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

10. A New Day

'Healing the Moon'

Chapter 10: A New Day

x
Previously, on 'Healing the Moon':
((Renji placed a tender kiss on the back of his companion's head, breathing "I love you." He didn't see the small smile on his sleeping captain's face as darkness claimed him.
Something else he didn't see?
The nightmares that struck him in the night.
Renji never saw them coming.))
x

(Friday Morning)
Byakuya's eyes fluttered open as he woke up. Warm sunrise light was filtering in through the window, giving everything a pinkish golden tint. As he woke up, he remembered everything right away, and was relieved there was no tense-up this morning. Hmm, what had woken him? And something seemed different...

He glanced down to see Renji's head on his chest, scarlet hair fanned over his torso. Both strong arms were wrapped around his waist tightly, almost desperately. Byakuya frowned in concern, trying to see his host's face. What was wrong? Then he realized the broad shoulders were shaking. "Renji?"

He wiggled, trying to see. To his surprise, the arms loosened enough for him to move, so he shifted down until he was face-to-face with the younger man. The moment he stopped moving, the arms tightened again, this time around his chest, fists behind his shoulders.

Byakuya looked to his partner's face, stunned to see that Renji's eyes were still closed in sleep... and there were tears running down the strong features. "Oh, gods, Renji." he whispered, lifting a hand to the side of his companion's face as a sharp pain filled his chest. "Renji, wake up. Come on, wake up."

The bigger Soul Reaper whimpered in his sleep. "Sorry, so sorry, 'kuya. Don' leave."

Becoming more concerned, Byakuya raised his voice. "I'm not leaving. Wake up, honey, and you'll see everything's ok."

Teary auburn eyes slid open, and Renji hiccuped, trying to catch his breath as he lifted his head. "Tai-Taicho?" The dark amber eyes flitted around their couch-nest before meeting his again, looking haunted. "You... I didn't... we.. ?"

His lieutenant dropped his head onto the pillows, rubbing his hands across his face as he groaned. "Fuckin' nightmares, fuckin' hate 'em. Shit, ain't had any that bad in a while."

Byakuya shifted closer, laying his hand on the broad chest, where he could feel Renji's heart racing. "What happened?"

The crimsonette sighed and turned his face away. "Just some stupid shit. Don't worry 'bout it, I'm fine."

Byakuya frowned. "It is one thing if you do not want to tell me; that is your decision, but do not lie to me and say you are fine when it is obvious that you are not."

There was a moment of silence, then contrite honey eyes met his. "I'm sorry, Taicho. I'm not fine, and I didn't really mean to lie to you. I do that, say I'm fine when I'm not."

Byakuya began stroking the disheveled brilliant red mane as he spoke in a more gentle tone than before. "Ok, I'm not mad about you lying. Now, I'd like to know what had you so upset. As I said, it is your decision if you don't want to tell me, but think about it- how would you react if you woke up to see me crying in my sleep?"

The redhead looked pained by the thought. "I'd wanna try to help. It breaks my heart when you cry, Taicho."

Byakuya nodded, still feeling the ache in his chest that had started when he first saw the tears. "Then let me try to help, please? I do not want you to suffer, Renji, and if I can't help, then at the very least, I won't let you suffer alone."

Renji seemed to hesitate, then shifted closer, watching him with those coppery eyes full of hurt. Byakuya lifted his arm out of the way, chest tightening more as his partner laid his head on his shoulder and curled up to his side. He wrapped both arms around the bigger Soul Reaper, stroking the blood-red mane and broad shoulders as he spoke softly. "Everything's ok now, honey. I've got you, I'm not letting go and I'm not leaving you. You want to tell me about the bad dream?"

He heard a quiet sniffle, then the whispered reply. "'K. You ever had a dream where you wake up, but you're really still dreamin'?"

Byakuya nodded. "Yes, I have."
His companion tucked tighter against his side. "Well, my nightmares are always like that, and I 'wake up' several times in different ones. You... you were in a bunch of them this time." Byakuya felt the younger man tremble when he spoke the last few words, and sensed a fearful shame creeping through his riatsu.

A feeling of dread twisted his stomach, and he carefully smoothed his fingers into the hair at the back of Renji's head, coaxing the Rukon Dog to look at him. "Renji, what did I do? Did I hurt you?"

