'Healing the Moon'
*Hi, Spunky! Hope you like this chap! Love ya!*
Warnings: Language, drinking, passing mentions of past abuse.
The bar scenes take up about 3 chaps; think of it as an arc :)
Listening to the song 'Heathens' (Twenty-one Pilots) while working on this one. It just seems to fit lol.
Chapter 13: The Wolf Den
x
(("Oh, and Captain Kuchiki? Just think, get through the meeting and dealing with wolves, then there's a whole weekend coming up."
Renji let a suggestive tone lace his last few words, winking at his partner as he slipped out the door.))
x
Byakuya found himself sighing contentedly as his lieutenant left. He took a few minutes to meditate, knowing he wouldn't have another chance between the meeting and going to the bar. He took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and headed for the Captain's Meeting. Of course, it was boring and felt like it lasted forever, when it was less than an hour.
A status update on all squads, notifications of all completed projects, and results of several assignments. Other than the routine stuff, there was not a great deal going on. Hollow reports were low, both the Living World and the Soul Society were relatively quiet, and most work was up-to-date, if not ahead of schedule. A few comments, the following week's orders and assignments, then they were dismissed.
As everyone filed out, Byakuya found himself wondering about the next part- the pack outing. He realized he hoped he'd do well, almost as if he were meeting Renji's family. That seemed an odd way of looking at it, considering he already knew these people. Then again, this was an entirely different set of circumstances. He caught sight of Captain Zaraki tearing out of the building as he usually did on Fridays, and for the first time, he realized it was because he was headed out.
Just then, he heard, "Captain Kuchiki?"
He looked down to meet a pair of serious teal eyes. "Captain Hitsugaya."
The smaller captain tilted his head. "Lieutenant Matsumoto claims you actually said yes to coming out tonight, and I would very much like to know if she spoke the truth."
Byakuya nodded. "I did accept the invitation. Did you doubt her word?"
He was surprised to see the silver-haired prodigy relax, and when the Rukon survivor spoke again, he recognized the same casual inflection that Renji and Shuuhei used when they were comfortable.
The ice-wielder smiled. "Nah, didn't really doubt her, just couldn't believe you finally said yes, or that you said I could show you the way. Did anyone explain the rules?"
Byakuya shrugged, unsure if he'd been told everything. "No symbols of rank or birth, no using titles, and casual dress?"
The captain of Squad 10 nodded, looking pleased that he knew. "Yeah, that's basically it. So, first off, you got something to wear?"
Byakuya hesitated. "I am not sure. There is not much occasion for me to dress casually."
His companion looked thoughtful for a moment, then the turquoise eyes widened. "Oh, what about that nice haori you wore a few weeks ago when you came to the Captain's Meeting straight from the Kuchiki council? It matches your eyes and would totally work as casual if you wear it over the hakamas you have on now."
Byakuya nodded and headed for the cabinets the captains had here for personal effects, gesturing for the prodigy to follow him. "That haori got washed and should be here." He opened his cabinet and pulled out the folded garment.
He was caught off-guard by the relief that crossed the younger man's face as he murmured, "Good, glad it was here. Thought we might have to go to the Kuchiki manor."
Byakuya began removing his kensaiken and other accessories as he tilted his head. "What would have been wrong with that?"
The teal cat-like eyes met his, looking solemn. "Rukon ain't ever allowed in a noble's home."
Before he could respond, the smaller Soul Reaper was smiling up at him again, looking excited. "C'mon, hurry up and get changed, Byakuya. I can't wait to see how everyone reacts; I know some of them didn't believe Rangiku."
The ice-wielder turned away towards his own cabinet, and Byakuya started changing his top. The haori the other captain had suggested was a silk kimono-style shirt that was mostly violet, blended with black and deep chrome, with bright silver accents. Since this was supposed to be casual, he didn't tuck it in, letting the bottom hem drape just past his hips.
He brushed out his hair and tied it in a high ponytail, leaving a few strands loose to frame his face. His intent had been to look good for Renji, but he would quickly find that the crimsonette would not be the only one noticing.
