "Ok, ok, I'll behave! I don't wanna be transferred!" He sighed in contentment as his mind ran over what food he had and what he was in the mood to cook. "Hmm, I make good grilled cheese. How's that sound?"

Byakuya shrugged. "I've never had this, so I don't know. I'll try it, though."
Renji grinned. "Ohhh, aren't you the adventurous one? C'mon, baby, get up so I can feed us." He nudged the smaller Soul Reaper so he'd get off his lap, but there was an unexpected effect. Byakuya shifted to get up, and the movement reminded Renji's body of just who it wanted. His throbbing member tightened painfully, as if it were trying it's best to reach Byakuya. Dark eyes widened up at him as his captain froze, obviously noticing his body's reaction.

"Re-Renji?" came the small, unsure voice. Immediately, Renji's mind kickstarted, trying to override his aching body's demands. He did not want Byakuya to think this was the only reason he liked him and wanted a relationship with him. Yes, he desired the hell out of the older man, but he'd be damned if he let his broken moon think that was all the worth he had!

Renji wrapped both arms around the smaller form and smoothly lifted him off his lap, gathering the noble's body against his chest. His guest seemed startled by the move, dark eyes blinking up at him. Renji sighed at the simultaneous relief and torture of the lithe body no longer being in contact with his lap. "I'm sorry, Byakuya. I swear, just cause I want you, that ain't the only reason I like you, and I ain't gonna do anything to you that you don't want."

Even as he spoke the truth, Renji could hear the strain in his own voice. Byakuya stayed perfectly still in his arms, as if he were afraid to make a wrong move. A guilty look filled those wide, silver-steel eyes, and Renji's heart clenched. "No, baby, you ain't done nothing wrong. Please don't look like that- I promise everything's ok."

The slender body stayed still in his arms as Byakuya whispered, "But, it... it's not fair that you're still in pain after helping me."

Renji shook his head and closed his eyes. "That's what I was tryin' to say earlier. I didn't do that so you'd do something for me. I need you know you're not obligated to do shit for me, and you never will be. Please try to understand this, Byakuya; it doesn't matter what I do for you, I'd never just expect you to do something in return."

There was a moment of silence, then Renji shivered when soft lips brushed his jaw, and he tightened his hold on his captain as a soft whisper reached his ears. "What if I want to do something in return? What if I want to relieve your pain?"

Renji took a shaky breath and opened his eyes half-way to focus on the ravenette in his arms. "You wanna help cause you wanna, not cause you think you should?"

Byakuya nodded shyly, breathing, "I very much wish to see pleasure on your face, and feel it in your riatsu, and... and know it's there because of me."

Renji moaned at the thought and leaned his head against the back of the couch, keeping his eyes on the gorgeous noble he still cradled against his chest. "That might be the hottest fuckin' thing I've ever heard. I just... I don't want you to ever think there's only one reason I wanna be with you."

His moon shook his head. "I know, Renji. I imagine that if all you felt for me was desire, you would not bother trying so hard to keep it under control. Now, what can I do to please you, Abarai?"

Renji grinned dizzily as the bloodflow in his body became very focused. "Shit, you wouldn't even have to do anything, really. I'm easy to please anyways, and right now, I'm so wound up, I'd probably lose my shit for a dry fuck, seriously."

A look of confusion crossed his superior's face, and Renji realized he'd just used a term from the World of the Living. "Umm, damn, let's see if I can explain this with no blood in my brain. Dry-fuckin' is simulatin' sex, but not really doin' it. We'd both keep our hakamas on, and sorta rub against each other."

~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya observed the dazed, slightly confused look on his lieutenant's face as the flustered redhead tried to explain what he's meant. It was obvious the younger man was reaching a point of arousal where coherent thought was becoming difficult. And it was charming the hell out of him!