His partner whimpered and tried to look away, but Byakuya gently held him still, keeping the auburn eyes on him. "Shhh, shhh, it's alright, honey. Tell me."

His heart clenched as his subordinate, always so brash and fiery, cringed in his arms as if expecting to get hit.
"I dunno what I did wrong, Taicho, but you were really mad at me. I musta done something awful, cause you used Senbonzakura and kido on me, and took Zabi away and sealed my powers. You... you sent me back to the Rukon and said nobody would miss me.
Then in another one, you said I was pathetic for falling in love with you cause you're a noble, and that I should keep my attention on some other Rukon tr-trash.
A-another one, you were just laughing at me cause I was stupid enough to think you'd really wanna be wi-with me.
And tho-those ain't the wo-worst ones, Taicho, and I don't even know why you're so ma-mad at me!"

Byakuya was horrified by what his sweet lieutenant was saying, and the only thought that stayed clear in his head was that he could not allow Renji to feel like this. For all his usual confidence and reassurances, the crimsonette obviously had his own insecurity if his subconscious could give him such nightmares.

Keeping one arm around the bigger Soul Reaper, Byakuya used his free hand to gently trace the markings above one eye, remembering that they became more sensitive when their bearer was upset. "Renji, honey, I'm not mad at you, I promise."

Renji seemed to hesitate before welcoming the touch, whispering, "I... I don' wanna talk 'bout my dreams no more right now."

Byakuya nodded, sensing that it'd taken a lot just for Renji to tell him what he had. "That's ok, honey. You can always tell me later if you want to; I promise I'll listen. Renji, you do know I wouldn't ever really say or do those things to you, don't you?"

The few seconds of silence last forever, then the redhead nodded, but the cinnamon eyes slid away. "Yeah, I... I know, Taicho."

Byakuya felt nauseous at the doubtful answer, and it hurt that his partner was having trouble believing him. But he knew that this doubt, even the nightmares themselves, were mostly his own fault because of how cold and hateful he'd acted in the past, how he'd often treated his second-in-command with indifference or contempt.

But he'd been so very wrong in the past, and he was never going to act like that again, not if it would hurt the one person who was becoming more and more important to him.

~X~X~X~X~

Renji fidgeted after answering his guest; his response had sounded uncertain even to his own ears. Now Byakuya was being quiet, and when he risked a glance, the noble looked troubled and thoughtful. Feeling bad that he'd probably ruined the day, he whispered, "Taicho? Look, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to-"

He cut off as dark platinum eyes met his, and his superior spoke softly. "There is no reason to apologize. You didn't do anything wrong, honey." He felt his heart skip a beat; he'd thought he'd heard Byakuya call him 'honey' earlier, but he'd been too upset to notice that. So his captain really was using an endearment on him!

Renji's cheeks warmed, and he shyly nudged his head underneath his partner's chin. Byakuya accepted his somewhat submissive gesture, adapting easily to the shift in their roles. Renji sighed in relief when the older man's arms tightened around him protectively, feeling the strength hidden in the slender limbs.

Gentle fingers threaded into his hair, soothing him as he nuzzled deeper against a pale throat and silky black hair. He heard the soft, reassuring words the Kuchiki heir murmured. "It's alright, my sweet, beautiful Renji. I've got you, I'm not going anywhere."

Unable to help himself or the dark self-doubt he'd fought his whole life, he whimpered at his companion. "You... you don't think I'm pathetic for falling in love with you? I know I'm not good enough, Taicho, and you're totally out of my league."

Renji felt soft lips press against his temple as the smaller Soul Reaper lightly rebuked him. "Hush, Renji. I don't think that at all, and I will not tolerate you speaking badly of yourself. If anyone is out of their league, it is not you." The soft lips left his temple, only to trail down his cheek as the ravenette shifted to get a better angle, whispering, "I am the lucky one, honey, so very far out of my depth. But I am not afraid, because I know you will not let me drown."

Renji moaned when the warm lips captured his own, his guest controlling the kiss. He realized he was trembling as Byakuya deepened the kiss, and he whimpered in pleasure. After his nightmares, this was what he needed- to know his moon desired him and cared about him. He could feel both in the tender, sensual kisses he was receiving, and he found himself clinging to the noble, who didn't seem to mind.