When he was done, he turned and got his companion's attention. "Capt- Toshiro? This look ok?"
Those turquoise cat-like eyes shifted to him and widened with a look of surprise and admiration, then he was answered in a slightly-strained voice. "Yeah, you... you look great, actually. C'mon, it's almost 6, and that's when they start serving drinks."
Realizing that the younger Soul Reaper was still in his uniform, Byakuya tilted his head. "What about you?"
Toshiro grinned. "Oh, I got ready earlier." then stripped off his uniform to reveal a teal t-shirt and blue jeans. "I like the clothes they have in the Living World." he explained as he hung up his uniform and ran both hands through his silvery hair, then smiled charmingly at him. "Let's go."
They headed out, flash-stepping along the rooftops as the sun hovered near the horizon. Soon enough, Byakuya began feeling the presence of collective riatsu, a lot of it. Toshiro veered off, dropping to the ground. Byakuya followed and found himself in front of a bar with a sign that said 'The Wolf Den'. The energy from the people inside was thick even out here, and Byakuya caught himself seeking his partner's.
There! Renji was inside! Excitement, anticipation, and nervousness all flared inside him, and he took a deep breath.
Just then, Shuuhei came out the front door of the bar, wearing a solid silver yukata over black hakamas. "Hey, Frost! Made it just in time; only a few minutes till they fuck up and start serving drinks! You look nice, babe. Hey, I gotta talk to Byakuya for a second, k?"
Toshiro crossed his arms. "Aww, c'mon! I was lookin' forward to bein' the one to bring him in!"
Byakuya watched as Shuuhei grinned and ran his fingers through the prodigy's silver-white hair. "Chill out, Frost. Go wait inside the door, and when I'm done talkin' 'bout business, maybe he'll let ya escort him."
Toshiro huffed. "Fine, Reaper, but don't take forever. I wanna see the reactions, and I'm ready to get my drink on."
As the younger Soul Reaper walked into the bar, Shuuhei smiled at Byakuya. "Dude, Ren's gonna shit a brick when he sees you. You look great. I ain't really got no business to discuss. Look, I just wanted to let you know, if this thing you two have wasn't a secret, I'd totally let you sit by Renji. But as it stands, that's my spot, and if I gave it up for you the first time you come out, it'd look suspicious, you know? So I sit by Ren, you sit by me. That's as close as I can get you without any suspicion."
Byakuya nodded. "Ok. I appreciate you helping keep it a secret, Shuuhei, though I must admit, I'm not sure why you'd bother trying to get us close to each other. I would think-"
The scarred man cut him off with a wave and a knowing smirk. "Yeah, I'd bet Kazeshini that I know what you'd think. That because me and Ren have been friends with benefits, I'd be jealous and not want this relationship to work, right?"
Byakuya didn't answer, searching the bright silver eyes for any sign of deceit.
Shuuhei tilted his head, holding his gaze squarely. "Renji Abarai is my best friend, and I want him to be happy. Being with you will make him happy, already is. And I'd like it if you were happy with him, and it kinda seems like you might be. So you see, Byakuya, I really want this to work out for you two. Renji trusts me, so if you trust him..."
As the younger man trailed off, Byakuya nodded in understanding. "If I trust him, I should trust you, as well. I believe we made progress in that regard earlier, when the three of us were in the office."
Shuuhei nodded happily. "Yep. I'm glad you trusted me at least that much. I know how big of a deal your secrets are. I might be a bit of a gossip, but I'm not an asshole. I wouldn't tell anyone those things. Now, you ready for this?"
Byakuya hesitated, taking a deep, shaky breath. "Alright. I... I'm just a little nervous. Renji said I'd do fine, but this is not really a type of situation I'm familiar with."
The scarred lieutenant made a sympathetic noise. "Unknown territory, huh? Gottcha. It's ok, you know these people, and I know Kenpachi's always wanting to fight you, but he won't be like that here. Nothin' bad's gonna happen, and just remember, I got your back. And Ren's in there, waiting for you- he's been looking at the door every 5 seconds since we got here. It's gonna bug the shit outta him that he can't dote on you, but I"ll see what I can do. C'mon."
