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

7. Back to Work

'Healing the Moon'
RenjixByakuya

Chapter 7: Back to Work

x
Last time we saw our boys, this was happening:
((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

(Thursday Morning)

Byakuya woke with a start, every muscle in his body tensing. Confusion and alarm flared through him; he didn't understand why he felt warm and tucked into a small space, or why there was an arm around him. Then it all came back in a rush, and relief swept through him. Renji...

Byakuya sighed and relaxed, melting into the safe, warm embrace. He finally opened his eyes to see a broad, muscled chest, golden-tan skin, and ebony markings. He felt the arm around him shift, a gentle hand caressing his back as he heard a quiet whisper. "You alright? You got really tense when you woke up. But I guess it's been awhile since you've woken up next to someone, huh?"

Byakuya nodded guiltily, ashamed that he'd gotten so nervous when Renji had promised not to let anything happen to him. It had taken a few moments for him to remember everything that had happened yesterday, but he still felt bad.
He raised his eyes to meet the soft bronze gaze and opened his mouth to apologize, but gentle fingers touched his lips. "Don't you dare."

~X~X~X~X~

Renji saw the surprise flash throught the dark steel eyes, his fingers laying over soft lips to forestall the apology he could sense coming. No way in hell was he gonna let his moon apologize for his reaction! "Don't you dare apologize for that. I understand what happened, and believe me, I'm just glad you didn't use kido to blow a hole in my chest before you realized everything was ok and calmed down. All I need to know is if you're alright now."

Slowly, the ravenette nodded, and Renji smiled at his guest before craning his head to check the time. "Damn, 5am? You wake up obscenely early, but gods, I'm glad to see yesterday wasn't a dream." He rubbed his face and sighed. "What time you gotta go into the office?"

Byakuya replied softly, "Not until 7, but I... I should probably go home for some clean hakamas first."

Renji smirked at his captain. "Nah, I cleaned 'em for you last night after you fell asleep."

The deep violet-chrome eyes widened up at him as a shy smile curved those soft lips. "Oh. Thank you, Renji. So... so I don't have to leave yet?"

Renji smiled, shaking his head as he stretched and sat up. "Not if you don't wanna, baby. Can't promise to be great company; I ain't really a mornin' person, anyways, and since I don't have to be in till 8, I definitely ain't used to being up this early."

He felt Byakuya shift closer to his side, murmuring, "You can go back to sleep if you want."

Renji grinned at the noble next to him. "Hell no! If you're gonna stay, ain't no way I'm going back to sleep! Pass up a chance to spend time with you? You must still be dreamin'."
In spite of his eagerness to spend time with the older man, Renji groaned as he got to his feet and stretched. "You want some coffee? Thought it was gross the first time I tried it, but it's pretty good if you add sugar and milk, and this stuff called creamer."

He watched his beautiful, half-naked superior crawl from under the blanket to sit up. "Ok, I'll try it. And we probably need to eat before going into work."

Renji smirked, leaning close to kiss his new partner on the temple before sauntering towards the kitchen. "Breakfast, huh? I'm on it, Taicho. Hey, how'd you sleep?"
He heard soft footsteps padding after him. "I... I actually slept very well. Better than I have in a long time."

Renji smiled at the half-surprised, half-shy tone of his captain's voice as he prepared to cook their first breakfast together. "That's really good to hear, Byakuya. I'm glad you slept well."

He glanced up when he heard a shy murmur. "I am quite sure that the only reason I slept so well is because of you. I felt comfortable and safe and... um, relieved, in different ways. Thank you for everything, Renji."

Renji set down the bacon and eggs and walked over to lean against the bar across from where the smaller Soul Reaper was sitting, taking one of the slender hands. "You are very welcome. I was happy to help. I plan to continue earning your gratitude, but it won't be necessary to thank me every time." He smiled into the silvery amethyst eyes as he lifted the smaller hand to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back of it. Then he turned back to his task, leaving a flushed but smiling Byakuya sitting at the bar.

Renji smiled to himself; even if his broken moon wasn't ready for certain intimacies, he had followed him to the kitchen when there was no need to. This told him the older man desired his company and wanted to stay close... Byakuya liked the level of intimacy and comfort they had already reached together.