Then the soft, sweet lips left his, and he whined shamelessly at the loss. "Please, Tai-Taicho!"

Deep amethyst eyes met his, narrowed in that way he'd always found both sexy and frightening. His heart pounded at the dark look, uncertain if there was more promise or threat in the steel gaze right now. His superior asked in a low voice, "'Please', what, Lieutenant?"

Renji hesitated, unsure of how to word what he wanted. He really wanted Byakuya to take him, but had a feeling his captain wasn't ready to cross that line yet. Still, he was reveling in the dominant attention and didn't want it to end. So he settled for tilting his head to expose his throat and whispering, "Please don't stop, Taicho, not yet."

Renji shivered as the warm lips descended on his neck, brushing over his markings, which were overly sensitive right now because of his distress over his nightmares and the excitement from receiving dominant attention from his powerful moon.

"Ohhh shiiit." he breathed when the tender kisses found the single-spike marking that extended from his hairline down behind his ear. Then the soft lips moved to the lightening-bolt shaped marking, followed by a gentle brush of teeth. He began trembling uncontrollably as goosebumps rose all over his body. Warm breath washed over his throat. "My beautiful Renji, all mine."

He nodded, breathing shakily. "Hai, Taicho. All yours." He shivered as he felt a slim thigh nudge against his, and he parted his own with a soft whimper when his neck was lightly nipped again. The sleek, silk-covered thigh glided between his to settle against his throbbing body, and Byakuya licked the spot he'd bitten, whispering, "Good Renji. Gods, this feeling... the way you respond to me... is this how you feel when you get me all worked up?"

Renji nodded urgently as he began panting. "Pro-probably. Like... like a rush?"

He gasped when his partner nipped his shoulder, then licked the spot, humming his reply. "'Rush' is an understatement, honey. I think I could do this for days. If this is how it feels to you, how are you able to stop, hold back as you do? How are you ever able to take your hands off of me?"

Renji moaned as he tentatively rocked his hips, grinding against the sleek thigh nestled between his, practically humping his superior. "Holding back... hardest fuckin' thing I've ever done. Wanted you so long... only 2 reasons I can bring myself to stop. One, don' wanna hurt you or scare you. Two, fuckin' terrified that if I push too fast, I'll ruin everything."

He wrapped his arms around his captain's shoulders, almost overcome by the emotions of the last 2 days and the nightmares that had taken their harsh toll. "I always mess up, Taicho, and gods, I don't wanna mess this up! I'm so scared that I'm gonna do something wrong that you won't like and then you won't wanna be with me anymore!"

Warm, reassuring riatsu curled around him as Byakuya nuzzled his neck. "My poor, sweet Renji. Having me in your life matters so much?" He nodded frantically, whimpering as he felt teeth grazing gently down the side of his neck.

Suddenly, a loud, harsh noise filled the air, startling both of them.
Renji's alarm had gone off.

~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya jumped and felt Renji jolt in his arms as an intrusive ringing interrupted them. The bigger Soul Reaper twisted and flung one arm over the armrest to hit the clock, silencing the obnoxious noise. The redhead peered at the clock, then gasped. "Oh, holy fuckin' hell! Taicho, you're gonna be late!"

As his partner started scrambling to get up, Byakuya snaked his hands around his wrists. Wide auburn eyes met his. "Taicho, c'mon! You're gonna be late!"

He tilted his head as he shifted to gently pin the wrists he held. "And who said I was done with you?"

The younger man's eyes widened even further in confusion and conflict. "But sir, you're never late."

Byakuya smiled reassuringly. "I've never had a reason to be late before. I'm sure you'd rather keep going. Do you feel obligated to be the voice of reason here, and make sure we're being responsible? Or, perhaps, could it be that some part of you thinks I will be angry and blame you if I am late to work?"

The crimsonette hesitated, glancing to the clock again. "Um, that'd be both, Taicho. Both reasons, but I..." The dark amber eyes slid back to his, and Renji breathed, "But I really don't wanna stop."

Byakuya nodded, murmuring in a gentle, coaxing tone, "Good, because I don't want to, either. I appreciate you trying to get me to work on time, and I promise I won't blame you for my lateness." As he spoke, he could sense his subordinate relaxing, once again becoming pliant under his touch. "There you go, my beautiful Renji. You did so very well, honey."