They stepped inside, and Byakuya's senses flooded with sight and sound. Music and laughter filled the air, and then Toshiro was there, talking shit to Shuuhei. "Took ya long enough, Reaper. Hey, Ren and Ikkaku are arm-wrestling, like right now."
Shuuhei laughed. "Baldy challenged Firefly again?! He never wins. C'mon, Byakuya, you gotta see this!"
Byakuya felt a hand wrap gently around his wrist, and he let Shuuhei tug him towards the far corner of the main room, where cheering could be heard. Shuuhei guided him as they wove through the crowd and tables, and he sensed Toshiro close by. Then the tables stopped, and Byakuya saw the big corner booth.
Renji was sitting in the very corner of the seat, Ikkaku to his left. Elbows on the table, the men had their right hands locked. The hands were rather steady, though there was a definite lean in Renji's favor. The crimsonette looked calm yet intense, while the 3rd-Seat was sweating and looking fierce, snarling at his opponent. "Gods, you can't win every time, bastard!" Cheers rose up, mostly for Renji.
Suddenly, Renji's head snapped up, and Byakuya damn near shivered when the intense auburn eyes landed right on him, and filled with admiration as they widened appreciatively. Before another breath had been taken, Ikkaku laughed. "Distractions will cost ya!" and Renji's hand soared towards the table. Byakuya felt his heart drop that he'd cost Renji the match, then, an inch from the wooden surface, the hands stopped cold.
Ikkaku yelled in frustration, and Renji looked back to his opponent, purring, "And being too fuckin' cocky is what will cost you." In a flash, Renji had slammed Ikkaku's hand to the table, muscles rolling and shifting under the black-marked tan skin.
Cheers and laughter erupted all around, and Byakuya took a moment to assess the rest of his surroundings besides his shirtless, victorious partner.
There was nobody on Renji's right, and he realized that must be where Shuuhei's spot was. On the other side of Ikkaku was Yumichika, then Kenpachi. Perched on the back of the seat behind Renji was Yachiru, weaving a black silk ribbon through the scarlet mane as she braided it. Everyone was dressed casually, in yukatas or kimonos, or in outfits from the Living World. Everyone seemed much more relaxed than normal, and Kenpachi's hair was down out of it's usual spikes and bells.
Other than Renji, nobody seemed to have noticed his arrival yet, having been focused on the arm-wrestling match. Shuuhei nudged his shoulder and smirked, then slid into the booth to sit at Renji's right. As Byakuya moved to follow, his presence was definitely noticed.
Kenpachi looked shocked, exclaiming, "Holy shit, you actually came!"
Rangiku's head popped out from the next booth. "I told you he said yes!"
Kenpachi huffed. "That don't mean I believed you."
Byakuya caught Renji's eye, and he could see that his partner had faith that he could do this. Then Kenpachi was grinning at him, a challenging look in his eye. "So, the Ice Princess finally came out of the tower."
Byakuya shrugged as he slid into the booth to sit next to Shuuhei, replying casually. "Well, the tower does get rather stuffy, and even a princess can get bored of the same 4 walls."
There was a moment of perfect silence, then Kenpachi laughed uproariously among the chuckles of everyone else. "Hell yeah, this night just got interesting! You drinkin', Byakuya?"
He nodded as Toshiro sat on his other side. "I'll drink. Not a lot, though; I have things to do in the morning."
Kenpachi nodded, still grinning at him. "Alright. Hmmm, you kinda seem like a sake man, and they have good sake here. But they have other drinks, too. Here you go, check 'em out." The bigger Soul Reaper slid a laminated list of drinks across the table.
Byakuya caught the list, his eyes flicking over colorful mixed drinks. "Thank you, Kenpachi. You're right; I do tend to drink sake, but some of these look quite interesting."
He felt a faint tension in the air easing up, and realized even though everyone might have wanted him to come out, nobody other than Renji and maybe Shuuhei had been sure what to expect from him.