~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya watched as his redheaded companion began cooking, and he could sense the happiness and joy that traipsed through the younger man's spiritual energy. He was sure it had to do with the fact that he'd followed his host of his own volition. There had been absolutely no reason for him to follow the crimsonette... other than he'd wanted to stay close, and he had a feeling Renji knew this.

He let his thoughts wander in various directions as he watched his lieutenant cooking. The bigger Soul Reaper appeared focused on his task, but the occasional glance and smile told him otherwise. Byakuya leaned against the bar, admiring the numerous intricate black markings his host bore as his thoughts continued to roam.

Hmm, he had offered a clandestine relationship, with no guarantee of how fast it could progress, and Renji hadn't hesitated to accept. But Byakuya knew how popular his attractive, friendly, and humorous subordinate was. There were always other people hanging around the Rukon Dog, and while he certainly wasn't yet privy to his private life, he'd noticed the affection between him and others.
"Renji, may I ask you a question?"

The younger man sent a grin his way before refocusing on cooking. "Sure thing, baby. You can ask me anything."

Byakuya attempted to choose his words carefully. "Am I going to be interfering with anything? I am not foolish enough to think you have abstained from having any kind of relationship in the time since you developed feelings for me. I just.. I want make sure that this will not disrupt whatever kind of life you are already leading outside the office."

He saw the broad shoulders stiffen a bit, and the reply was slow and soft. "That was a whole lotta words, just to ask if I agreed to a relationship with you while I'm seeing or hooking up with someone else."

Byakuya blushed and lowered his eyes, realizing that was how his question had sounded. He heard Renji moving closer, and he bowed his head to the side, ashamed that he'd basically just asked this man if he was a whore. After everything his lieutenant had done for him, his words felt harsh and unfair. "I'm sorry, Renji. That was-"

He cut off as long fingers gently caught his chin, lifting his gaze to meet the warm cinnamon eyes as Renji spoke softly. "Byakuya, it's alright. I said you could ask me anything, and I meant it. I'm not in a relationship with anyone else, and while I have hooked up a lot, the last time was over a month ago, and that was with one of my friends. Honestly, the closest thing I've had to a relationship is 'friends with benefits'."

Byakuya didn't recognize the phrase from the World of the Living, but, judging by context, he had a pretty good idea of what it meant. Renji and his friends slept together. "And now?" he asked softly.

The younger man smiled and tilted his head. "Well, I guess I need to find a way to end those 'benefits' without revealing that I'm in a relationship with you. I am loyal, Byakuya. I ain't gonna cheat on you."

Byakuya felt reassured, but now he was curious. "So, who do you need to end these 'benefits' with?"
The auburn eyes widened at him. "You sure you want me to answer that?"

He hesitated, then shook his head. "I was just curious."

Renji smiled and returned to the food before it could burn. "I'll tell you if you really wanna know. I should probably tell you that my friends know I like you, and some of them have the hots for you, too. Specifically, my male friends."

Byakuya's mouth dropped open in surprise, then his lieutenant announced, "Food's done."

~X~X~X~X~

Renji noticed the shock on his guest's face as he made their plates of scrambled eggs and bacon, and he chuckled lightly. "Ah, if you were surprised that I like you, I suppose you definitely didn't suspect there are other guys attracted to you. I could tell you who." he added in a teasing tone.

His moon stared at him, obviously rendered speechless. Renji smirked, then pulled a thoughtful face. "Hmm, then again, if you knew who else likes you, you might reconsider being with me. You could do a lot better, you know."

At his last words, his captain frowned. "Nonsense. I can't imagine anyone that would actually be better for me, and even if there was, I don't care. I'd rather try to move on with my life with you than with anyone else." The older man's face turned red and he lowered his eyes to his food.

Touched by the ravenette's words, Renji leaned over the bar and kissed his temple, whispering, "Hai, Taicho. You and me, and we'll move on with our lives together." He pulled away, seeing the shy, relieved smile his still-blushing superior wore.
They ate their breakfast, which Byakuya seemed to enjoy, then Renji made a cup of coffee for each of them. They took their coffee to the couch, getting comfortable for the rest of their time alone together. Byakuya tilted his head and spoke softly. "I am not asking who you've had benefits with, or who finds me attractive, but I am very curious as to who knows of your feelings for me."