The redhead moaned as he pressed closer, his thigh still cradling his partner's body. He could feel how aroused the fierce Rukon Dog had gotten, and he shifted his thigh, drawing the most beautiful whimper of pleasure out of his companion.

Byakuya lowered his face towards Renji's neck, pleased by how eagerly the bigger Soul Reaper tilted his head to the side to give him access. It was a heady feeling to know he was getting such responses from the more experienced man, and it made him feel powerful in a whole new way. He still had a light hold on his partner's wrists, and Renji wasn't resisting it.

In a moment of clarity, Byakuya realized the younger man who had survived the horrors of the Rukon would likely let him do whatever he damn well wanted to him. It touched and saddened him at the same time, and he gently guided the crimsonette's hands to his chest as he murmured against the warm neck."Touch me, Renji, it's ok."

He heard a soft, thankful whimper as the big hands began roaming, reverently tracing over his body. He licked and bit the lightening-bolt marking, moaning at the pleasant way his subordinate's skin tasted. Then a shaky whisper reached his ears. "Tai-Taicho? I know I can't leave visible marks on you, but you can leave 'em on me...please?"

Unable to refuse his partner's charmingly shy request, Byakuya latched onto a section of soft tan skin just in front of the lightening-bolt. He captured the tender flesh between his teeth and suckled hard. This was obviously what the redhead had wanted, squirming closer to him, grinding against his thigh and giving ragged-sounding whimpers. He felt the strong arms wrap around his shoulders, his lieutenant holding onto him for dear life.

Still suckling on his companion's neck, Byakuya slid one hand down the lean, muscled torso, down to where Renji straddled his thigh. The Rukon Dog whined as Byakuya's hand slipped into his hakamas to wrap around the hard, precum-slicked length. He began stroking his partner, who trembled and panted roughly. "Ahh..ah Taicho! Oh, g-gods!"

He released his subordinate's neck to breathe into his ear, "Cum for me, Renji, and cum hard. That is an order, Lieutenant."

Byakuya felt the bigger Soul Reaper shiver violently, thrusting against his hand and whimpering his obedience. "Yes, sir! Please don't s-stop, Taicho!"

Byakuya held the younger man close with his free arm as he sped up his firm strokes, then he heard a sharp gasp as Renji's body arched and stiffened. He felt warm fluid drench his hand in pulses, and he smiled in satisfaction as his companion breathed in shaky, shallow pants, still clinging to him.

He gentled his strokes to let Renji ride out his climax, enjoying the way his entire body twitched and shivered with each move of his hand. He lifted his head to gaze at his fiery beauty, who lay panting with an endearing flush on his face as he was drained.

Slowly, Byakuya pulled his hand out of his host's hakamas, seeing the slick pearls all over it. With a barely-coherent whine, Renji shifted, catching his hand and bringing it to his lips. "Sorry, Taicho." Surprised by the apology, he watched as the Rukon Dog began licking his hand clean, gazing up at him with half-closed auburn eyes.

Already aroused by their activities, Byakuya felt his body tightening even more at the sight and feel of his partner licking his own creamy essence off his hand. The new sensation was surprisingly erotic, especially since he already knew the younger man's release actually tasted rather good. He tilted his head closer, holding the dark amber gaze as he joined Renji in his self-appointed task of sensuality.

Once his hand was clean, the redhead sighed contentedly. "Thank you so much, Taicho."

~X~X~X~X~

Renji watched as his superior smiled at him. "You're welcome, honey. Feel better?"

He nodded, then shifted to shyly lay his hand on his captain's rock-hard length hidden in his hakamas. "Let me return the favor, Taicho."

The ravenette shook his head and pulled away, a teasing smirk on his lips. "I don't think so. See, I am late for work, must get going. And you get to know, all day, that you are the reason I am in such a state." The older man gestured to the visible bulge he was sporting. "Because of you, honey. I look forward to witnessing you deal with the distraction."

Renji growled playfully. "Oh gods, Taicho, you're a freakin' tease!"

The smaller Soul Reaper shrugged as he gracefully vaulted out of the nest. "You are definitely wearing off on me, Renji. Now, since it is getting closer to 8, I suggest you get ready, too."

Renji obediently climbed out of the nest. "Hey, Taicho? You think it'd be alright to walk to work together? Or would that look suspicious?"