Byakuya boldly slid his arms up around the broad shoulders, feeling the crimsonette tremble. He asked softly, "So, we keep our hakamas on?"
His host nodded, breathing shakily. Byakuya held the warm, hungry auburn eyes as he gave a small nod, murmuring, "Ok, I think I'd like to try this."

The bigger Soul Reaper shivered violently, looking surprised and intensely relieved by his agreement, then the strong arms carefully lowered him. Big, gentle hands guided his legs to either side of Renji's hips, so he ended up on his knees, straddling the Rukon Dog's lap. As he was settled, he felt the hard member pressing against his backside, and heard a sighing moan that expressed Renji's relief and pleasure at having him in such a position.

The hardness pressed against him proved how much his subordinate desired him, but with 2 pairs of hakamas in the way, Byakuya felt safe and confident. "You said we keep our hakamas on; do we have to keep our other clothes on?" he asked as he let his fingertips follow the ebony designs under the edge of the yukata.

He felt the big hands tighten on his hips, and hazy cinnamon eyes followed his fingertips with fascination as Renji answered in a growl, "Nah, the other clothes can go straight to Hell." The younger man sat up a bit and rolled his shoulders, letting the yukata slide down to his elbows without releasing Byakuya's hips.

He stared at all of those magnificent markings that had been revealed just for him as the redhead leaned against the back of the couch, dark honey eyes still tracking the movements of his fingers tracing the unique patterns.

Byakuya realized how entranced the crimsonette seemed by his gentle exploration, and he asked softly, "Do you like when I touch you, Renji?"

A strained moan answered him. "Fuck, you have any idea how long I've wanted you to touch me? Not to mention, being turned on is something that makes my markings more sensitive. I'm enjoying the hell outta this, plus it's a good distraction."

Byakuya whispered, "Distraction?"

Renji nodded, still watching the slender fingers tracing the myriad of pure black markings on his chest. "Yeah, cause if I'm not a little distracted, I swear I'd cum in 2 seconds flat just bein' this close to you. Fuckin' embarrassin'."

Byakuya blushed at the admission, asking, "You are affected that much by me?"
Coppery eyes lifted to his. "Gods, yes! I'm always affected by you, Taicho! Every fuckin' day! I'm surprised I ain't lost my damn mind!"

Realizing just how much restraint the Rukon Dog had been enduring around him for gods-knew-how-long, and even now for his sake, Byakuya threaded his fingers into silky blood-red hair, earning himself a whimpered moan of pleasure. Wanting to help bring relief to his host, he leaned against the broad chest and pressed his hips back and down towards the hard evidence of just how much he affected his sexy, popular subordinate.

His actions drew an immediate and almost violent reaction. The big hands on his hips tightened, holding him down as Renji roughly ground up against him. This sent an odd, surprising thrill through him, causing him to gasp at the unfamiliar, but rather pleasant sensation. Byakuya realized he actually liked the feeling of Renji grinding against him so enthusiastically, but his lieutenant apparently misinterpreted his gasp.

The redhead froze like he'd been shot, an almost panicked look suddenly filling his bronze eyes as he breathed, "Oh shit, Taicho, I'm sorry, I... I..."
Byakuya shook his head, letting his fingers burrow deeper into the bigger Soul Reaper's fiery mane. "No, Renji, it's ok. It was just unexpected, but I am flattered by your enthusiasm. Perhaps a bit excited by it, as well."

A husky moan was his answer, and the intense auburn eyes held his as the powerful hands locked on his hips began kneading them, gently pressing their bodies together in a rhythm. Byakuya gave a breathy little sigh of enjoyment as warmth began to build between them. This felt good, the closeness and the intimacy, to sense the pleasure permeating his companion's spiritual pressure, and the feeling of being absolutely safe with Renji.
Still sensing his subordinate's disbelief that this was actually happening, and his hesitation to do anything 'wrong', Byakuya wanted to reassure him. He murmured, "I thought you said our other clothes could go straight to hell?"

