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

15. Storytime

'Healing the Moon'

Warnings: Language, references to abuse

OK Everyone. The ff app chopped off half this chapter yesterday. If you read it already, you're more than welcome to skim down to the cutoff point. It's right after Rukia asks if she can speak to Bya alone. There's a pov break (~X~X~X~X~X~) What comes after that is what failed to post yesterday.
What a pain- won't be using ff app to update, I guess.
ENJOY!

Chapter 15: Storytime

x
((Byakuya seemed startled to find himself in these circumstances, but accepting of them. After a moment, with the whole pack looking on, the noble lifted his hands, using one to gently stroke Kenpachi's hair, the other to rub Yachiru's back. Both relaxed into the attention, obviously soothed by the contact.
Unable to stay too jealous, Renji smiled as he watched the ravenette doting on both the biggest, roughest member of his pack, as well as the smallest, most innocent.
Renji's heart warmed to see his partner bonding with his family.))
x

Byakuya hadn't been sure how to react to this at first, so he'd gone with what felt right. He'd apparently chosen well, as both Kenpachi and Yachiru seemed comforted by his touch.

Remembering what Renji had told him about what physical contact meant to his pack of Rukon survivors, he gently threaded his fingers through Kenpachi's hair, getting a deep hum in response. He used his other had to tenderly caress Yachiru's tiny shoulders and back, hearing a happy little sigh.

Byakuya glanced up to see Renji watching them with a soft smile, though the auburn eyes were slightly narrowed at Kenpachi's head being on his lap. Then he heard Yachiru's voice. "Kenny, tell me a story."

The huge Soul Reaper groaned. "Not t'night, baby girl. Y'know, Byakuya out-drank me, and now 'm not in any sh-shape for story-tellin'."

Byakuya watched as Yachiru pouted, then looked up at him expectantly. He felt his eyes widen. "I don't know any stories."

To his surprise, he heard members of the pack encouraging him. "Make one up. - You can do it. - C'mon, Byakuya. - A story would be nice. - Please?" Then Ichigo swept in with the clincher, leaning over the table with a smile. "We've all had to do it, Byakuya. It's your turn."

Byakuya met Yachiru's eyes and nodded. "Ok, I'll tell you a story. But I don't have much experience doing this, alright?"

The tiny lieutenant giggled. "Alright, Byakuyi."

He took a deep breath and began speaking softly as his mind quickly formulated the story. "Once upon a time, there was a little princess. She was sweet and beautiful and kind. Her father, the king, loved her very much, and did everything he could to make her happy. For the most part, she was happy, but sometimes, she was sad."

Byakuya didn't notice the entire pack listening, since he was focused on Yachiru, who asked with wide eyes, "Why was she sad, Byakuyi?"

He continued in an almost conspiratorial voice. "The princess didn't have any friends. See, the king was really big and kinda scary-looking, and his personality was a bit rough. The people in the kingdom never tried to see past this, assuming that he was a scary person. Because of this, nobody would let their children play with the princess, so she always had to play alone or with her father. Now, what the kingdom didn't know was that the king was actually nice, and loved the princess dearly. He was also quite smart, smarter than most people thought. He had noticed the princess was sad, and he knew it was because the people were afraid of him."

Yachiru tilted her head, looking sad for the king and his daughter. "But that wasn't his fault."

Byakuya nodded, totally missing the mesmerized looks on everyone's faces as he answered. "Well, you and I know that, but sometimes adults are fools who do not bother getting to know a person before judging them. Now, the king didn't really care what anyone thought of him, but oh my, the princess was his world, and it bothered him that she had no friends, people her age that she could talk to or hang out with, or maybe even get into a little trouble with. He decided to do something to help."

Byakuya let a tone of mystery color his last few words, smiling when Yachiru demanded impatiently, "What? What'd he do, Byakuyi?" He let his eyes widen as if he were sharing a big secret.