Renji smirked at his new partner. "Alright, baby. You realize some of those lists overlap, yeah?" When the smaller Soul Reaper blushed and nodded, he continued. "Let's see... who knows I like you...k, most of my friends know that I like you, but I'd say the most relevant ones would be Shuuhei, Ichigo, Rukia, Rangiku, Ikkaku and Yumichika, and... and there are a couple of other captains that know, too."

He saw how wide Byakuya's amethyst eyes were, and he added quickly, "Umm, let me point out that Rukia is not one of the 'benefit' friends; she's been like a little sister to me ever since the streets, so that's all that's between us, ok?"

The noble nodded slowly, whispering, "That is a lot of people that know how you feel about me, even other captains... how is it that I never noticed?"

Renji smiled reassuringly as he answered in a gentle tone. "Cause I didn't want you to know. I figured your response would include the word 'Scatter', so I did whatever it took to keep you from finding out."

The Kuchiki heir tilted his head. "You really thought I'd have such a reaction?"

Renji shrugged. "Well, if all that shit hadn't happened in the office yesterday, how would you have reacted if I'd just come up to your desk one day out of the blue and said, 'Taicho, I really need to talk to you. I think you're gorgeous and smart and strong, and I know you're a noble and I'm just a street rat, but I'd really, really like it if you let me take you on a date sometime.' What would you have done?"

He watched as Byakuya hesitated thoughtfully. "I... at the very least, I would have sent you over to the Fourth to have your head examined. In light of that, I am glad things happened as they did in the office, and very glad that I came over to apologize."

Renji smiled, leaning close to touch shoulders with his beautiful moon. "Me, too."

His guest smiled back before glancing at the clock with a sigh- it was already a little after 6. "I am not looking forward to work; I'd rather stay here with you. We will have to pretend there is nothing between us... that yesterday and last night didn't even happen."

Detecting a note of pain in his superior's voice, Renji slid an arm around the slender waist. "I know, baby, but it'll be ok. We'll know the truth, and look at it this way: we'll be hiding something naughty, and that's hot."

His soul was filled with joy when his words made that pretty smile reappear just for him.

~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya was comforted and reassured by his companion's words and touch. He leaned into the arm around his waist, settling against the crimsonette's side. A thought occurred to him, and he spoke softly. "You know, just because this has to be kept a secret, doesn't mean that we can't perhaps be friends in public."

He felt Renji kiss the top of his head. "I'd like that a lot, baby. We'd have to do that gradually, though, cause it'd look suspicious if we just became friends out of nowhere."
Byakuya nodded in agreement, then asked shyly, "Would... would it be alright if I came back here after work?"

The arm around his waist tightened a little as the soft reply was murmured close to his ear. "Of course it'd be alright. You're welcome here anytime, Byakuya." A gentle kiss was pressed to his temple, and he blushed lightly as a smile crossed his face. He leaned into the affection, whispering, "Thank you, Renji."

Byakuya heard a soft laugh. "You're very welcome, baby. Now, go get dressed before I decide to try to convince you to take another sick day."

With a laugh of his own, Byakuya got up and went to the bathroom to find his uniform clean, dry, and neatly hung up. He washed his face and started changing out of the sleeping shorts. He noticed 5 small bruises on his ass, realizing that was where Renji had dug his fingers while sucking him.

With a soft, content smile, he finished getting dressed, deciding not to mention the bruises. They didn't really hurt or bother him- it was actually kind of nice to know that as much as Renji worried about him, he'd still also had enough passion to lose control and leave marks on him. But, he had a feeling the younger man would feel terrible for inflicting bruises if he knew, so he would keep the marks of passion as his sensual little secret.

Byakuya walked back out to the front room to finish getting ready. Renji was sitting at one end of the couch, and had all of his accessories laid out neatly. He smiled at the initiative his lieutenant had taken in anticipating his needs. The auburn eyes watched with interest as he began going through his usually-private ritual.
First, he brushed out his hair and carefully wove his kensaikan into their designated spots. He slipped his captain's haori on, adjusting it just right. He wrapped his windflower silk scarf around his neck and shoulders, the ends trailing down his back. He flicked the bottom few inches of his hair free of the scarf, then slid his hand-guards on.