The younger man's smooth movements stopped as the cinnamon eyes widened, then lowered to the small V of pale skin his shihakusho revealed. One big hand left his hip to tentatively rise to the front of his uniform, and gentle, shaking fingers traced along the edge of the fabric, ghosting over his skin.

Byakuya lowered one hand to undo the tie at the front of his shihakusho, fascinated by the mesmerized look on his lieutenant's face. The hand on his chest snaked under the edge of the fabric, easing it back. He was caught off-guard by how Renji seemed to marvel in him; despite the eagerness he had displayed, the Rukon Dog was pushing his shihakusho out of the way slowly and deliberately, as if every inch of creamy skin revealed deserved reverence. A breathless whisper full of admiration and wonder sent pleasant tingles through him. "My beautiful Byakuya, all mine."

As Byakuya's uniform finally slid off his shoulders, Renji leaned close to feather kisses along his throat and shoulder. The gentle attention made his body tighten, causing him to stiffen in surprise. After what Renji had done for him earlier, he hadn't thought he could become aroused again so soon. But his body was most definitely responding, and he blushed deeply. He'd never gotten turned on again so soon after cumming, not that he'd ever tried. Just another 'first' that his lieutenant was granting him.

"Byakuya? You ok?" He refocused on the crimsonette, realizing that he was still stiff with surprise and that his blush probably rivaled that blood-red mane. Even with what they'd been doing, Renji was worried about him.

"Yes, I'm fine. I just..." Not quite sure how to word it, he caught one of Renji's hands and placed it on his renewed hardness, his actions bold even while his words were shyly whispered. "Never gotten aroused again so soon."

A pleased smile curved the younger man's lips. "Nice recovery time, baby. That's good, real good." Byakuya moaned in pleasure as Renji began stroking his already-throbbing member through his hakamas, and at the same time, the redhead started rolling his hips under him, grinding against him in the same sensual rhythm.

"Ahh, Re-Renjiii, that feels good." Byakuya tentatively shifted his own hips into the movements, and was rewarded by breathless praise. "Yeah, baby, that's it. Do what feels good, it's ok."
With a whimper, Byakuya rocked his body harder, pressing his ass down against the bigger Soul Reaper's rock-hard length every time Renji thrust up. With his participation, he sensed a pure happiness explode through the younger man's riatsu, an incredible joy that he was enjoying this. His fiery host exhaled in a soft hiss. "Ohh, ssshit. Gods yesss, Byakuya!"

His lips were captured in a searing kiss as they moved together faster, grinding against each other roughly as Renji stroked him harder. Byakuya lost control, crying out into their kiss as he came even harder than before.

~X~X~X~X~

Renji caught his captain's lovely cry of pleasure in his mouth as warmth drenched his hand through the hakamas. Knowing he'd brought pleasure to his precious moon flung him over the edge, and a heartbeat after Byakuya came, his own release slammed into him. He moaned against those sweet lips as his body violently arched off the couch, lifting the lithe form of the smaller Soul Reaper into the air.

The initial rush receded, and he settled, holding the noble against himself as tightly as he dared. His body twitched with aftershocks, still pressed firmly against that perfect hakama-covered ass, and his own hakamas were soaked with his own hot release. What pleased him the most, though, was the feel of Byakuya recovering in his arms while damp warmth made itself known against his belly.

Renji realized their lips were still touching, not really kissing, but sharing their soft, panting breaths of relief. He carefully broke that contact to feather tender, reassuring kisses over flushed cheeks. At the same time, he noticed that his guest had begun to shiver. Still raining gentle attention on his dazed-looking superior, Renji shifted on the couch. Instead of leaning against the back, he turned so he could lay down, stretched out. He did so, coaxing his captain to stay against his chest so Byakuya ended up laying on top of him, sleek legs folded on either side of his hips.
He grabbed the soft throw blanket and wrapped it around his shivering guest's back so it could drape over them both. Under the blanket, he let his hands wander his moon's bared upper body, tracing sculpted muscles and rubbing soothing circles over his back as the shivering slowed.