"I'll tell you what he did, Yachiru. The king threw a ball, a huge party that the entire kingdom was invited to. Surprised and curious, the people came, and they brought their children since every invitation had specifically said the little ones were welcome. The princess didn't know the purpose of the ball, just that there was going to be a party and other kids were coming. She brought out all of her toys and games, and some of her best dresses so her and other girls could play dress-up, and she had the cook make a ton of sweets and snacks. When the people arrived, the king told them why he'd thrown the ball, and they let their children play with the princess. While the children played, the people realized how much the king loved his daughter, and decided that nobody who loved their child could really be that bad. So, they began talking with their king as they never had tried to before. When the ball finally ended, the princess had many new friends... and so did the king. The princess was never sad again, and she and her father, and the people, all lived happily ever after. The end."

Yachiru nodded thoughtfully, then smiled up at him. "I liked that one. You tell good stories, Byakuyi. Thank you." The tiny pinkette laid her head down on Kenpachi's broad chest as she closed her eyes and began to drift off, murmuring, "Kenny's a king."

Byakuya moved his hand from Yachiru's back as Kenpachi's arms lifted to wrap around the dozing lieutenant, and for the first time since starting the impromptu story, he looked at the bigger captain's face.

He was surprised to see a tear escape from under the eyepatch as Kenpachi whispered, "Thank you, Byakuya. That... that was a beautiful story." The huge Soul Reaper sat up carefully, cradling the sleeping girl to his chest.

Byakuya made to stop him, thinking the man was too drunk to attempt getting up. Kenpachi shook his head, smiling as he spoke softly. "I'm good. With how big I am, I process alchohol quickly. Umm... look, sorry I called you pretty. You are beautiful, I'm just sorry I was so forward in sayin' so."

Caught off-guard by the words, Byakuya hesitated, then shrugged. "I was surprised, but not bothered. I am flattered that you think so. Thank you, Kenpachi."

The scarred captain carefully got to his feet, still speaking quietly, "You're welcome. You... you maybe comin' out next Friday if you ain't busy?"

Byakuya inclined his head. "Well, I have enjoyed myself, so it seems likely that I'll come out again."

Kenpachi nodded. "Good, glad we didn't scare ya off. Well, I gotta get her home. Later, guys."

Everyone said their goodbyes softly to avoid waking Yachiru, but as Kenpachi walked away, Byakuya noticed it had gone quiet. He looked to see that almost everyone was staring at Renji, who was watching Kenpachi's departure with narrowed eyes.

~X~X~X~X~

Renji didn't realize he was frowning as he watched Kenpachi leave. Well, damn. The way Kenpachi had acted with Byakuya... he had never taken to someone that fast, and had definitely never acted so passive with anyone but him.

He knew Kenpachi liked Byakuya for his beauty and especially for his power and strength, but was his former captain planning to make a move on the noble now that Renji was 'taken'?

Seriously? Because he was in this mysterious new 'relationship', his crush was free game? Oh, hell no!

Suddenly, he heard Shuuhei's voice. "Dude, calm down. Your riatsu's flippin' out bad. Look at me, Abarai."

He focused on a pair of bright silver eyes filled with concern, and a warning that he was threatening the secret. He looked past his friend to see the same concern all through his pack... and in Byakuya's eyes, the concern was joined with an almost guilty look, as if the noble thought he'd done something wrong.

Renji gave a tiny shake of his head, trying to silently communicate to his partner that he wasn't angry at him. There were far too many eyes and ears here to do more without revealing their secret. The dark platinum eyes held his for another moment, then, with a subtle nod of his own, Byakuya looked away.

Renji glanced around; nobody had caught the silent exchange except Shuu, who was still on Ichigo's lap. He sighed, knowing the pack was concerned about his reaction to Kenpachi being so forward with his crush.

After a moment, Ichigo spoke up. "Hey Renji, I got a question, some need-to-know type stuff. You got this serious relationship going on, right? Well, does your boyfriend know you have a long-standing crush on someone else?"

Renji rolled his eyes at his friend's oh-so-casual tone. "As a matter of fact, he knows all about it, Ichi, and he doesn't have a problem with it. What kinda question was that, and how was it need-to-know?"