All through his ritual, Renji stayed quiet, watching everything he did, as though he saw it as some kind of honor to see him get ready. Byakuya smiled to himself; indeed, very few people had ever seen him prepare to go into work.

Now looking every inch the noble captain he was, he sighed and sat down next to the bigger Soul Reaper. He really didn't want to leave; he wanted to stay in this sanctuary, this safe haven that he'd never realized he needed... and that Renji had granted him without a second thought. He felt so safe with his new partner, and didn't want to go to the office and have to wait an hour to see him or be near him again.

The Rukon Dog tilted his head, gazing at him with concern. "Hey, I can get ready and come to work with you, if you want. That way, you won't be alone in the office."

Surprised that the younger man had so precisely figured out what was wrong, and touched that he was willing to come in early (something Renji never did) just to keep him company, Byakuya smiled and shook his head. "Thank you, but I'll be alright. It means a lot to me that you offered, though." He leaned close and kissed the tall redhead on the cheek, receiving a heartwarming smile of surprise and pleasure in return.

He stood, and Renji followed, murmuring, "I can at least walk ya to the door." He blushed at the gesture and nodded, and the crimsonette escorted him to the front door. Once there, Renji paused and took his hand, smoothly interlacing their fingers. "I love you, Byakuya."

Then warm lips gently captured his. This kiss was slow, tender, and sweet, and it sent a wave of warmth through Byakuya that damn near melted him.

~X~X~X~X~

Renji felt Byakuya relax against him, the smaller Soul Reaper leaning into the kiss and returning it. After a moment, he gently broke the kiss and met the dark platinum eyes, speaking softly, "Go to work, my beautiful Taicho, and I'll see you at 8."

The noble smirked at him. "I believe I told you, I do not take well to being told what to do."

Renji grinned, still happy as shit that this was really happening. "Hmm, please go to work? Before I try to find a way for both of us to stay home?"

He watched as the older man contemplated his words. "I suppose I should go to work, though staying home sounds terribly tempting."

Renji shrugged as his guest picked up Senbonzakura and settled it at his hip. "I know it's tempting to stay, Byakuya. But, hey, at least we've got after work to look forward to, right?"
The ravenette smiled up at him, a light blush covering his cheeks as he opened the front door and stepped out. "Indeed. I am looking forward to that."

Renji was surprised, but pleased when his moon gave him one last kiss on the lips, then whispered, "See you at the office, Lieutenant." He watched his captain disappear in a flash-step. He could feel the goofy grin on his face as he cleaned up, washing dishes and making plans for tonight.

Renji was happier than he'd been in a long time, even when he started thinking about how to tell certain friends that they wouldn't be hooking up anymore. He knew his friendships were rock-solid, even without 'benefits', so he didn't have to worry about losing any of the people that were important to him.

As he began getting ready, Renji just hoped none of his 'benefit' friends came around while his superior and precious new partner was around.

~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya made it to the office on time, and dove into the paperwork that had built up yesterday while he was 'out sick'. Forms and reports flew under his fingers, only stopping for the occasional Hell Butterfly message. His replies were swift and formal as always. He dispatched one to the Kuchiki manor to inform his staff that he'd be stopping by after work, but that he was staying the night elsewhere.

He finished all his backed-up paperwork, then glanced over to Renji's desk. Hmm, it was about 20 minutes to 8. He got up and walked over to the other desk, eyeing the stack of papers occupying the in-box. After all, his lieutenant had been out sick, as well. He started gathering the forms, intending to lighten the work that he knew his subordinate detested.

Just as he finished gathering the papers, the door to the office slid open, admitting the crimsonette he hadn't been expecting to see for another 20 minutes. He found himself frozen as Renji paused, auburn eyes flicking over the papers in his arms, then over to his own desk with all it's completed work. By the time the coppery eyes lifted back to his, Byakuya had found his voice. "Good morning, Lieutenant Abarai."

The smallest smirk curved the younger man's lips as he replied politely. "Good morning, Captain. Whattcha doin' there, sir? Cause with all due respect, it kinda looks like you're stealin' my work."

Byakuya tilted his head haughtily. "I do not care for paperwork. However, I know you like it even less, so I was attempting to avoid hearing all those annoyed sounds you make every day that you think I do not notice."