Now that Byakuya had shown that he would respect their rules of equality, he could sense everyone relaxing even more.
~X~X~X~X~
Renji tried to hide his proud grin as his secret partner fit in almost seamlessly. The ravenette looked great, wearing a top that matched his eyes and made them glow, and ebony hair caught up in that ponytail that was so damn cute. Oh, and his casual response to Kenpachi's 'princess' comment had been perfect!
Now Byakuya was looking over the drink list, saying, "These do look interesting, but I think I'll stick with sake this time."
Renji saw Rangiku's head pop up from the next booth. "Did I hear somebody mention sake?"
He nodded, gesturing towards the noble. "Byakuya chose sake as his poison tonight." He caught his partner's amethyst eyes and smiled. "Rangiku here is our resident sake expert. She's tried every kind they serve here."
The older man looked to Rangiku. "Really? Well then, what would you recommend?"
The orangette tilted her head. "They got some great sakura sake, smooth with a sweet note. And they got these fruit-flavored ones that are pretty good."
Byakuya nodded thoughtfully. "I actually prefer spicy."
Rangiku's baby blues widened, and she grinned at the pack's guest. "Their fire sake, then, absolutely. You won't be able to taste anything afterwards for at least 30 seconds, but it burns real nice going down. It's the best spicy sake they carry."
Renji watched as the ravenette nodded. "Sounds perfect."
At that moment, the bell went off, signaling that drinks were now being served. Rangiku squealed as she sprang out of her booth. "K, fire sake for Byakuya. Everyone else going with their usual?" A round of nods, and she flounced off, working her way through the other patrons that were headed for the bar to get drinks.
Renji watched as Shuu addressed Ikkaku, who now had Yumi in his lap. "So, Baldy, why the hell did you challenge Ren to arm-wrestle when you never win?"
Ikkaku smirked. "If I won, he was gonna tell us who he's seeing."
Out of the corner of his eye, Renji saw his secret partner glance towards them, obviously hearing that he'd bet their secret on a feat of strength. He shrugged as he replied, "Yeah, that just gave me another reason to win. Like I really want you bunch of degenerate psychos to know who's crazy enough to get involved with me."
Kenpachi laughed, gesturing at the scattered pack. "Of course we wanna know who's good enough to take our sex-demon off the market! Must be special and serious if our red wolf ain't hookin' up no more. I'm gonna miss both sides of that coin, and I know I ain't the only one."
Renji was filled with the urge to facepalm- he shoulda known Ken would bring this up. He sighed and lifted his eyes to the ceiling so he wouldn't look at his partner. "It's not the end of the world, Patch. You know just about anyone in the pack will submit to you, and you'll find someone else you'll let top you."
The huge Soul Reaper shook his head. "Not a chance. You know you're the only one I trust to take me."
With another sigh, Renji looked to the barbarian of the pack. "Then you're shit outta luck, cause I am serious about this relationship. It could be really special, and I want it to work, and not you nor anyone else has a chance in hell of getting me to do anything that might fuck it up. If I screw this up, I'll be doing it on my own."
Just then, Rangiku returned, balancing 2 trays full of drinks. Renji took his and sipped it, letting his eyes slide over to Byakuya as he wondered how his partner felt about what he'd just heard.
The ravenette was just lifting his sake dish to his lips, and the dark eyes shifted to meet his. His captain glanced between him and Kenpachi, then, to his relief, his partner sent him a secret smile before tossing his head back, downing his first serving of fire sake.
The noble tilted his head, eyes widening as he addressed Rangiku. "Thank you for the suggestion. This is very good."
Renji had tried the fire sake once, and he wondered what the spicy heat would taste like blended with the sweet taste of the older man. Gods, he wanted to kiss the ravenette till they couldn't breathe!
Suddenly, Shuu chuckled. "Man, this is gonna be one hell of a night. Sittin' here might be the death of me." Renji realized that sitting between him and Byakuya, Shuu was right in their secretive line of fire. On the other side of the scarred man, he could see the same realization dawn in his partner's eyes. Shuuhei caught the look, and murmured under his breath, "Relax, I'm good. Besides, there ain't no other place I'd rather be right now."
