'Healing the Moon'
Chapter 19: Damage Control
My everlasting thanks to SpunkyOne, who always cheers me on (and gave me dirty thoughts about the stew) and has inspired me to write more cliffies, though the cliffy crown will always be hers lol RenBya4ever!
If you're a Bleach yaoi fan and have not read her stuff, then I don't know what you're doing with your life XD lol
Deep gratitude to timewaster, who reads my stuff even though yaoi's not quite her cup of tea *ducks newspapers* And puts up with my craziness lol
OH! Those of you who like a nice slice of angst, or delight in darker works, go check out timewaster123456789 Lovely work, well-written and touching. Will probably make you cry, but sooo worth the read!
Love for my sweet Sari :) You are such a gem and I always enjoy chatting with you.
Go read Sariniste for humor, mystery, excellent characterization (I recommend Dear Bleach Fanfiction Authors)
For those of my lovely readers I didn't mention, please know it's just because I'm in a hurry to get this one up.
Warnings-Not much with this one. Some language, symptoms of ptsd (Ren because of Rukon and Bya cause of his experience) Mostly a 'domestic' chap. Some making out and a bit of a cliffy.
x
((If his partner would be back in an hour, that'd be enough time for him to cook one of the few things he was good at.
Pleased with his plan, Byakuya rolled up his sleeves and got to work.))
x
~About an hour later~
Renji was beyond satisfied with his trip. The office quarters were stocked up, and the chat with Kenpachi had gone well. The Squad 11 captain had easily backed down, agreeing not to make a real move on Byakuya, though he still intended to flirt every chance he got.
Apparently, Shuuhei had already been by to inform him that even though Renji was in a relationship now, he was as protective over his crush as ever.
Still on good terms with the barbarian of his pack, Renji had left, returning to his quarters as fast as possible. Eager to be at his partner's side again, he opened his front door. "Hey, baby! I'm ba-"
He cut off as he registered cooking smells.
Oh, gods... did he smell what he thought he did?
No way!
Sniffing intently, he ran into the kitchen, skidding to a stop at the sight of his captain at the stove. Following the heavenly scent to the pot the noble was stirring, he asked, "Are... are you making Rukon stew? How do you know how to make that?"
Amethyst eyes rose to his as Byakuya turned the stove off. "Actually, I'm done making it. Hisana taught me how. And I only made the basic stew since I wasn't sure what other stuff you'd want."
Renji leaned over the pot, inhaling deeply. "That's fuckin' awesome! Rukon stew is one of the few good things in life before becoming a Soul Reaper, and I ain't had it in so long!"
He was about to grab a bowl, when he saw that the ravenette already had 2 out and was filling them, asking curiously, "Why? Do you not make it for yourself? Or the pack?"
Renji met the dark eyes as he replied quietly, "I don't know how, and neither do any of my friends. None of us have had it since leaving the streets. I'm pretty sure you haven't even made this for Rukia, cause I know she woulda told us by now that she'd found someone who could make Rukon stew."
His boyfriend tilted his head, asking softly, "Renji, should I not have done this? You seemed pleased at first, but it almost appears that you are becoming upset."
Quickly, he shook his head. "No, baby, you did good! I'm just really surprised, that's all. I'm not upset, promise."
His companion looked relieved, smiling at him. "Ok. I hope you like it."
Renji started to reach for one of the bowls, but found himself hesitating before touching it. Lessons learned growing up were not easily forgotten.
Byakuya had implied he could have some... hadn't he?
Unable to help himself, he asked softly, "I... can I please have some?"
He felt his cheeks warming as Byakuya froze and looked up at him. The older man tilted his head, wearing a confused frown. Then the silvery-steel eyes widened a bit, and Renji knew the intelligent man had figured out at least part of the problem.
The smaller Soul Reaper picked up the bowl he'd been reaching for and handed it to him, holding his gaze as he spoke gently. "You can have all you want, Renji. This one's all for you, and there's plenty left over, ok?"
He gave an excited nod as he took the steaming bowl. "Thank you!"