The orangette shrugged. "That question leads to this one, which I bet we do need to know. Since you are in a relationship, does that mean your crush is no longer off-limits?"

Renji stiffened, not even having to think about his answer. "No, he's still off-limits. You'd think I'd be ok with someone hitting on him since I've got a boyfriend now, but I am very not ok with it. I don't care if I sound selfish; flirting is one thing, but if I catch anyone making a serious move on him, I'll kick their ass from here to the World of the Living."

Ichigo held his hands up in surrender. "Ok, ok, easy there. I was just making sure, and since Kenpachi's already left, you might wanna make sure that he knows your crush is still off-limits."

Renji nodded. "Oh, I'll be delivering that message personally so I know that he knows I'm serious."

To his surprise, Byakuya was the next to speak. "So you are in a relationship, and you have a crush on someone else? My, my, I had no idea; you are quite the playboy, ne?"

Renji glanced to his partner, seeing the teasing glint in amethyst eyes that nobody else saw. He tilted his head and smirked at the ravenette. "Oh yeah, I'm scandalous."

Chuckles of agreement were heard as the pack began to break up. It wasn't real late yet, just a little after 9, but some of them had had a big day, while others were ready to get somewhere private with their significant other or a friend or two. Goodbyes were exchanged, many pack members thanking Byakuya for coming out and saying they hoped he'd had a good time. The noble replied politely to each and every one, wishing them all a good night.

Soon enough, Renji's booth only held him, Byakuya, Shuu, Ichi, and Kira, while the adjoining booths had emptied.

Rukia paused by their booth, asking quietly, "Um, Byakuya? Could I speak to you alone for a moment?" Renji watched as his partner nodded and slid out of the booth.

~X~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya followed his adopted sister a short distance away so they were alone. Rukia turned to him, meeting his eyes. She simply gazed at him for a moment, and he asked, "Is everything ok?"

The smaller Soul Reaper tilted her head. "Maybe. See, I think I figured out who Renji is seeing."

Byakuya barely managed not to react to her words, only asking quietly, "Oh? Is that so?"

Those violet eyes narrowed just a bit. "Renji has been in this relationship since Wednesday. I'd like to know why you haven't spent the night at the Kuchiki manor the last 2 nights."

Byakuya froze, unable to believe he hadn't thought of this possibility. "I... I have been spending the night elsewhere."

His sister smirked. "Obviously." Then she stepped closer, whispering, "It's you, isn't it? You're the secret boyfriend."

Unable to help himself, Byakuya glanced back towards the booth, seeing Renji flick his braid back to show off his love-bite to the partial core of his family. He felt a hand on his arm, and looked down to meet misty violet eyes. Rukia smiled tremulously as she spoke in a choked voice. "You're smiling. I've never seen you smile before tonight, Brother, but you smile when you look at him. Does Renji make you happy?"

He nodded, murmuring, "He does, Rukia."

The younger ravenette took a steadying breath, then put her hands on her hips and shifted into the casual Rukon speech, which he'd never heard from her. "Then I gotta tell ya somethin', and I can only tell ya here, where we're equals, and I need you not to take it offensively."

Byakuya nodded solemnly, sensing that the pack member he'd adopted needed to tell him something important. "I'm listening."

The adopted Kuchiki narrowed her eyes in a dangerous way. "I've known Renji longer than anyone else has. We were each other's first family, and I know he protected me in ways I can't imagine. You may have adopted me, and I do consider you my brother. But Renji was my brother first, and he tried so hard to be happy for me when I was adopted into a better life, when I could see that it was breaking his heart to let me go. So, Byakuya Kuchiki, I am telling you now, that if you ever hurt him, if you ever break his heart, I will never forgive you. I'll hate you for the rest of my life, and I'll tell the whole pack whatever you did to hurt him, and the gods know how fuckin' strong you are, but I might very well make an attempt on your life."

Byakuya could clearly sense the sincerity and conviction in every word his sister spoke, and saw the fierce determination in her eyes and posture. "I understand, Rukia, and I promise I have no intention of hurting Renji in any way."