Renji smirked at his best friend. "Yeah, I bet you're lovin' the thought of being a little Shuu sandwich, hmm?" He leaned past the blushing lieutenant to stage-whisper to Byakuya, "My friends are total pervs. I dunno where they get it."
Shuuhei laughed and shoved his shoulder playfully. "Yeah, we couldn't possibly have gotten it from our twisted, fucked-up Alpha."
Renji shook his head innocently. "Nope, course not. You guys are the ones that corrupted me!" His heart warmed when he caught sight of Byakuya hiding a smile.
Just then, Yachiru, who'd been quiet this whole time, scampered along the back of the booth's seat to perch behind his partner.
~X~X~X~X~
Byakuya glanced up when he felt bubbly energy settle just by his shoulder. Yachiru was there, grinning happily. "Hi, Byakuyi!"
He nodded. "Hello, Yachiru. I'm sorry, I didn't bring any sweets with me."
The pinkette shrugged, still smiling at him as she reached out to touch his ponytail. "That's ok, Byakuyi. I'm just happy you're here. Kenny's happy, too. Everybody's been wanting you to come for a long time."
Before he could respond, there was a commotion by the door. He looked to see Ichigo and his group walking in, loaded down with carry-out boxes and bags. The group made a beeline for the corner booth, Ichigo waving the bags he carried. "I got food, bitches! Who's ready to chow down?"
As the group reached them, Renji stood and let out a piercing whistle. This was apparently a signal, as the pack started gathering at the corner booth and the booths on either side of it.
Byakuya only had a moment to admire his secret partner, dressed in only a pair of snug black jeans, before he was being greeted with surprise and enthusiasm by anyone that wasn't already aware of his arrival. Everyone really did seem happy that he'd come, though the enthusiasm was tempered, as if they'd been told not to make too big a deal out of this.
He returned the greetings politely as Ichigo and the others began handing out food. Not only were there specific items for everyone, there was also communal food for the center of each table that anyone could help themselves to. Byakuya was surprised when Ichigo set a bento box right in front of him.
"Hey, Byakuya. Glad you could make it. I heard you might be coming out tonight, and I remember hearing you got a thing for spicy food. But I wasn't sure what you specifically like, so may I present... the Spicy Sampler. I got a little spicy something from every place we get food and put it all in here."
The teen opened the bento, showing that each divided section held something different, and the spicy smell was mouthwatering. Surprised that the young man had gone to the trouble of doing this for him, Byakuya looked up at Ichigo, who was smiling at him. "Thank you, Ichigo. This looks delicious."
The substitute Soul Reaper nodded. "No problem. Let me know which ones you like the best so I know what to get next time."
As Byakuya nodded, a new voice reached him. "Nii-sama?" He looked; there, in the midst of Ichigo's group, was Rukia. Greetings rose for his adopted sister. "Hey, Snowflake! - Come eat, Snow Angel!"
But the younger ravenette didn't seem to notice the greetings, continuing to stare at him. "Nii-sama?"
He tilted his head, gesturing with his chopsticks. "Hello, Rukia. You know, 'nii-sama' sounds awfully formal, and I was informed that this is supposed to be casual."
The adopted Kuchiki nodded and smiled shyly at him as she got her own food. "I'm glad you came, Byakuya. I hope you have a good time." Rukia took her food to the next booth, where Rangiku, Kira, Orihime, Momo, Isane, Rikichi, and Hanataro were.
As Byakuya began eating, he felt a tap on his shoulder. Yachiru was still perched on the back of the seat, pointing at his bento. "I'd like to try some, Byakuyi. Please?"
He nodded and selected a piece for his tiny companion, only to be stopped by Kenpachi. "Hold on, Byakuya. I'm really glad you're willing to share with her, but she can't eat spicy food this late- gives her nightmares."
At the mention of nightmares, Byakuya felt his eyes widen. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."