Amusement filled the bigger Soul Reaper's warm amber eyes. "Ah, I see, sir. Well, if you leave me some of that work, I promise to keep those annoyed sounds to a minimum."

Slowly, Byakuya nodded, and the tall Rukon Dog stepped closer, holding his gaze as he took the paperwork from his arms. Byakuya felt the warm hands brush against his, a type of contact that had occurred many times over the last few months. For the first time, he realized that the 'accidental' touches were actually Renji's attempts to have any kind of contact with him.
"You've been doing that on purpose." he murmured, keeping his voice empty of accusation or blame.

His lieutenant nodded and gave him a shy smile. "Hai, Taicho. I know I promised to behave in the office, but I figured that would be ok since I been doing it anyways. Completely normal."

That endearing smile was doing it's damnedest to beckon one from Byakuya's lips as he replied. "'Normal'? You are here a whole 20 minutes early, Lieutenant, and if I didn't know better, I would think you have the audacity to try and make me smile."

The younger man shrugged as he moved to sit at his desk, papers in hand. "Well, I'm early cause I was bored of being alone, and I actually spend a lot of time trying to make you smile cause you're so serious, Taicho. Would it really be the end of the world if you smiled once in a while?"

Knowing he was being teased, Byakuya fought a smirk as he headed for his own desk. "Perhaps. If I were to smile, I may very well doom us all."

A light chuckle rose behind him. "Anything but that, Captain. See, I just started a relationship with someone really special, and I'd hate to be doomed before getting a chance to see how wonderful it could be."

Byakuya glanced over as he sat at his desk, but the redhead was already focused on his work, wearing a soft, relaxed smile.

Byakuya noticed one major difference over the next few hours, a difference between this day and all previous days. There was no tension in the air. He had wondered why the office always seemed so tense; now he realized his lieutenant had been frustrated from trying to hide the feelings he was dealing with. Now that things were clear between them, the Rukon Dog was at ease, lowering a great deal of the tension.

Byakuya was surprised to find that he was more relaxed, as well. He'd never consciously noticed that being around his volatile, unpredictable spitfire of a subordinate had often put him on guard. It bothered him a bit to realize that he'd subconsciously been suspicious and uneasy around the bigger Soul Reaper, but he was relieved that the feeling no longer existed.

Perhaps for the first time since Renji had become his lieutenant, they both felt completely safe and comfortable around each other, and this made for a much more pleasant working environment.

As lunchtime approached, the younger man brought over the forms that required his signature, asking, "Hey, Captain? You... um... you got any plans for lunch, sir?"
Keeping his eyes on the forms as he signed them, Byakuya murmured, "None in particular. What about yourself?"

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw that the crimsonette was starting to rock back and forth on his feet. "Um... well, no, I don't really have any plans, but I was thinking... I could go get something from the dining hall for both of us, and.. I dunno, maybe we could eat it in here together while doing our work?"

Byakuya looked up, charmed by the shy tone of voice and the nervously excited look the redhead wore. When he looked up, Renji stopped rocking and folded his hands behind his back. Byakuya asked softly, "This is something you've wanted to do for a long time, is it not? Ask me to share lunch with you?"

A shy nod answered him, and the younger man seemed to be having difficulty holding his gaze, as though his instincts were telling him to lower his eyes. Byakuya allowed a small, reassuring smile to curve his lips. "This sounds like a good plan. Might I propose a small change to it, though?"

Looking pleased that his offer to share lunch had been accepted, the Rukon Dog grinned. "Yeah, I mean, yes, sir?"

Byakuya frowned down at the forms on his desk. "I detest paperwork. There is a small garden behind our barracks, and I know for a fact that it is rarely visited, besides by myself. I believe I would rather eat there, instead of in here while doing this despicable paperwork. Are you agreeable to this change of plan?"

Renji nodded eagerly, obviously trying to restrain his excitement. "Hai! That sounds good, Captain."

Byakuya nodded, then gestured towards the other desk. "It is another 15 minutes until lunchtime. I will let you go 5 minutes early so you can go get our lunches, but we will both work until then."

The bigger Soul Reaper nodded obediently and scrambled back to his desk. They worked in companionable silence for about 10 minutes, then Byakuya opened his mouth to dismiss Renji to get lunch. Before he could say anything, a knock rang out from the door to the office. Frowning at the interruption, Byakuya called out, "Enter!"