He saw Rukia's shoulders relax a fraction, then begin shaking as a frightened look crossed her face. Concerned, he laid a hand on her shoulder. "Rukia?"

The big violet eyes blinked up at him. "I meant what I said, but talkin' to you like that was scary as hell!"

He smiled reassuringly, knowing that the young Rukon survivor had always been a bit intimidated by him. "I imagine so, but you did very well, little sister. I'm proud of you for standing up for your brother. Everyone in the pack seems very loyal to him."

The younger Soul Reaper nodded, smiling shyly at being called 'little sister'. "We all love him- he's the center of our family."

Then the violet eyes widened and slid away from his as Rukia whispered, "Has... has everything been true? The things that were being talked about?"

Byakuya wasn't sure if the smaller ravenette had a specific topic in mind, so he answered carefully. "In general, yes."

Rukia wouldn't meet his eyes as she began speaking quietly. "Renji has always tried to protect me from the darker things in life. I know what being 'hurt' means, though. He never told me what happened, but when we lived in Hanging Dog, sometimes he'd come home real late... and he'd have bruises and cuts on him, and he'd be limping real bad. I didn't understand at the time; I just thought he was getting into fights. I've known better for a while now... I know what was happening to him. And I guess he doesn't want me to know, so I ain't never told him that I finally get it. I've made my peace with that, but... Byakuya, I know what that conversation earlier meant."

Realizing that Rukia not only knew about Renji, but had also made the connection that he had been forced, Byakuya kneeled down so he and his sister were eye-to-eye. "Don't think about that, Rukia, me or Renji. It was a very long time ago, and he and I are both ok now. He is doing much better, but he really doesn't want you to know. He's been helping me, and has been very kind and understanding."

The younger Kuchiki nodded. "Yeah, Ren's like that. Look, I know he seems confident most of the time, but deep down, he's really insecure, and for some reason, he believes he doesn't deserve to be happy. Please take care of him, Byakuya."

He nodded, feeling his chest tighten. "I know he's insecure, and I promise I'll take care of him. Does this mean that as long as I'm good to him, you'll support this relationship and help keep it a secret?"

Rukia grinned and hugged him. "Of course I will! I'm really happy for you two; you both deserve someone special. C'mon, your boyfriend's probably missin' you."

They headed back to the booth, exchanging a few more secretive words on the way.

~X~X~X~X~

Renji had just finished ordering the next round of drinks when he saw Byakuya and Rukia returning to their booth. His heart pounded with excitement, just at seeing the noble again after just a few minutes. The small smile curving the older man's lips made every cell in his entire body have fanboy spasms.

Trying to control himself so he wouldn't give their secret away, he stayed quiet as Shuu, Ichigo, and Kira greeted the returning Kuchikis. Nobody had moved to his right, so Byakuya was able to slip in and sit by him as the ravenette politely returned the greetings. Focused on his secret boyfriend, he didn't even notice that Rukia sat on the left side with the others, leaving Byakuya as the only person sitting to his right.

Gods, he wanted to get out of here with his partner so badly! Touch him, hold him, kiss him, tell him how breath-takingly beautiful he looked tonight and how much he loved him. Everything he couldn't do or say right now. He should get an award in self-restraint!

As if sensing his thoughts, those deep silver-amethyst eyes rose to his. Under the table, he felt Byakuya's leg press against his, a hand settling on his thigh. Knowing that it'd look suspicious if they kept staring at each other, Renji inclined his head as he forced his eyes away from his superior's.

Seeing that nobody was looking at the moment, he slipped his own hand beneath the table to cover the one on his thigh, gently squeezing before interlacing their fingers. It was as if the world had righted itself, and he sighed softly in content relief. Yeah, he still wanted to take the noble home and kiss him silly, but this was a whole lot better than nothing!

He let his thumb caress the back of the smaller hand he held, not realizing that both Shuu and Rukia were gazing at him as he stared into space, zoned out on the sensation of finally having real physical contact with his partner again. He knew it'd really only been a matter of hours since they'd been alone in the office together, but it felt like years.

Then he heard Rukia's voice. "Hey, Renji?"