In the next moment, Renji was perched in one corner of the couch-nest, eating as if he'd never eat again. Oh, gods, it was so good!The shredded meat was suspended in thick, salty broth, and various vegetables dotted the brown surface. It was something beautiful, this comforting meal that he could remember eating on cold nights on the street. Sharp memories rose; waiting in a ragged line, pushing Rukia and his other friends forward so they could get a bowl first, standing guard for his little pack while they ate, then them standing guard as he inhaled his own serving.
As if something inside him had been triggered, he unconsciously shifted into the mind-set of the street, wrapping one arm around his food defensively.
This was a habit he thought he'd broken; he rarely got defensive over his food anymore. But smelling and tasting the stew had pushed a psychological button, and he couldn't help himself. It had been so easy to lose this rare treat to other Rukon dwellers.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Byakuya approaching the couches, watching him. After a moment, the noble moved to the other end, climbing into the nest and settling in the furthest corner with his own bowl.
Renji eyed the ravenette for another moment - not a threat, at least not right now. He continued eating, not realizing that he was shifting to hide his food, arm still wrapped around his bowl.
"Renji?"
At the sound of the soft, non-aggressive voice, he lifted his head and glanced over to Byakuya. His superior was still over in the far corner, head tilted to one side as he murmured, "Honey, I'm not going to take your food. I understand if you feel you need to defend it, but you should know that I won't try to take it, and I won't let anyone else take it from you."
Renji hesitated, knowing how strange his behavior must seem, but unable to help it. Yet his companion didn't seem to be condemning his actions, and he believed the gently spoken words. Byakuya wouldn't let anyone mess with his food.
Slowly, he shifted, fighting his ingrained impulse to guard his meal.
He sat back instead of hunching over his bowl, forcing himself to relax as he resumed eating, keeping one eye on his captain.
Byakuya stayed where he was, eating his own stew and watching him with an expression that was equal parts sadness and concern.
After a few minutes, the ravenette asked softly, "Renji, are you alright?"
Renji gave a slight shake of his head, swallowing a mouthful of tender meat and savory broth. "See why I'm not put off by you freakin' out? I'm so fuckin' damaged, if the 4th ever completes that mental ward, I...I'm planning to go for a while."
He continued eating as his boyfriend replied. "I am not sure that would be necessary; I do not think you are damaged beyond repair."
Renji raised an eyebrow as he offered the most honest reply he could. "Oh yeah? What if I told you that if you tried taking this bowl from me right now, I'd probably punch you?"
Without missing a beat, Byakuya shrugged. "I believe you'd be justified in that. It is obvious that you feel highly defensive over your food right now, so if someone was foolish enough to try to take it away, they would deserve to get hit. On the other hand, I think it's possible that if one of your pack was hungry, perhaps Rukia or Shuuhei, you might consider sharing. At the moment, I think it is a good thing I have my own bowl so you don't see me as a threat."
Renji considered the older man's words for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully, impressed and touched by his understanding and acceptance. "You can read me like a book, Taicho."
His guest blushed slightly as he replied in a soft tone. "Well don't take this the wrong way, but I was looking at the situation as if I were dealing with a canine. I am not very adept at dealing with people outside of clan business or my captaincy, but over two-thirds of the books in my personal library are about animals. That's why I didn't have a problem with thinking of your friends as a pack, and why I'm not coming anywhere near you until you are finished eating."
Renji stared for a minute, then began laughing as hard as he could. "Oh gods! That's hilarious! If you're more comfy like that, your people skills really do suck! That's freakin' great! You need help understanding me, just think of it as dealing with a dog or wolf! Gods, baby, I fuckin' love you!"
His blushing superior tilted his head up haughtily. "I am aware my social skills may be lacking, but if you're busy laughing at me, you're not eating the food I worked very hard on."
Renji nodded and resumed eating, finishing his bowl quickly...barely stopping himself from licking it.. "Thank you for making this, Byakuya. It's perfect. You should know, I totally wanna tell the pack about this. I just don't know if I wanna go with 'Hey, my secret partner can make Rukon stew!' or 'Guess what Captain Kuchiki can make?'"
His guest smiled at him. "Either way, I can make a large quantity of it if I have enough ingredients, and I'd be happy to make it for the pack sometime, whether or not they know I'm the one making it."
Renji grinned at his companion. "They'd all love it, though the whole 'protect the food' thing might kick in with some of them."