Kenpachi smiled and shook his head. "Don't worry 'bout it. That's exactly why she asked you, cause you didn't know. Yachiru, you little monster, c'mere." The tiny pinkette scurried along the back of the seat behind everyone's head until she reached Kenpachi, who began feeding her from his own massive spread.
Byakuya let his eyes flit around the booth, watching as the group ate and talked and laughed together. Ichigo and some others had claimed the next booth, and conversation flowed between Ichigo's, Renji's, and Rangiku's booths. Byakuya didn't realize he was smiling as he absorbed the happiness and comradarie that filled the air.
The pack really was like a family.
Suddenly, he heard Toshiro's voice pipe up next to him. "Oh gods, look! Is he smiling?"
In the blink of an eye, all attention had found its way to him. Well, then.
He allowed the small smile to stay as he raised his eyebrows. "There are not many things that make me smile. I'm smiling now because I happen to be having a nice time and am enjoying myself. However, if anyone insists on making a big deal of it, then nobody will see it ever again."
Immediately, everyone chilled, most of them refocusing on their food and conversations with smiles of their own. Kenpachi held his hands up as if in surrender. "What? There's no big deal 'bout nothing!"
He nodded, still smiling. "Good."
Yumichika spoke up from where he was nestled on Ikkaku's lap. "I think you have a beautiful smile, Byakuya, but I'm not making a big deal about it."
Byakuya nodded again, catching Renji's eye. The crimsonette sent him a sweet smile, and he could feel his partner's happiness and pride.
As everyone finished eating and satisfied sighs were heard, Ichigo leaned over the back of their booths, throwing a wadded-up napkin at Renji. "Alright, it's been put off long enough. We all wanna know what's up with this new relationship of yours."
~X~X~X~X~
Renji almost groaned at Ichigo's words, especially when everyone in that booth and Rangiku's leaned over the dividers, watching him expectantly. He sighed. "Alright, you nosy bastards. But I ain't telling anything that's too revealing."
Excited murmurs ran through the pack, then Toshiro asked, "Guy or girl?"
He replied, "Guy."
Kenpachi leaned forward. "Rukon?"
He shook his head. "No, he's Seretei-born, though he seems to understand Rukon better than I thought he would."
Yachiru climbed on top of Kenpachi's head. "Is he a pretty guy? You're real pretty, you should have a pretty boyfriend."
Renji laughed at the sweet words. "Yes, Yachiru, he's very pretty."
Isane played with her silvery lavender braids as she asked softly, "Where'd you meet him?"
Renji smirked. "Well, the first time I ever saw him was at the Academy, but I don't think he noticed me."
To his surprise, Byakuya was the next to speak. "I'm sure he noticed you. You're rather hard to miss, Renji. This guy would have to be blind not to notice a man over 6 feet tall with blood-red hair."
Everyone made sounds of agreement as they nodded. Then Ichigo spoke up. "Why is his identity a secret?"
Luckily, Renji had anticipated this question. "Because he hasn't been in a serious relationship in a real long time. Figured we'd have a better chance of working out if there was no pressure; we can focus on our relationship instead of what everyone else thinks."
Nods and understanding murmurs answered his statement, then Kira asked quietly, "Does he know about us? Like, about benefits and stuff? Some people get jealous of their partner's past."
Renji's chest tightened at the timid blond's question, knowing what his friend had been through with his asshole of a captain. "He is not like Gin, sweetie. He's not manipulative or abusive. I explained about benefits, and he was fine with it. He may not know who all I've been with, but he's already said he doesn't care if I've been with the entire Seretei, as long as I'm faithful to him while we're together. He's not mean or cruel like Gin, and he's not going to beat me for being around you guys."
Kira nodded, looking relieved, and Renji saw Byakuya looking at the blond in horror before the dark eyes met his.
Then Hanataro spoke in his soft almost-whisper. "What... what if he doesn't like us? You said he's Seretei-born... even though we're from different districts, we're all Rukon, Renji, messed up in one way or another. Ichi and his pack are from the Living World. So when it doesn't have to be a secret anymore, and he meets us... what if he doesn't like us?"