He focused on the only member of his original pack that had survived the Rukon. "Hmm?"

The younger Soul Reaper smiled at him. "If it's alright, I'd like to hear some more sweet stuff."

He smiled back, tilting his head as the others at the table agreed. Kira smiled shyly as he said, "I think outta the whole pack, you got some of your most hard-core romantics here. The naughty stuff is good, but I always love hearing the sweet stuff."

Renji sighed happily, glad that some of his sappy friends were the only ones left now. "He does like to read. He discovered the bookcase in my living room, and I walked in to find him sitting on the floor, reading like there was no tomorrow."

Shuu smiled. "Oh, so he nerds out like you do? Get into a book, and the world around you disappears."

He chuckled. "Yeah, except it's a whole lot cuter when he does it."

Ichigo was the next one to speak up. "You said earlier that he has a sense of humor?"

Renji nodded again, smiling as he thought of how much it had surprised him at first. "He makes me laugh. And it's the greatest feeling in the world when I make him smile or laugh."

Kira tilted his head, a dreamy smile on his face. "It sounds like he likes spending time with you. That's nice, Ren, and it's a really good sign."

Renji nodded and gently squeezed the hand he held, feeling the light pressure returned.

Suddenly, Shuu sat up straight on Ichigo's lap with a grin, looking like he'd just had an epiphany. "You know what I just thought of?"

Without waiting for an answer, the scarred lieutenant began moving leftovers off the table, putting them on the divider between their booth and the next one. This bared the table's wooden surface and all the carvings and etchings that adorned it.

Renji saw how Byakuya's lovely eyes widened, taking in the names, words, symbols, kanji, pictures and designs. Then Shuuhei pulled out his pocketknife, the one he never let anyone besides Renji borrow. "Byakuya, the pack's been carving up this table for years. It's not often guests are allowed to do it, but I bet I speak for everyone when I say it'd be an honor if you added something."

Byakuya looked surprised, dark eyes traveling between the table and the knife Shuu held. "Like what?"

Shuu shrugged, smiling as he handed over the knife. "Whatever you want."

Renji watched as the noble accepted the knife with a thoughtful look in his eyes, asking softly, "Can I hide it until I'm done?"

Everyone nodded, and Renji gently squeezed his partner's hand once more before releasing it. The ravenette flicked the knife open and wrapped his left arm around a small blank space on the table. Renji thought he looked adorable as he began working, brows slightly furrowed and bottom lip caught in his teeth.

He remembered the day at the beach and the sand-sculpture contest, and he grinned at the memory, not caring if he ended up with an army of that cloud-looking seaweed guy on the table if it meant Byakuya was happy.

As their guest worked, the 5 of them chatted aimlessly about some drivel or other, and Renji noticed Rukia watching him... a lot. He raised his eyebrows at the younger Soul Reaper. "What? You're weirdin' me out."

Rukia shrugged, smiling at him. "Nothing, I'm just really, really glad you're happy, Renji. Take care of this new partner of yours, cause it seems like he's good for you."

He smirked and tilted his head. "You say 'take care of him' like that ain't what I been doing the last couple of days. I been making sure he eats and gets enough sleep, and I think I'm pretty nice to him. I can be nice when I wanna be, you know."

A few minutes later, Byakuya lifted his head, eyeing his work critically as he moved his arm. "I'm done."

Everyone leaned closer to look, and Renji felt warmth spread through him at the sight. About the size of a palmprint was an intricate tribal design that resembled his markings. In the middle of the fierce-looking design was a sakura flower no bigger than a thumbprint.

It almost looked as if the elegantly wicked tribal pattern was protecting the tiny cherry blossom.

~X~X~X~X~

Byakuya fidgeted under the table as the 5 remaining pack members admired his contribution to the table. He saw the way Renji's eyes widened and warmed the moment he saw it, a tiny smile curving the redhead's lips. The auburn eyes met his for a moment before looking back at his carving.

Shuuhei and Rukia both seemed to 'get' it, smiling warmly at him with understanding in their eyes and watching Renji admiring the etched picture.