Byakuya nodded as he climbed out of the nest with his own empty bowl. "Alright. Just so you know, I'll make this anytime you want, Renji. It's one of the few things I can cook. Actually, do you want me to show you how to make it?"
Pleased with the thought of Byakuya bringing something so special and unique to their relationship, Renji shook his head with a smile. "Nah, baby, you can keep that info all for yourself. Just promise me the others can have some one day."
The noble nodded. "I promise."
Renji followed his lovely, talented superior to the kitchen, eyes fixed on him as he started cleaning up.
"Hey, Byakuya? Why did you make the stew? I said I'd make something when I got back, so there wasn't any need for you to go through the trouble."
The older man paused and met his eyes. "I know, but I thought it'd be nice if there was already food waiting when you came home."
Renji tilted his head- there it was again!
The Kuchiki heir, who lived in a majestic manor Renji had only stepped foot in a handful of times, was once again referring to his tiny one-bedroom quarters as 'home'.
He wasn't sure how to feel about this. A big part of him was incredibly happy that Byakuya felt so safe and comfortable here, but he wondered if his boyfriend was aware of his words.
Did the noble even realize he was calling this place 'home'? More importantly, could he possibly mean it?
Renji had to know.
~X~X~X~X~X~
Byakuya was wiping the counter down when he felt his partner move to his side. He glanced up to see the bigger Soul Reaper gazing down at him with a serious, slightly apprehensive expression on those strong, usually confident features.
Immediately, he stopped what he was doing to give Renji his full attention, tilting his head as he asked softly, "What is the matter, Renji?"
The tall crimsonette took a deep breath, then spoke hesitantly. "Umm I...I'm not really sure how to bring this up, but...well, you been callin' my place 'home'. I swear it don't bother me; I actually really, really like the sound of it. But, I just...I wanna know if you mean it."
The Rukon Dog began fidgeting, a nervous habit Byakuya found enchanting, as he continued. "I only been in Kuchiki manor a couple of times, outer rooms, but it looks so big and real nice, and you have, like, servants and stuff, dontcha? So...you wouldn't really consider this home, would you? I...I'm sorry. I was just wondering, but it's comin' out soundin' like I'm trying to push you into making this more serious than it is right now. Never mind."
Byakuya reached out and caught his boyfriend's wrist as he started to turn away, causing wide auburn eyes to lift to his. He smiled reassuringly as he pulled the younger man closer. "Calm yourself, honey. For the record, I do take our relationship seriously. And I do understand what you were trying to ask. Yes, I was aware I was calling your quarters 'home', and yes, I did mean it. Renji, I have not felt at home at the Kuchiki manor since I was 15; I have not felt completely safe there ever since. But here...here, I feel safe."
His redheaded companion tilted his head as a shy smile blossomed over his face. "That's awesome."
Then the dark amber eyes widened as Renji tried to backtrack. "Not saying it's awesome that you don't feel safe at the manor, just that you do feel safe here."
Byakuya couldn't stop his soft laugh of amusement as he nodded. "I knew what you meant. You get so adorably nervous when you think you're not explaining something right."
His partner shrugged, a faint blush crossing his cheeks as he answered in a small voice. "Well, I don't wanna say the wrong thing and make you mad at me. I've made you real mad in the past, and... and I'm kinda scared to find out how you'd express anger towards me now that we're in a relationship."
A shaft of guilt-ridden pain lanced through Byakuya's chest, knowing his former treatment of his lieutenant had caused this. "Renji, I'm not going to hurt you. Even if you somehow make me mad, here or at the office, I'm not going to turn on you."
He shifted to lean against the bigger Soul Reaper, letting gentle pulses of his riatsu surround them. "I will never be abusive towards you, Renji. And if we do disagree at the office, I'll do my best not to let it bleed over into our private lives."
He heard a relieved-sounding sigh as Renji's head lowered to his shoulder. "Ok, Taicho. I do wanna know if I upset you, though. I don't wanna do anything to make you unhappy."
Byakuya nodded, murmuring, "Don't worry, honey. I won't hide something like that from you."
He lifted his hand to tenderly stoke his host's soft scarlet mane, hearing a pleased hum against his shoulder while gentle hands tentatively rose to his hips. He whispered, "Renji, would...would it be alright if I brought a few more things over sometime?"