The noble tilted his head thoughtfully. "I think it would be ok, but I have a condition."

Confused, Renji paused in getting dressed. "What?"

Serious platinum eyes met his. "Do you realize that since talking about your nightmares, actually, since waking up, you have not used my name once? Nor have you called me 'baby', an endearment I find myself becoming quite attached to. Did your dreams bother you so much that you are unable to address me casually? Less than an hour, and I am disturbed by this already."

Realizing the truth of these words, Renji moved closer as Byakuya was weaving the kensaiken into his hair. "I'm sorry, Byakuya. You're right; after my nightmares, I couldn't bring myself to say your name... maybe I was seeing it as disrespectful, didn't wanna make you mad, I dunno. Then, when you were doing such a fine job seducing me, I said 'Taicho' and 'sir' cause any time I've thought about submitting to you, I always address you like that. Maybe I just got stuck saying it."

His partner smiled up at him. "Ok, I guess I understand, and I actually kind of liked it while I was 'seducing' you. But now, I'd rather you speak casually, since we only have a limited time before we'll be in the office and have to be formal again."

Renji smirked as he finished getting dressed. "Whatever you want, baby. You really like that?"

Byakuya nodded, lowering his eyes as he completed his ritual. "I do. Perhaps it is because nobody has ever used an endearment on me before. And just so you know, I have never used one on anybody, either."

Renji grinned, absurdly pleased that he was the first in both. "I like when you call me 'honey'. Can I ask why you chose that one?"

He saw the faint blush on pale cheeks as they left his quarters. His companion gazed up at the sky as he replied softly, "Because you are so very sweet. Oh, and if I'm not careful, I'll end up sticky."

Renji laughed so hard, he snorted. "Gods, I love the fact you've got a sense of humor! If it wasn't so risky since we're outside and could be seen, I'd kiss you for that. Shit, like I don't have enough stuff 'bout you in my head, now I got images of you all nice and 'sticky', and not with honey. Oh, or maybe with honey... yeah, I like honey... lick it all off, then get you sticky with something else."

He saw his superior fighting a smile. "Do you spend all your time with such lecherous thoughts in your head?"

Renji poured all his charm into a grin directed at his companion. "Nah, just like 95% of my time. The other 5% is when I sleep."

The ravenette was trying hard not to laugh, slender shoulders quivering. "S-stop, Renji! Gods, people are going to think I've lost my mind if I walk into the office like this."

Renji nodded, knowing that the noble spoke the truth. "Sorry, baby. So we need to talk about something more serious?"

His partner tilted his head. "That sounds reasonable."

He crossed his hands behind his head as they walked along. "Alright. Well, it seemed like you were curious 'bout my nightmares, the ones I usually have. Most Rukon survivors have 'em. That the life you have now is the dream, and you wake up to find yourself still on the street."

Solemn amethyst eyes lifted to his. "And this is a recurring dream for you and others from there?"

He shrugged. "Yeah. Sometimes it's not so bad; you're just there, trying to find your pack or stealing food. Other times, it's worse, and you're being beaten or forced."

He saw Byakuya's shoulders stiffen, then heard a quiet whisper. "I haven't had any since I've been sleeping with you, but many nights, I normally have nightmares of my own. That guard... he never died, and he's found me. My kido won't work, and Senbonzakura has no effect on him."

Renji growled at the thought. "If that happened, I swear I would send him to Hell as painfully as possible. I wouldn't let him fuckin' touch you."

He was caught off-guard by the threatening, deadly-quiet reply. "And nobody will hurt you again, either. If you would fight my demons for me, believe me when I say I am more than willing to fight yours."

They had reached the office, and Renji whispered, "Hai, Taicho." as they entered and moved to their desks. He began working, though his mind lingered on his partner's words, which had sounded like a vow.

Just then, there was a flare of agitated spiritual pressure nearby, and Shuu burst into the office.

~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya frowned at the commotion of someone entering the office unannounced. He looked up to see Lieutenant Hisagi standing there panting, and he didn't notice his frown immediately fading. The scarred leader of Squad 9 put his hands on his knees, panting for air even as he tried to apologize. "Sorry, Cap'n Ku-chiki, sir. Know I didn't knock, forgive me. I got... uhh... a very urgent personal matter to discuss with Ren-Lieutenant Abarai, sir."