Ichigo and Kira both liked the carving, complimenting him on the finely detailed work he'd done in such a short time.

Byakuya closed the pocketknife and handed it back to Shuuhei with a soft, "Thank you."
The younger man nodded, smiling at him. "Anytime."

As Shuuhei and the others began chatting among themselves about plans for the weekend, Renji murmured, "You know, Byakuya, Shuu never lets anyone besides me borrow that knife."

Surprised to hear this, Byakuya met the warm coppery eyes, seeing the pride his partner felt. Suddenly wanting nothing more than to be alone with the Rukon Dog, he fluidly rose to his feet. "Thank you for having me tonight. I really had a good time. Ichigo, I liked everything in the bento, so feel free to choose any of it for me in the future. I have to go; I have things to take care of in the morning, so I need rest."

He got understanding nods and goodnights from everyone, and headed for the door. Before walking out, he glanced over his shoulder to see those dark honey eyes watching him from across the room. He inclined his head, then slipped out the door.

Byakuya went down just a few buildings and leapt to a rooftop to wait. Sure enough, only a few minutes passed before he sensed Renji's spiritual energy seeking his. He closed his eyes and focused- his partner's riatsu was poised just outside 'The Wolf Den', searching for him. Then the energy advanced towards his hiding spot.

It circled the building whose roof he was on, and Byakuya shivered at the sensation that he was literally being hunted. Then he felt the riatsu surge, and he opened his eyes just in time to see Renji land on the railing with a victorious look on his face. Apparently, the Rukon Dog had likened the pursuit to a hunt as well, and had found his prey.

The bigger Soul Reaper crouched on the railing for a moment, then dropped lightly onto the roof and began walking towards him with slow, deliberate steps. "Been waiting all night to tell you that you look gorgeous, baby. That was harder than I thought it'd be, cause the whole time, I just wanted you to myself."

Byakuya nodded as the crimsonette stopped in front of him. "I know, honey; I felt the same way. And you look incredible. I had to make a conscious effort not to stare at you."

His partner gave him that slow, sexy smile. "Really? I'd say 'sorry', but I wouldn't mean it. So, did you really have a good time?"

He nodded and smiled at the younger man. "I did. I'm really glad I decided to come out."

Renji nodded, lifting one hand to stroke the loose hair that framed his face, and Byakuya leaned into the attention as his partner whispered, "Good. I'm glad you had a good time, baby. And I'm so, so proud of you, I'm probably gonna mention that a lot. Hey, umm, I... I didn't screw up too bad, did I?"

Byakuya saw the sudden worry in the dark amber eyes, Renji's fear that he'd done or said something wrong in front of his friends; this likely had to do with the pack knowing their Alpha's boyfriend had been hurt. He shook his head and lifted one hand to the taller man's tan cheek. "No, honey, you didn't screw up at all. I meant everything I said tonight, and I enjoyed meeting everyone again as your family."

Byakuya saw the relief that relaxed his partner's features, and he smiled. "Now, Renji, I have been waiting all night to get a kiss, and-" He glanced around as though looking for any witnesses. "There's nobody around, so what the hell are you waiting for?"

The next moment, warm, soft lips covered his and strong arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him close. He parted his lips invitingly, and the kiss deepened as the younger man explored him like he was on a treasure hunt.

Relief and satisfaction flowed through him; he had wanted this since Renji had left the office earlier. He had tried to ignore the urge, but it had been torture to see his sweet, lovely redhead right there all night and not be able to do a single damn thing.

He hooked one arm around the back of Renji's neck, and ran the fingers of his other hand over the markings on the broad chest without looking, having already memorized the position and pattern of these ones. The bigger Soul Reaper growled into the kiss at his encouragement, the arms around his waist tightening to lift him on his toes.

Byakuya could hear the soft, needy little sounds he was starting to make, but he couldn't find it in himself to stop or be embarrassed, especially since he could sense Renji responding to them. One of the arms around him shifted, and a big, warm hand wrapped around the back of his neck as the crimsonette swallowed his wanton whimpers.