The younger man nodded, slowly nuzzling his way closer to Byakuya's neck. "You can bring whatever you want, baby. Does that mean you wanna keep staying the night here with me?"
Byakuya shivered and nodded, tilting his head to the side as Renji gently nosed into his neck. "I do. I want to be with you as much as possible, my sweet, beautiful, magnificent Renji."
Soft lips brushed against his throat as his boyfriend chuckled warmly, sending a current of tingles through him. "A guy could get used to praise like that, Taicho."
Byakuya felt the bigger Soul Reaper shift closer, trapping him against the counter as the kisses on his throat took on an edge of urgency. The powerful arms wrapped around him, and he lifted his own to drape them around broad shoulders, pulling the Rukon Dog closer.
Their bodies pressed together, and Byakuya sighed as the now-familiar rush of arousal swept over him. He gasped when the younger man nipped his neck playfully, the sharp teeth grazing his flesh and making him ache deliciously.
"Ahh, Renji."
A pleased growl sent shivery tingles down his spine. "Fuck, baby, I do love the way you say my name, 'specially when you're getting frisky. Say it again."
Byakuya whimpered as his subordinate rocked his hips, grinding lightly against his throbbing body. "Ahh, ahh yes, Renji. Mmm ah please, Renjiii."
His breathless obedience made the redhead shiver, and the next moment, those big gentle hands had slid down to cup his ass, and he was lifted off his feet, only to be set on the edge of the counter with his boyfriend between his knees.
Byakuya was sharply reminded of being perched on the dresser while Renji was marking him.
If his companion didn't want to stop, he could easily take what he wanted, hurt him and force him to comply.
He wasn't freezing up yet, but the crimsonette seemed to sense something was off. The sweet attention paused as warm coppery eyes met his, and Renji whispered, "Byakuya? What is it, baby? Did I move too fast? Or, maybe it makes you feel vulnerable when your feet ain't touching the ground cause you can't get away as easy?"
Unsure what exactly was the biggest factor, Byakuya sighed and covered his face with his hands, mumbling, "I'm sorry. Again. I don't know what's wrong with me; I really wanted to keep going, and...I know you wouldn't go further without my consent, but that stupid little voice doesn't agree."
He wondered if he'd really be able to pull off what he'd been thinking about earlier, then was pulled from his thoughts as Renji gently tugged his wrists down to reveal his face. The moment his face was uncovered, Renji released his wrists and smiled at him, deep honey eyes full of understanding and loving sympathy. "Baby, don't. Don't apologize for stuff that ain't your fault. Even if that little voice doesn't believe it, you know I wouldn't try to take that step unless you wanted to."
Byakuya smiled tremulously as his partner interlaced their fingers and continued speaking softly. "You know, there's a couple things you and your inner voice should keep in mind. One, no matter what we're doing, if you want me to stop, I will. If you get uncomfortable or nervous, just tell me, and I'll stop or slow down, or change what I'm doing, whatever I need to do to make you feel better. Ok?"
He nodded shyly, focused on those warm auburn eyes as Renji smiled. "Good, glad we're clear on that. Second, remember this: you might not have been able to use kido when you were 15, but you can use it now. You can wield Hados and Bakudos with incredible power and accuracy, which means if I do something out of line, you're perfectly capable of binding or blasting me. Either way, you have the ability to stop me."
Byakuya felt his eyes widen; this had somehow slipped his mind. In all his little freak-outs, it had not once occurred to him that he did have a way to defend himself now.
"I am one of the most proficient kido users, even among the captains and the noble class. How could I have possibly forgotten that?"
Renji tilted his head, giving him a smile of reassurance and understanding. "Easy, baby. When you're getting nervous, your mind is focusing on a time when you couldn't use kido, so you're not thinking about the fact that things have changed. You're a very powerful person now, Taicho. Not only can you use kido, but you also have Senbonzakura. Not to mention, your spiritual pressure alone is enough to crush anyone that's a threat, including me."
Byakuya shook his head as he lifted one hand to his partner's face, whispering, "But you want to protect me. You're not a threat to me."
The bigger Soul Reaper shrugged, leaning close to kiss his cheek. "I'm glad you don't see me as a threat, baby, but I'm pretty sure your inner voice does."