Renji hesitated, then lowered his eyes to the table, using one finger to trace the etchings in the wooden surface... the carvings he and his pack had made over the years. His response was quiet. "I dunno, guess me and him would have a problem, then. All of us have been through too much shit together for me to abandon you guys just cause the person I'm with doesn't like my friends." There was a moment of silence, then the last peson he'd expected spoke up.
Byakuya's voice was just loud enough for the whole pack to hear.
"That seems like a ridiculous thing to have to worry about. This relationship you're in is supposed to be serious, right?"
Renji lifted his head to meet his secret partner's eyes and nodded. "Yeah. Well, at least I'm serious 'bout him. I'm not 100% sure how serious he is about me. It's still a pretty new relationship."
The ravenette tilted his head and gestured at his gathered friends. "I'm not sure how welcome my opinion is, since I'm not certain I'm considered your friend. But it seems to me that if this guy is worth the effort you are obviously putting into this relationship, he will see the worth of your friends, what they mean to you and what you mean to them. If you are important to him, does it not follow that your family should be important to him, as well? If he trusts you, he should also trust those whom you've placed your own faith in. And if he doesn't, if he scorns those who are important to you just because your family is from the Rukongai or the Living World, then this guy is surely not worth another moment of your time."
Everyone was staring at the noble, wearing varying expressions of surprise, gratitude, and pleasure that he'd basically just stood up for the pack. Renji felt the smile crossing his face as he nodded, watching the warm amethyst eyes that held such acceptance.
"You're right, Byakuya. Thank you for putting this in perspective. My pack is my family, and they are really important to me. He should know this, though I kinda got a feeling he's gonna be just fine with it."
Then Kenpachi grinned. "Gods, this conversation got serious. I say, until you and your secret boyfriend decide we can know who he is, we continue to pester you with questions about him. How 'bout some better ones? Yachiru, go play."
The pink bubble of energy giggled. "Aww, I never get to listen to the adult conversations." Then she darted away, and Kenpachi's grin became wicked.
"Renji, you know what we're gonna ask. We wanna know some good stuff."
~X~X~X~X~
Byakuya watched as his partner pulled a marvelous innocent act. The pack's Alpha tilted his head. "'Good stuff'? Ok, well, he's got a surprising sense of humor, and he likes to read."
Knowing this was not what Kenpachi had meant, Byakuya smiled at the reactions that Renji's reply brought. Kenpachi huffed and rolled his eyes, while Ichigo threw another wadded-up napkin at the crimsonette. "C'mon, Renji! That's nice good stuff, and while that's sweet and all, we wanna know some naughty good stuff!"
The Rukon Dog crossed his hands behind his head and smirked. "And what makes you think I'll indulge you deviants?"
Yumichika waved one hand dismissively. "Because you're just as much of a sex addict as the rest of us, if not more so. You done it yet?"
Renji raised his eyebrows. "Nope."
Byakuya heard the stir this caused among the pack that was gathered like children at story-time. Except Shuuhei, who was sitting between them and being very quiet.
Toshiro asked, "Well, why not? Reaper told us yesterday that you weren't available to hook up anymore, and we all know how fast you can work that magic of yours."
Byakuya's heart started pounding, then he felt Shuuhei nudge him gently, breathing, "Easy there. It's alright."
Calmed by the contact and words, he took a deep breath as Renji answered. "Ok, remember how I said it's his first serious relationship in a long time? Well, it's not just that. This is also the first time he's ever been involved with another guy. We're taking it nice and slow cause of that; I sure as hell don't wanna rush him or make him uncomfy."
Byakuya was surprised when a chorus of "Awww!" answered his partner.
Kenpachi leaned forward. "That's nice. If you're the first, you gotta be careful. Wonder if he knows how lucky he is to have you as a partner, instead of some of the assholes he coulda ended up with?"
Renji shrugged, but Byakuya felt Kenpachi's words as if they'd been aimed directly at him. After only a couple of days, he already knew he was very lucky to have Renji in his life.