The tenderness of the kiss faded into something rougher, more dominating, and Byakuya felt himself beginning to tremble as that nervous excitement rushed through him. He did like his boyfriend's 'tails' side, but dear gods, he really liked his 'heads' side!

He gasped when he felt Renji nip his tender bottom lip, then his partner had broken the kiss and was gazing down at him. He blinked in confusion, dazed by the kiss and it's unexpected conclusion. "Re-Renji? Why?"

The younger man answered just as breathlessly, "We're still on a rooftop, baby."

Byakuya breathed, "Oh." then tilted his head, still clinging to his taller companion. "Then let's go home."

Renji's dark honey eyes widened, and a blissful smile curved those soft lips that were swollen from kissing the life out of him. Not understanding the reason for the smile, Byakuya whispered, "What?"

The bigger Soul Reaper shook his head, still smiling blissfully. "Nothin', baby. You're right- let's go home."

~X~X~X~X~

Renji couldn't have been happier right now. His beautiful moon was pressed up close to him, and while they had both gotten a little roused by the kissing, he just savored the feeling of being so close to his partner.

And once again, Byakuya had called his quarters 'home'.

He pulled away for a moment to grab the bag he'd brought from the bar. At his superior's curious look, he grinned. "Leftovers. In case we're hungry later." The ravenette nodded, trying to straighten his haori that had become disheveled while making out. Renji stepped closer to help, smiling at the faint blush that instantly shadowed the smaller Soul Reapers cheeks. His captain had dropped his guard for him, just like he'd promised.

He spoke softly. "You really do look so beautiful tonight, Byakuya. Even more beautiful than you usually do. I wanted to tell you, but I was afraid I'd get too enthusiastic and give us away. This looks so good on you; the colors complement your eyes, and it sorta has a relaxed vibe, but still looks nice."

The noble smiled shyly. "Toshiro is the one that suggested it."

Renji tilted his head, looking his partner up and down with his slow smile. "Hmm, kinda wondering what you'd look like wearing just that." He saw Byakuya shiver as the platinum eyes lowered from his, slender fingers fidgeting with the hem of his haori. At first, Renji thought he'd made his companion uncomfortable, but then he saw that Byakuya was blushing and smiling.

Awww, his moon was so cute when he was bashful!

He leaned close to kiss the older man on the temple, breathing, "I love you, Byakuya. Hell, I think I might love you even more than I did before, after that performance at the bar. You were brilliant, baby."

Surprised amethyst eyes rose to his. "Really?"

He nodded as they began heading home. "Gods, yes! You were amazing! You were like a damn wolf-tamer!"

Byakuya laughed, making every fiber of Renji's being thrum with happiness as they started flash-stepping over the rooftops.

Neither of them noticed a small shadow with violet eyes watching them.

~X~X~X~X~

Rukia felt tears of joy gathering in her eyes as she watched two of the most important men in her life. She had followed when Renji had left, knowing he would be going to Byakuya. She had needed to know that they were really happy together. All alone, they seemed even happier.

She was too far away to catch their words, though she could see them and make out their voices. She'd seen the kiss, marveling at the passion they shared. They'd talked a bit, then she heard Byakuya laugh as they started heading in the direction of Renji's place, disappearing in a flash-step.

Wow... Byakuya laughed? They really must be happy together.

Rukia sighed happily as she turned away, directing her footsteps towards the Kuchiki manor. After what each of them had been through, they both really did deserve someone special in their lives, and it seemed a sweet karma that they'd found each other in such a way.

Rukia paused; then again, she would never look at yaoi the same way again! Renji and Byakuya... ahh damn, her nose was bleeding.

x

x

So, we got 'The Wolf Den' wrapped up, and the boys are headed home :)
Don't worry, Rukia's fine, she just got one of those damn nosebleeds anime characters always get when they see or think about something sexy.
I told my mom the story of the princess and the king (without telling her it was part of a yaoi story, of course) and she loved it. I think it came out pretty sweet, considering I was making it up as I wrote it in my notebook. Hope y'all liked it!
Next chap will have them getting home and maaaybe getting to have a little fun?