With a gentle smile, the younger man backed up a step. Byakuya slipped off the counter with a sigh, looking up at his host. "No matter what it says, Renji, I do know better."
As Renji smiled and kissed the back of his hand, he continued silently in his head, '...and I intend to prove it.'
~X~X~X~X~X~
Renji saw that thoughtful look cross his superior's face again, as if Byakuya was deciding something. Curious, he started to ask what was on his mind, but remembered that the older man had not wanted to tell him earlier.
It was alright; when his partner wanted him to know, he'd tell him.
After a moment, Byakuya met his eyes again, smiling as he asked, "Well, we woke up to do something fun, we've showered, and we've eaten. How do we continue our weekend together?"
Renji chuckled, swinging their clasped hands. "Hmmm, ok. I got an idea." He led the smaller Soul Reaper over to the couch-nest, grabbing the book with the dragon bookmark on the way. He waved it at his companion teasingly. "Lay down with me and work on this. You know you wanna find out what happens."
Those lovely steel-violet eyes widened excitedly, and Byakuya reached for the book. Renji mischievously held it out of reach. "Nuh-uh, you gotta lay down with me to get it."
He hopped into the nest, stretching out on his back with one arm out. The noble crawled right in, laying next to him and resting his head on his shoulder. Renji wrapped that arm around his boyfriend and handed over the hostage book. His captain smirked up at him as he took the book. "My silly Renji, I would've laid down with you without the blackmail."
Renji laughed softly, snuggling himself and the ravenette deeper into the cushions and pillows. "Yeah, but my way was more fun."
Byakuya rolled his eyes, smiling as he opened the book and began reading.
Renji moved one hand to slip the hair-tie out of his companion's hair, gently threading his fingers through the silky ebony strands. He heard a happy little sigh as Byakuya snuggled closer and kept reading. Renji watched the slender fingers tracing the edges of each page, turning them at an impressive rate.
"You like that one?"
His guest nodded. "I think they're on a different planet, and there are big dragons to ride, and little dragons that I think are more like pets. The people and the dragons can communicate telepathically."
Renji tilted his head, looking closer. "Ah, ok. If you like this one, you'd probably be happy to know it's part of a series. I've got most of them."
The pretty amethyst eyes lifted to his, and he could sense the excitement. "Really? That is good to know; I believe I'll enjoy them. Why are these people on a different planet?"
He shrugged as he tried to remember. "It's been a while since I read these, but I think Earth was dying? Yeah, the humans screwed it up so bad, it couldn't support life anymore, so a bunch of people evacuated on spaceships and ended up there."
His superior nodded. "Oh, ok. Am I reading them out of order?"
He chuckled, still stroking the midnight mane. "Yeah, but that's fine. Each book does good on it's own, so it doesn't really matter what order you read 'em in. As you read more of the books, you'll catch the connections and references between them."
Byakuya nodded and refocused on the book. Renji continued to stroke the silky black hair, humming happily to himself as the ebony strands slithered between his fingers.
Several pages later, the older man paused, tilting his head to look up at him. "That is not fair."
Caught off guard, Renji frowned at the indignant tone. "Huh? What's not fair, baby?"
Byakuya lifted the book, pointing at the part he was on as if the page had personally insulted him. "This right here. Dragons; bronze males are the only ones allowed to mate with a golden queen. It says the gold queen only accepts bronze males, but the humans are keeping all the other males away. What if the gold wanted a brown male for a mate?"
Renji raised his eyebrows as he tried to answer. "Well, when I read it before, I...I sorta compared it to how nobles are only supposed to be with other nobility. You know...keep their bloodlines strong and pure, while the common-born stay in their own class."
He was even more surprised when Byakuya just seemed further upset by his explanation. His partner frowned at the book like it was an enemy, muttering, "It is still not fair for the dragons...or for us."
Touched by the display, Renji gently kissed the frown-line between his boyfriend's eyebrows, murmuring, "I know it's not fair, baby. Don't worry 'bout stuff like that right now, k? We're here together, and nobody's gonna stop us. I won't let anyone keep us apart."
The frown faded, to be replaced with a relieved, somewhat shy smile. "Ok, Renji."
He smiled back. "That's better. Now, keep reading. Even if you don't like the fact that gold queens can only be with a bronze, they are about to mate, and when that happens, something interesting happens with their riders."