He nodded. "It's fine, though you may wish to catch your breath before you pass out."

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Renji rise to his feet, staring at the panting lieutenant with concern. "Dude, breathe. What's wong?"

The bright silver eyes moved to the crimsonette. "Ichigo's here, in the Soul Society. I ain't told him... what you told me to tell the pack. I'm sorry, Ren. You know he'll come here for you. I'm so sorry."

Byakuya watched as his partner's auburn eyes widened. "Shit! You're sure he's here? Where?"

Shuuhei shook his head. "I dunno. All I know is you're usually the first person Ichi wants to see, so I came to warn you. I woulda told him the message, but I ain't had a chance to go to the World of the Living. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to let you down."

The bigger Soul Reaper shook his head. "Stop, Shuu. I ain't mad at you; I know you did your best. I can handle Ichi."

Byakuya saw the intense amber eyes lift to his. "Taicho, I'd really appreciate it if I could be dismissed for a bit."

He opened his mouth to give the redhead leave, but before he could speak, spiritual pressure surged through the air.
"Renji!"
The door to the office flew open, and an orange-haired ball of energy bounded in. "Hey Byakuya! Hey Shuu! There you are, Renji!" Like a Substitute Soul Reaper tornado, the teenage savior of the Soul Society flew to his lieutenant's side.

Renji narrowed his eyes. "Don't start with me, Ichi. I'm at work, ya know."
Ichigo grinned. "Aww, c'mon! I talked to people on the way here, so I know it's not a busy day. You got time to play."

Byakuya was stunned by the scene unfolding before his eyes as the orange-haired teen hauled his arm back and swung. Renji caught the fist, an amused look entering his eyes. "You won't win today!" With a swift maneuver, the taller man captured the substitute shinigami, one arm across his throat. "I told you, I'm at work, Ichi. Busy or not, I gotta have my captain's permission to leave."

Byakuya barely managed to keep a straight face as chocolate eyes rose to his, Ichigo still grinning even while in a choke-hold. "Byakuya, can Renji come out to play?"

The crimsonette tightened his hold on the squirming teenage hero and kneed him in the leg. "Talk to him with respect! And I'm not coming to play, you frisky little bastard, so stop wiggling like that! I gotta talk to you 'bout something important. Ask again, nice-like."

Ichigo pulled a fantastically fake pout. "Oh, great and noble Captain Kuchiki, leader of the best squad ever, could I impose upon you and borrow your lieutenant?"

Byakuya knew Renji needed to speak to this smart-ass... which must mean Ichigo was one of his 'benefit' friends. His partner sure had interesting tastes. "Very well, Kurosaki. Lieutenant Abarai, you may be dismissed."

Deep coppery eyes met his, and Renji gave him a tiny nod before hauling Ichigo out of the office. Byakuya glanced over to see Shuuhei gazing at the floor, looking troubled. "Lieutenant Hisagi?"

Surprised silvery eyes lifted to his. "Oh! Sorry, Captain Kuchiki. I'll go now."
He frowned at the younger Soul Reaper. "Hold on. Your riatsu is somewhat unstable. Are you well?"

The scarred lieutenant hesitated, then sighed. "I was supposed to spread a message through mine and Renji's friends, but I didn't get to tell Ichigo. I hate letting Ren down!"

Byakuya spoke quietly, hoping to calm his partner's friend. "Does Kurosaki not reside in the World of the Living? It is not a simple matter to just go there. I believe you would have given him the message if you had gotten the chance."

The darker Soul Reaper frowned. "I shoulda found a way. I can't stand letting Ren down- he deserves better than that."

Byakuya felt his eyes widen, surprised by the solid loyalty Renji had inspired. And surely, it would bother his sweet partner if he found out Shuuhei was feeling this guilty. He spoke firmly. "Lieutenant Hisagi, that is enough. I understand your view, but I doubt Lieutenant Abarai feels that you let him down. Also, I am certain he would not want you feeling badly over this."

The silver eyes lifted to his, looking relieved. "You're right. He'd probably give me hell if he knew I was being such a little bitch over this, especially to yo-" The younger man cut off abruptly, averting his eyes. "Thank you for talking with me, Captain Kuchiki. I'm sorry if I've been disturbing you."