There was a comfortable silence for a while as they caught their breath and relaxed, then Renji felt a content sigh fan across his chest. He moved one hand to smooth raven strands out of the face tucked against his shoulder, breathing, "Byakuya?"
The older man lifted his head, dark violet-steel eyes meeting his. Renji let his fingers trace the aristocrat's face, surprised but immensely pleased when Byakuya leaned into the attention, and he whispered, "You alright?"

His superior blushed deeply, but offered him a shy smile as he nodded. "I am much better than 'alright', Renji. But I am quite a bit more tired than I was before." As if to prove his words, that luscious mouth parted in a yawn that Byakuya tried to smother.

Renji chuckled, nuzzling silky black hair. "Ok, beautiful. Let me feed you, then we can go to sleep, k?"

The smaller Soul Reaper made a face that suspiciously resembled an adorable pout. "I do not want to eat, I want to sleep." The noble curled up tighter on his chest with his face tucked against Renji's neck and made that little sound people make when they're tired and get into the perfect comfy position.

As much as Renji loved the feel of his moon trying to go to sleep snuggled on top of him, he felt that they should at least try to eat before sleeping. After all, to his knowledge, neither of them had eaten all day, other than the bowl of chili. Before he could voice his concern, a rumble came from his guest's stomach.
Byakuya's head snapped up, wearing a fierce frown. The ravenette looked like he was considering using Senbonzakura on his stomach for disturbing his attempt at sleep. Renji tried to hide his grin, raising his eyebrows innocently when the frown was turned on him, and his captain muttered, "I suppose you were right; some food would not go amiss."

He nodded and kissed his superior's forehead. "Alright, if you say so, baby, we can eat. Besides, you don't wanna sleep in those hakamas since they got cum in 'em- you'll be uncomfortable. Bathroom's first door on the right, and I'll get you something clean to wear." He helped the noble up, noticing a faint quiver in the long, slender limbs.

Renji watched the smaller Soul Reaper make an unsteady path to the bathroom, then he went down the hall to his room. After a quick wipedown, he changed into a pair of sleeping shorts and grabbed another pair, hanging them on the bathroom doorknob with a light tap as he came back through. Renji went into the kitchen and started cooking grilled cheese sandwiches, and had finished making 2 by the time he heard soft footsteps padding up the hallway.

Renji glanced over his shoulder as his captain appeared in the doorway, clad in only the black shorts, and he did a double-take when he realized the ravenette had apparently abducted one of his numerous hairties. The silky ebony strands were caught up in a high ponytail, with only a few strays framing the fine features. Gods, Byakuya was so beautiful! And wanted to be with him?! Renji realized he was staring, and his guest tilted his head. "What?"

Renji swallowed hard and refocused on cooking, still hardly able to believe that this man actually wanted to try being in a relationship with him, and was already staying the night with him. Maybe the gods were finally smiling on him. "Nothin', you... you just look really nice with your hair up like that, that's all. Have a seat, food's done."

His superior perched on one of the stools at the bar that divided the living room and kitchen, eyeing the grilled cheese. "I always sleep with my hair up; it likes to tangle because I tend to toss and turn a lot. This looks good."

Renji smirked at the older man. "Tastes good, too, which you're never gonna find out if you just stare at it. You expecting it to scream 'eat me' and jump in your mouth?" He finished cooking the third sandwich and cut it in half, seeing the amusement in dark eyes. He slid one half of the grilled cheese onto Byakuya's plate and sat down with his own sandwich and a half across the bar from his guest.

In spite of his obvious exhaustion, the Kuchiki heir ate slowly, clearly savoring his cooking, which delighted Renji to no end. "You like?"

Byakuya nodded, licking his lips. "This is very good. If you really intend to 'spoil' me by cooking for me, then I will be requesting these... um, grilled cheese?"