The dark platinum eyes widened as the noble asked, "What happens to the riders?"
Renji shook his head, grinning at his adorable guest. "Nope, no spoilers. Gotta read to find out."
With a half-amused, half-exasperated huff, the smaller Soul Reaper resumed reading. Renji waited, knowing what was coming.
Sure enough, only a few minutes passed before he heard a soft, surprised "Ohh." Then the ravenette was reading very intently.
Renji waited a moment, then asked in a casual tone, "So, what happens to the riders, baby?"
The ravenette looked up at him, whispering, "When the dragons mate, their riders are affected in a similar way, and can't help themselves. Luckily, in this one, the riders of the gold and bronze were already married. What would've happened if someone else's bronze had shown up?"
Renji shrugged. "I think that's why all the other males and their riders were sent away as soon as the gold queen stated showing signs that she was ready to mate."
Blushing lightly, his partner refocused on the book. Renji took the opportunity to admire his lovely companion; the way those soft lips moved slightly as he read, how those dark, pretty eyes flew over the words, and that moment whenever Byakuya blinked, and thick black lashes shadowed the defined cheekbones for less than a heartbeat.
Gods, his moon was so beautiful, and didn't even seem to notice.
Tenderly, he threaded his fingers through the ebony mane, reveling in the fact that his captain was here with him, wanted to spend time in his company and in his arms.
He found himself giggling happily as he tucked his face into sakura-scented hair. "I love you, Byakuya. So cute when you're reading."
With his face buried in the midnight strands, Renji didn't see when his boyfriend slipped the bookmark into the book and set it down.
He did feel the older man shift, soft lips brushing his jaw as a slender hand curled around the back of his neck.
Renji lifted his head an inch to gaze down into those deep silvery eyes, seeing the trust there. He felt his seductive grin crossing his face as he said softly, "I like makin' out with you, baby."
The ravenette smiled back at him. "And I like it, too. Kiss me, Renji."
Obediently, he lowered his head to press his lips against his companion's. Within a moment, the sweet lips parted under his invitingly, and he tenderly deepened the kiss while his fingers burrowed deep into the silky jet-black hair. Byakuya gave a soft, whimpering moan and shifted closer to him.
Renji hummed happily into the kiss, letting his free hand drift along the smaller Soul Reaper's body that was molding to his. He loved the way the soft yukata felt, clinging to the slender, defined body.
The older man's hands freed his braid from its tie and began unraveling it. Renji chuckled into the kiss, breathing against the tenderly swollen lips, "You like my hair down better?"
A slow nod answered him as the dark amethyst eyes watched his liberated scarlet mane feather down over his shoulders. He smiled as he murmured, "K, baby. I'll leave it down all day if you want."
The noble nodded again, snaking both hands into his hair. Renji moaned in pleasure, leaning into the attention. "I'm sorry I distracted you from the book. Didn't mean to."
He shivered in desire when he felt his superior nuzzling into his neck while answering. "It's ok, honey. I was enjoying the book, but I was also waiting for this. This is better, yeah?"
Renji nodded with a chuckle. "Yeah, better." He kissed his boyfriend again, deeply and thoroughly, and savored the responsive enthusiasm with which his attention was returned. Gods above, he could kiss this man all day!
He let his free hand skim down lithe body, pausing on the curve of the older man's hip.
Something didn't feel right...the yukata hugged the smooth skin, and Renji didn't feel any extra fabric.
He broke the kiss and glanced down. There was no outline of another garment under the thin yukata.
As his arousal-clouded mind tried to make sense of this, he heard his partner whisper, "You're not imagining things, Renji. I'm not wearing anything under this."
He let his thumb trace the outline of a sharp hipbone as he breathed, "Oh, ok. That...that's fascinating. I didn't even realize you were naked under this thin little thing you been waltzing around in. Why, baby? I'm glad you trust me, but why you wanna walk around like a slice of sexy on legs?"
He felt a gentle tug on his hair as quiet words reached him. "Look at me, Renji."
He turned his head to look at his partner, hand still on the slim hip. Byakuya spoke softly.
"Renji, I want to try. Tonight."
omg the cliffy!
timewaster~ I had less time than I thought, but I will get Tribute updated asap :)