The door slid open to admit a dark, scarred lieutenant with a 69 tattooed on his cheek. Byakuya saw Renji stiffen, hand tightening on his pen. The redhead almost had a look of panic on his face as he whispered, "Shuu."

~X~X~X~X~

Renji was sure he was about to break his pen, but he couldn't seem to let go. Like a passerby morbidly fascinated by an accident, he was frozen, watching as one of his best friends (complete with 'benefits') walked up to his captain's desk.

The lieutenant that had been successfully holding an entire squad together since his own captain's defection and betrayal, and through friendship and occasional shared pleasure, had held Renji together after endless days of one 'cold, heartless Taicho'.

The slightly older Soul Reaper was handing a sheaf of papers to Captain Kuchiki, speaking politely. "Here you go, Captain. The personnel reports you requested the other day. I would've had them to you sooner, but I was making sure there were no mistakes."

Renji watched as the ravenette accepted the papers with a nod. "Thank you, Lieutenant Hisagi."

The scarred man inclined his head as he turned away from the noble to face Renji's desk. "Anytime, sir."

Renji's spine stiffened at the faint suggestive tone in his friend's voice, a tone he was sure Byakuya wouldn't notice. To his knowledge, the Kuchiki heir never had noticed Shuuhei's innocently mild flirtations.

Renji wanted to groan out loud. Shuu was not just one of his best friends, and one of his 'benefit' friends. He was also one of the friends that shared his desire for the owner of those steel-amethyst eyes that were watching this 'friend' stroll over to his desk.

The fellow Rukon survivor greeted him, lapsing into the casual, slightly slurred speech ingrained during formative years spent on the street and trying to survive in the wild. "Heya Ren, it's almost chow time. You wanna grab a bite? Alls us gonna be eatin at Ken's office t'day."

Almost unconsciously, Renji fell into the comfortable, familiar speech pattern. "Nah, Shuu, I gots plans fer t'day. You c'n tell the others 'm sorry, yeah? But I do gotta talk t'ya soon, real soon."

Bright sky-silver eyes widened at him. "Soun's serious, Firefly. Somethin' wrong?"

Renji shook his head. "Nah, nothin' really wrong. Just gotta talk t'ya bout somethin' 'mportant... in private." He finally dared to glance at his captain, who didn't seem to be paying attention to them. But he was sure the noble had been looking at the same form since Shuuhei had come to his desk, without writing a damn thing. "Shuu, can'ya wait outside?"

His friend nodded and left. Slowly, Renji got up and crept towards his superior's desk. "Ca-Captain?" The dark platinum eyes rose to his, and Renji cleared his throat nervously. "Um, I... I really do need to talk to Lieutenant Hisagi. I don't wanna miss our lunch, but..." he trailed off awkwardly, feeling horrible that he was canceling what could basically count as their first date. He shuffled his feet guiltily, feeling so bad he wanted to cry.

Then Byakuya was standing in front of him, whispering, "Do not feel bad, Renji. I understand you need to talk to him, and the sooner, the better, right?"
He gave a little miserable nod, still upset that their lunch was cancelled, and just when he'd finally gotten the guts to ask! He wasn't being a good partner, and it'd serve him right if the ravenette was mad at him. He was snapped out of his thoughts by a cool hand touching his cheek, hearing a soft, "Look at me."

He lifted his eyes to the older man's, and Byakuya spoke gently. "If you're going to talk to him for the reason I suspect, then I am ok with our lunch being postponed, because I think you're going to make sure our relationship will be alright. It is fine, I promise. I am not angry with you, Renji."

Reassured, Renji smiled at the smaller Soul Reaper. "Thank you, Taicho. I didn't wanna start out our relationship by hurtin' your feelings. I wouldn't neglect you if I had a choice- I just gotta get this conversation outta the way."

Byakuya gave a small smile and shook his head. "I'm fine, you silly, worrisome man. Go take care of this, and maybe we'll still have time to eat."

Renji nodded, his mind already formulating what he was going to say and how he was going to say it. No matter how good his 'benefits' were, they were not worth risking his budding new romance with the one he loved.