Toshiro smirked, narrowing those turquoise cat-eyes at the Rukon Dog. "So, you haven't gone all the way yet cause you don't wanna rush him, how very gentlemanly of you. Buuut, what about other stuff? There's, like, 100 fun things to do without going all the way."
Renji's cheeks began to redden, which elicited cheers from the pack. "Oh, shit, he's blushin'! - Go, Ren! - So they have done something! - Tell us!"
Byakuya watched with interest as his redheaded partner tried to fend off his friends. Shuuhei was suddenly focused on his drink as though it were fascinating, while Renji was shaking his head at the rest of the pack. "Back off, guys! Geez, what if one day we do go public? You think he'd appreciate me sharing private shit with you fuckin' lunatics?!"
Grumbles answered the crimsonette, then Byakuya leaned forward. "I think he'd understand that in your pack, you share everything. Besides, I get the feeling they won't leave you alone until satisfied."
Cheers followed his words as Renji's auburn eyes widened at him. The Rukon Dog tilted his head just an inch, as if trying to verify what he'd meant. He gave the slightest nod, and his partner gave one of those slow, seductive, fang-bearing smiles.
Kenpachi noticed the wicked grin first, hitting the table to get everyone's attention. "Hey, shuddup! Ren's up to something!" The pack went mostly quiet, other than admiration for their Alpha.
Toshiro murmured, "Shit, bet you can get him to do anything you want if you smile at him like that."
Kenpachi nodded. "Damn straight. Always loved that look."
Byakuya watched as his secret partner gave him one final glance before focusing on his pack, still wearing his seductive smile that showcased his pronounced canines. "My freaky little family, so interested in my private life."
Enthusiastic nods answered him, and Renji's smile grew. "Alright, first off, he kisses like a fuckin' angel, and even just making out with him turns me on till I can't think straight."
At this point, Shuuhei was beginning to blush, and Byakuya realized it was because the scarred man knew Renji was talking about him.
Everyone 'oooh'ed their Alpha's words, then Kenpachi nodded. "Yeah, I can see you liking that. You always were a big kisser; you like making out just as much as anything else. Speaking of 'anything else'..."
Renji sighed as a dreamy look entered his dark amber eyes. "He gives one hell of a blowjob. I mean, like, damn."
Byakuya thanked the gods he'd gotten a chance to meditate, or he'd be blushing so hard right now.
Catcalls and howls rose from the pack, and Shuuhei leaned down, tapping his forehead on the table. Kenpachi laughed. "Ren, I think your Beta's getting his panties in a twist."
Byakuya saw Renji's grin morph into a teasing smirk, the cinammon eyes flicking to him before refocusing on his friend. "Aww, poor Reaper loves him a good bj, so he's probably jealous that I got me someone that gives incredible head. Even knows how to use his teeth just right."
A muffled groan rose from where Shuuhei was pressing his face into the table. "Dear gods, so jealous."
Byakuya watched as Kenpachi reached over the table and buried his hand in the dark, spiky hair, then gently pulled, coaxing the scarred lieutenant to lift his head. "You know, Reaper, I just realized you ain't asked no questions. Now, I'd think as Ren's Beta, his best friend, and undeniably the one he hooks up with most, you'd be first in line to be prying 'bout this new guy."
Byakuya felt himself tense and saw Renji's shoulders stiffen as Shuuhei's silver eyes widened, all 3 of them realizing that Shuuhei not asking about the 'secret relationship' was starting to arouse suspicion.
Then the scarred lieutenant brushed away Kenpachi's hand, sitting up with a curious, amused look in his eyes. "I just had to think of what questions I wanted to ask."
Byakuya heard Renji mutter, "Oh shit." under his breath as Shuuhei grinned, that wicked smile aimed at his Alpha.
x
x
Ohhh it's Shuu's turn to ask about the 'new guy'.
What will he ask?
What else will the pack find out about their Alpha's secret partner?
What does everyone think about Bya joining them?
Will they drink more?
Where did Yachiru go?
OMG the suspense is killing me!
Tip: don't write when you're tired and jacked up on coffee and banana nut muffins :)