Renji grinned and nodded, then pulled out an imaginary notepad and pretended to write in it, talking out loud. "Duly noted. Byakuya likes grilled cheese. Oh, and chili, and spicy stuff."

He saw the noble's lips curving up as he fought a smile. "And Renji is silly sometimes."

Renji gasped as if struck by an epiphany and frantically scribbled in his imaginary notepad. "Renji is silly sometimes, but it makes Byakuya smile." He watched as his antics made that beautiful smile bloom, and smiled back as they finished their food.

Hunger satisfied, Renji stretched as he addressed his guest. "Damn, I'm ready for some shut-eye. You want the bed?"

He was surprised when his captain began to blush, speaking shyly. "I have actually thought about this quite a bit. It feels wrong to kick you out of your own bed. And like I said earlier, I do sort of miss the feeling of sleeping next to someone. But thinking about sleeping together in your bed..." The ravenette trailed off, holding one hand to his stomach and looking so confused.

Renji spoke softly, understanding the hesitation. "Hey, it's ok. Too intimate, too fast?"
Byakuya gave him a strained smile. "Seems ridiculous after... well, you know, after everything else."

Renji shook his head. "Doesn't sound ridiculous at all; I understand. It's alright, and don't ever hesitate to tell me if you feel like that, ok? I may love you, but I can't be a good partner if you don't tell me when something's bothering you, baby."

Byakuya nodded, but still looked crestfallen, whispering, "But.. I do want to try sleeping with you."

Renji grinned as an idea popped into his head. "We could sleep together on the couch?"

~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya felt his eyes widen at his host's suggestion; he had not considered that. The redhead continued, explaining his idea in a gentle tone. "Couch ain't quite as intimate as a bed, right? We'll both fit, and it's pretty comfy if I grab some pillows. Whattcha think?"

Byakuya realized the thought didn't make him nearly as nervous as the thought of actually sharing a bed had. And Renji had been so sweetly understanding about his uncertainty regarding that. He smiled and nodded at the Rukon Dog. "I like that idea. I... I actually like it a lot. It is a good compromise."

Relief and happiness washed over his lieutenant's strong features, an excited anticipation bubbling through his riatsu. "Good, I'm glad I thought of a way. I'll go get the pillows."

Byakuya smiled as he realized that the younger man was damn near giddy, just at the thought of sleeping with him. "Yes, you go get the pillows, and I will be waiting for you on the couch."

Renji shot down the hallway as if something had bitten him on his cute little ass, and Byakuya noticed he was still smiling as he wandered to the couch. 'Gods, how long has it been since I smiled this much? Have I ever smiled this much?' He gathered up the soft throw blanket and sat down, still smiling as he kept his eyes on the hallway.

After a few moments, Renji reappeared, carrying 2 plush pillows and another blanket. The crimsonette came over, arranging the pillows at one end of the couch. Then he sat down, grabbing a brush and hairtie off the end table.

Byakuya watched with interest as his subordinate began brushing out his long scarlet mane. He noticed the subtle waves from it drying in the braid earlier, the way the light caught and shone in the dancing fire. Impulsively, he reached out and lightly traced the silky, blood-red strands with his fingertips. Renji paused in his brushing, dark auburn eyes meeting his. Shyly, the bigger Soul Reaper offered the brush, and Byakuya took it, remembering that the younger man had said he enjoyed having his hair brushed.

Without a word, they shifted so Renji had his back to him. Byakuya gently groomed the soft crimson mane, hearing a soft sigh of pleasure whenever he made long stokes from scalp to ends. Even when the glossy strands were neat, he continued for a bit, just alternating brush-strokes with gentle caresses of his fingers. Finally, he stopped, giving a little sigh. "I'm sorry, I do not know how to braid."

Warm, grateful bronze eyes met his. "That's fine, I can do that. Thank you, Byakuya."