~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya saw the thoughtful look on his lieutenant's face as he left, looking like he was on a mission. Once the redhead had left, Byakuya sat back at his desk with a sigh. He hadn't lied; he really was ok with what Renji was doing, but he'd lost his appetite, and he found himself terribly curious about the conversation the lieutenants were having.

Just then, he felt the flicker of Renji's spiritual pressure- behind him? He turned in his chair to look out the window behind his desk. Several trees were visible from the big window, and he saw Renji and Shuuhei sitting in one. Renji was talking animatedly, gesturing with his hands, while Shuuhei was nodding with a look of interest on his face.

Byakuya frowned and turned back to his paperwork. Even if he couldn't hear the younger men, it still felt wrong to watch the private conversation. This resolve lasted a whole 2.5 seconds before he was turning back to the window. His lieutenant and the leader of Squad 9 were still in the tree, and they seemed to be smiling at each other.

They shared a short hug, Shuuhei patting Renji's back. Then the scarred lieutenant bounded out of the tree, a grin on his face as he disappeared. Renji hopped down and began running in the direction of the dining hall.

Byakuya turned back to his desk, noticing there was less than half an hour left of lunch. A few moments later, Renji came in, carrying two lunches. "Sorry I took so long, Taicho. I don't think we have time to go to that garden. Next time?"

Byakuya nodded and stood. "I have a compromise for today. Come with me."
The younger man followed obediently as Byakuya moved to a side door rarely used. He opened it to reveal his captain's office quarters. Though he hardly ever used this room, he kept it in top shape- a decently sized room with a futon, bookshelves, a tiny kitchenette, and a sectioned-off shower area.

Byakuya started walking towards the futon, pausing when he realized he was no longer being followed. He glanced back to see Renji hesitating in the doorway, holding their lunches against his chest as he looked around the room he'd never been in. "Renji?"

The auburn eyes shifted to him, and the crimsonette took a small step into the room. "Hai, Taicho?"

He tilted his head at the bigger Soul Reaper. "Come on. I'm hungry, and the lunch hour is fading." He walked over to sit on the futon, watching as his subordinate quickly followed. Renji opened the bentos, spreading their lunch on the futon between them. Byakuya smiled in approval; it looked like every single item in his bento was food he favored but had never actually told the redhead. "You know what I like?"

Renji shrugged as a light blush covered his cheeks. "Yeah, well, I've been your lieutenant for a while now. What kind of second-seat would I be if I didn't know what my captain liked?"

Byakuya found himself smiling. "Stalker."
Renji grinned at him. "It's quite the hobby, sir."

They ate until satisfied, with a few minutes to spare. Byakuya spoke gently. "You don't have to tell me, but I am curious as to how your talk with Lieutenant Hisagi went."

The Rukon Dog smiled and nodded. "It went fine. He's fine not having 'benefits' anymore. Me and Shuu have been friends for a long time without having anything else, so we're solid. I even told him to spread the word that yours truly is no longer available for hooking up."

Byakuya tilted his head. "Did you give him a reason?"

Renji nodded. "Yep. I kept your name out of it, didn't give any indication that it has anything to do with you. But I did say that I'm trying to start a relationship with someone, and that we kinda wanna keep it low-key, sorta hush-hush for now. We hugged, and he went to tell our other friends."

Byakuya smiled in approval of how his partner had handled this, and pleased that Renji had been so honest with him.

~X~X~X~X~

Renji was relieved that Byakuya wasn't upset that he'd messed up their lunch plans. He was glad he'd been able to tell Shuu, and that his friend had agreed to tell the others. They cleaned up the remains of their lunch and went back out to the office, settling in for the rest of the workday.

After a while, Renji noticed it was getting harder to focus on work. Instead, his mind seemed determined to taunt him with naughty thoughts.