The scarred lieutenant started to turn for the door, but Byakuya waved the apology away. "You have not been disturbing me. If you like, you may wait here until Lieutenant Abarai returns, so you may be assured all is well."

The bright silver eyes widened. "Really? Ok, thank you, Captain Kuchiki." The scarred, tattooed man sat on the floor with his back against the wall, and Byakuya refocused on his work.

It was quiet for several minutes, then he heard the younger Soul Reaper clear his throat. "Um, Captain Kuchiki, sir?"

He lifted his eyes to his companion's. "Yes?"

Shuuhei hesitated, then asked, "Sir, by any chance, do you know who Renji's starting a relationship with?"

Byakuya tried to stifle the surge of tension in his body, managing to answer calmly, "I do not; it seems he wants to keep that information to himself. However, he has seemed more relaxed and cheerful lately, so I am inclined to believe that whoever he is with, he is happy."

He lowered his eyes to the form in front of him, not seeing the words as he willed his heart to stop racing. Eyes down, he missed the speculative look directed at him by the Rukon survivor.

A few minutes later, Renji came in, headed straight for Byakuya's desk without noticing that Shuuhei had never left.

~X~X~X~X~

Renji strode to his captain's desk, and the deep violet-chrome eyes rose to his. "It's alright, Taicho. I took care of it, told him what's up and that I'm not hooking up anymore, and he's off to pester someone else, probably Shuu or Captain Histugaya. I'm sorry about all that, ba-"

He cut off as his partner's eyes widened meaningfully and darted behind him. He turned to see Shuu staring at them with his head cocked to the side. Renji sucked in a breath, praying that he hadn't said anything incriminating. Slowly, Shuu stood up, a smirk pulling at his lips. "How did it go, Ren?"

He replied cautiously, "It went fine. You know Ichi; he's happy for me, said whoever I'm with better treat me right. Then he ran off like a squirrel to bug someone else."

He watched as his friend nodded. "I'm with him on you being treated right. You been through way too much shit to end up with someone who doesn't respect you."

Behind him, Renji felt a defensive flicker in his captain's energy. All he wanted to do was reassure his partner, but he knew any attempt right now could make this situation worse. He addressed his friend firmly. "Shuu, trust me, you ain't gotta worry. You know me, I ain't gonna be with someone who's not treating me right. Had enough of that in the Rukon, thanks. I promise I'm fine. Now, if you're done fussin' over me, I got work to do."

Shuu stepped closer, an appraising look in those sharp silver eyes. "Ren, you wouldn't lie to me, would you?"

Renji shook his head. "Of course not, and it wouldn't do me any good. You're like a freakin' lie detector." He heard Byakuya inhale sharply, and had to force himself not to turn to the noble.

Shuu tilted his head, a wicked smirk baring his teeth in true Rukon style. "When did you start this new relationship, Firefly?"

He frowned at the question. "Couple days ago. Why?"

The older Soul Reaper asked, "The day you were out sick?"

Becoming apprehensive about where this was headed, Renji nodded. "Yeah. What about it?"

Shuu waved his hand casually. "Oh, nothing, nothing. I just find it interesting that Captain Kuchiki was out the same day. Oh... and that he just lied his noble ass off about knowing who you're with."

Renji stiffened, hands gripping the edge of the desk behind him. "Shuu..." he growled warningly, "Whatever you're thinking, I suggest you stop."

The other lieutenant's smirk became a full blown grin. "Oh gods, I'm right! Holy shit!"

The smaller man turned and ran for the door. Renji shot after his friend, catching him and pinning him to the wall with one hand over his mouth. "Dammit, Reaper!"

He felt a hand on his arm, and glanced down to see Byakuya at his side, worried steel-amethyst flicking between him and Shuu. "Renji?"

He heard the concern in that one word, and everything in him yearned to comfort the ravenette. "I don't know what to do, Byakuya. See, Reaper here can be a bad gossip. If I let him leave right now, the whole Seretei will know about us within the hour. What do you want me to do, baby?"

~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya hesitated, glancing to the dark, scarred lieutenant his partner had pinned to the wall. "Would you really tell people about us?"

Shuuhei began mumbling against Renji's hand, but before Byakuya could ask him to uncover the captive's mouth, the crimsonette was translating the mumbles. "He says it'd be big news, really big. Everyone would be excited to find out."
Renji frowned. "I don't think he's taking the Kuchiki clan into account."