He murmured, "You're welcome." as he watched Renji lift his hands to his hair, dividing it into 3 sections. Then the deft fingers wound the sections together, alternating them until all that fiery hair was captured in one long, thick braid. The surprisingly nimble fingers tied the end, then Renji turned to him with a sweet smile. "Ready for bed?"

Byakuya smiled and nodded, and his host shifted to lay against the back of the couch. He tilted his head as a thought occurred to him. "Wait, could I sleep on the inside?"

Renji nodded, scooting towards the edge of the couch as he replied softly, "Yeah, you can sleep wherever you want, baby. I just thought you might feel trapped if you laid on the inside."

Byakuya whispered, "I wish to test something." He crawled into the space, tucking himself between the back of the couch and the bigger Soul Reaper. Oh, perfect! He snuggled down, meeting curious coppery eyes as he breathed, "I feel safe here."

He saw the conflicted look that crossed his lieutenant's face; an odd blend of heartbroken concern for him and a joyful pride that he felt safe. The redhead seemed to struggle for the right words, then gentle fingers were smoothing stray hairs away from his face as Renji murmured, "I'm glad you feel safe with me, Byakuya. You'll always be safe with me- I won't let nothing happen to you. I love you."

Byakuya felt a rush of happiness at those words, followed by a self-conscious guilt. "Oh, Renji. How can you say that, knowing I won't say it back yet?"

To his surprise, the Rukon Dog just shrugged those broad shoulders as a blissful smile curved his lips. "You said 'yet' which means you just might say it back one day. Until then, if you'll let me, I'll keep saying it cause it's true, and I want you to know it. Plus, I'm finally getting to say it out loud to your face, and you don't know how hard it's been not to be able to do that. If it bothers you or makes you feel bad that you don't say it back, I can just distract you every time."

Byakuya tilted his head, not really understanding.

Renji smiled and said softly, "I love you so damn much, my Byakuya."
Before he had a chance to feel bad, the bigger Soul Reaper caught his lips in a warm, tender kiss that made him feel as if there wasn't a thing in the world that'd be able to harm him. When it was over, he breathed, "Ohhh, ok."

His lieutenant smiled and kissed his forehead. "Now go to sleep, baby."
Byakuya felt his eyes fluttering closed, even as he tried to protest. "But... but I want to keep talking to you, Renji."
He felt a big, warm hand rub soothingly over his back as a soft voice reassured him. "Shhh, it's ok, my beautiful Byakuya. We've got time; we can talk as much as we want tomorrow."

Already half-asleep, Byakuya gave a tiny whimper, snuggling into that solid warmth. "Promise?"

That deep, soothing voice reached him once more as darkness claimed him for the night. "I promise."

~~~~~

For the first time in years, Byakuya slept peacefully. No nightmares or disturbing dreams, no tossing and turning. Securely tucked between his powerful, protective lieutenant and the back of the couch, the ravenette slept like a baby, unaware of the loving gaze that guarded his rest. He barely stirred when his companion got up for a bit, but when that solid warmth returned, he snuggled close with whimpered, incoherent mumbles. He was soothed by a deep humming, accompanied by gentle caresses of his hair.

A warm hand wrapped around one of his, strong fingers interlacing with his. His sleeping, smiling face was the last thing his companion saw before sleep claimed him as well.

x

x
End of ch6
Next up: Ch7: Back to Work

Usually, lemons are my favorite scenes, but I gotta say, them going to sleep together is a favorite sweet one; makes me feel all warm and fuzzy :)
Next chap picks up in the morning, which is Thursday morning. I know, some of you are like 'Thank God we're finally done with Wednesday!" I told you, I'm too obsessed with details, so 1 day/night can end up lasting several chaps. Sorry if it's annoying, it's the way I write and I can't seem to help it. But at least it means my citrusy scenes are detailed ;)
BTW this is something you already know if you've read my 'Inuyasha' fics. I figure, I have no way of knowing what fic someone might read first, so maybe they all need a warning? A very detailed warning lol!