Now, Renji had been having fantasies about his captain for some time, but now that he knew what Byakuya looked and sounded like as pleasure washed over him, and he'd seen a lot of that pale, sleekly muscled body, the images were more vivid and detailed than ever. He struggled to focus on work, even as his mind lost itself.
It'd be in the future, once he'd earned his moon's complete trust and they'd already gone all the way. Another boring day in the office... until Renji slipped over to his superior and began whispering in his ear. The noble would protest at first, saying how they were in the office and had to behave. Ahhh, but Renji would be gently persistent and seductive, and those protests would fade.
He'd get his ravenette all worked up and frisky, then have him stand up. He'd strip the older man slowly, reveling in the perfection of the Kuchiki heir, then undress himself while holding that stormy amethyst gaze. Using his hands and a gentle voice, he'd guide his lover to bend over his desk so that beautiful ass was on display.
Renji wouldn't take him right away; that'd end their fun too quickly. He'd run his hands and mouth over the smooth back and curved ass, licking and nipping and caressing, preparing his precious partner until his lovely Byakuya was trembling and panting... ohhh, maybe even begging... 'Please, Re-Renji, stop teasing and take me.'
At that point, Renji would happily indulge, moving close to press himself inside that gorgeous body. 'Like this, baby?' A quiver and whimper would answer him as he buried himself as deep as he could. He'd lean over a bit so his body sheltered the smaller Soul Reaper. He'd rock his hips slowly at first, drawing sweet moans and whimpers out of his lover.
Then his superior would become impatient with the slow pace, pushing back against his thrusts. 'Fuck me like you mean it, Renji!' Damn, how fast he'd obey that order, driving into-
*
"For the love of the gods, Lieutenant Abarai!"
Renji snapped out of his daydream so fast, he got dizzy and almost fell out of his chair. "Huh? What?" He was still at his desk, and he focused on his captain across the room. Byakuya was frowning at him.
"I am not a mind reader, but your energy is flooding the office, and you are staring into space and making sounds. Cut it out; you are making it har- difficult to concentrate."

Renji felt his face burning, and he answered in a small voice. "Hai. Sorry, Captain." He lowered his eyes, unsure if he should be ashamed.

Then he heard the noble's voice again, a shade gentler this time. "There is no need to apologize. It was simply distracting. Whatever you were thinking about, I suggest you save those thoughts for after work."

Renji glanced up to see Byakuya focused on his work, but the pale cheeks were dusted pink. He spoke softly. "Yes, Taicho."

Just then, a Hell Butterfly fluttered in, filling the voice with Head Captain's voice. "There will be a Captain's Meeting after work."

~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya sensed disappointment in his lieutenant's riatsu as the Hell Butterfly left with his reply. He looked over to see the younger man focused on his work with a tiny frown. "Renji, I-"

The crimsonette glanced up and shook his head, smoothly cutting him off. "It's alright, Taicho. I know the captain's meetings are important. Besides, by the time you get out of the meeting, I can probably have food ready, be prepared for company, all that stuff." A charming smile was sent his way, supported by the calming of the redhead's spiritual energy.

Relieved that everything was alright, Byakuya smirked. "Oh, yes, because I can be quite the demanding guest."

Renji chuckled as he refocused on his work. "Well then, it's a good thing I'm a very accomodating host."

The next few hours passed peacefully, occasional shared glances and smiles brightening the office just for them.

As the workday drew to a close, Byakuya dismissed Renji a bit early. "Go ahead and go home, Abarai. I'll go to this meeting, then I need to stop by the Kuchiki manor, then I'll come over."

The crimsonette tilted his head. "You sure? I could stay and tidy up the office while you go to the meeting?"

Byakuya shook his head, giving a small smile. "That's alright, I will handle it. Don't you have to prepare for a houseguest?"

Renji grinned. "Yeah, I do. I'll go, then. Good luck with the meeting, Taicho." The bigger Soul Reaper was suddenly at his side in a flash-step, kissing him on the cheek. "I'll see you, later, sir." Then his lieutenant was gone, leaving Byakuya staring after him with warm cheeks.

His mind wandered into how Renji already seemed to be putting all his effort into their new relationship, making sure he was ok and that he knew the redhead cared about him. He wanted to contribute, as well, and show Renji that he wanted this to work, too. What could he do for the sweet Rukon Dog who asked nothing of him?

As he considered this, a Hell Butterfly landed on his desk, and the Head Captain's voice filled the office. "The meeting for today is canceled; the matters are not urgent and can wait until tomorrow's weekly meeting."

Byakuya felt a mischievous smile crossing his face- Renji didn't know the meeting had been canceled...

What little work remained was quickly taken care of, and Byakuya set off.

End of Ch7

x

Oh, my, what could Bya be up to?