Shuuhei's silver eyes widened and more mumbles were heard. Byakuya watched as Renji tilted his head and answered. "Yeah, that's why we're keeping it a secret, or at least trying to."

The auburn eyes met his. "I'm sorry, baby. I didn't know he'd figure it out this fast."

Curious mumbles came from Shuuhei, and Renji lightly tapped the back of his friend's head against the wall. "Yeah, I called him 'baby'! Got a problem with that?"

Byakuya frowned. "Renji, do you treat all your friends this way?"

The bigger Soul Reaper rolled his eyes. "No, just the tougher Rukon that can handle it. Don't worry, I ain't hurting him."

Sure enough, the captive shook his head, mumbling and giving a thumbs-up. Byakuya raised his eyebrows. "I'm surrounded by lunatics. Renji, release him."

His partner hesitated. "But, he'll start askin' us questions, like some personal, invasive shit."

Byakuya sighed. "That doesn't mean we have to answer. Now, I may be just fine with you staying friends with him, but I am getting uncomfortable with the fact that you have one of your previous lovers pinned to the wall, so I would appreciate it if you'd let him go."

Immediately, the Rukon Dog released Shuuhei and backed up, amber eyes filling with guilt as Renji whispered, "I'm sorry. I was just trying to keep him from going and telling everyone; I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

Byakuya stepped closer, laying his head against the broad chest. "I know you didn't, honey."

He saw Shuuhei gazing at them, practically sparkling with excitement. "Aww, this is so great! So are you guys serious?"

Byakuya was surprised when Renji simply turned his head to show the side of his neck and the lovebite he'd put there this morning. Shuuhei gasped. "Ohh, Ren! You ain't never let anyone leave a mark on you that could be seen!"

He looked up to meet his subordinate's eyes. "Really?"

The Rukon Dog nodded. "Yeah. I ain't ever let that happen cause I knew you'd see it. We might not have been together, but I still didn't want my moon to see what others had done."

Byakuya tilted his head shyly. "And that is how you prove that you are serious about me? Well, in that case..." He turned, keeping the strong arms around his waist as he addressed Shuuhei. "I've never let anyone mark me, period. So would this suffice to prove that I am serious about him?" He pulled the edge of his uniform and scarf back to show the lovebite Renji had left on him last night, right before he'd seen the bed and freaked out.

Shuuhei's sky-silver eyes widened. "Oh, wow. So you are serious. I... I gotta know, have you done it yet?"

Byakuya felt himself tense, and his partner's arms tightened around him protectively as his lieutenant growled at the other. "Gods, Shuu! Personal much?"

The scarred man tilted his head, looking confused. "I was just curious, and besides, you ain't never had a problem discussing that kinda shit before. Is it cause he's not one of us?"

Byakuya watched as the younger Soul Reaper met his eyes. "No offense; I didn't mean that in a bad way, Cap'n Kuchiki, sir. I just meant since you ain't pack, does that mean your stuff is private?"

Byakuya barely registered the question itself- this was the third time he'd heard the word 'pack' in reference to Renji and his friends, and it sounded like something to be taken seriously. He felt Renji sigh, obviously noticing his confusion. "'Pack' is pretty much how it sounds, like a pack of wolves. It's how we survived in the Rukon, and when we become Soul Reapers, we tend to combine whatever we have left. It's a really tight group of friends that shares everything. Actually, it's kinda like our fucked-up version of a family."

Shuuhei nodded emphatically. "Yeah, and if you look at it like a pack of wolves, then Renji is our Alpha."

x

x

Well, Shuuhei knows they're a couple- will he get any other secrets?
For those of you who have read my 'Inuyasha' fics, Shuuhei has a similar role as Koga does- the tough, attractive middleman who's friends/lovers with one, becomes closer to the other, and his age falls between theirs. I know, I'm weird. My plot kittens love it though! Renji and Byakuya might be my otp for 'Bleach', but I damn near had a heart attack the first time I saw Shuuhei! I was like, 'Who is this guy?!" I watch him just as closely as I watch Byakuya and Renji lol. Plus his zampakuto, Kazeshini? Looks so badass (don't deny it), and the manifestation is interesting as hell, literally.
And yeah, I do have a little bit of a 'pack mentality' obsession.