Chapter 3: Just One Thing
To 'Guest' that suggested. Alpha!Renji, I already have one in one of my notebooks lol ;) I'll try to post that one before too long
Warnings - nothing major, I don't think
((Renji couldn't reply as he watched the pale hand on his shoulder move to the edge of his shihakusho. He didn't resist as the fabric was gently guided off of his shoulders, barely aware of how carefully his captain was watching him.))
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Byakuya watched his subordinate's face closely as he removed the shihakusho to bare the cuts. Renji was staying very still except for a slight trembling, wide auburn eyes tracking his hands as he freed the muscular, tattooed arms.
He didn't want to frighten the abused Beta, but he needed the fabric out of the way so he could stop the cuts from hurting. Once the top half of his lieutenant's uniform was pooled around his waist, Byakuya took the wet towel and gently wiped the blood away from the small slash that marred the tan forearm.
Then, he lifted the arm and carefully licked the wound, hearing a tiny sound of relief. He glanced up to see Renji watching him, and was surprised when the younger man blushed deeply and averted his eyes. Were his actions affecting his lieutenant? Byakuya suddenly found himself hoping that he could affect Renji, as long as he wasn't scaring him. "It is ok, Renji. You are doing very well," he murmured as he finished licking the cut on his subordinate's forearm.
Then he focused on the cut on the broad shoulder. He lifted the wet towel and gently cleaned the area, then he leaned closer. He saw the dark amber eyes widen further, and heard Renji's breaths becoming shaky. Byakuya paused, asking softly, "Do you not want me to lick this one?"
He sensed hesitation, then the Rukon Dog whispered. "O-ok."
Slowly, Byakuya closed the distance between them and licked the cut as tenderly as possible. He felt the bigger Soul Reaper trembling under his attention, and Renji swallowed loudly as Byakuya watched a red flush spreading on the tan skin. He leaned back to gaze at the younger man, whose face almost matched his hair while the cinnamon eyes watched the ground. "Renji? Are you ok?"
The redhead glanced up, hesitating. "You… you'll think I'm stupid."
Byakuya shook his head, pained by the words. "I do not think you are stupid, Renji, and I won't make fun of you for anything. Please, tell me?"
The Beta refocused on the ground and spoke quietly. "I… I've never had an Alpha be nice to me, but you're bein' nice… and I like the way that feels. It's just a feelin' I'm not used to, so I don't really know how to, umm, react to it, and that makes me feel like an idiot."
Byakuya was deeply troubled by the confession, not wanting Renji to feel this way. He sat close to the crimsonette's side and spoke gently. "Thank you for telling me. I understand why it might be confusing to react to, but there is no reason for you to feel like an idiot. It is natural to be unsure of how to act in an unfamiliar situation."
He sensed the bigger Soul Reaper relaxing a little, and he met the deep amber eyes. "You will be ok, Renji, I promise."
To his relief, the Rukon Dog relaxed more, giving a small nod that acknowledged his words. Byakuya knew that his lieutenant still had one more cut, and he knew where it was. Thanks to his connection with Senbonzakura, he was well aware of the cut on Renji's upper thigh, and out of the corner of his eye, he could see blood soaking into the fabric of the hakamas. "What about your other cut, Renji? You only have one more for me to treat."
The coppery eyes widened, and the younger man shook his head. "N-no, that one's fine."
XxXx
Renji held his breath – he'd just lied his ass off to his captain. The cut on his thigh actually hurt worse than the others had, but he was scared to take off his hakamas in front of the Alpha.
The steel-violet eyes narrowed at him, and Renji was struck with the absolute certainty that his superior knew he'd lied. Fear flickered through him with the knowledge that Byakuya could easily make him take off his hakamas. With just a few words, the Alpha–born noble could make his in–heat subordinate do anything he damn well wanted.
Renji stared at the older man, trembling as he waited for angry words about him lying, or an order he'd have no choice but to obey. The smaller Soul Reaper finally sighed. "I suppose it was too much to expect you to trust me right away."
Renji hesitated, knowing he'd disappointed Byakuya. "I'm sorry," he whispered, ashamed by his behavior.
The Kuchiki heir shook his head, dark platinum eyes meeting his. "This is not your fault, Renji, so do not apologize. If I had to guess, I would say that you lied about the cut because you do not wish to undress in front of me?"
Renji gave a small nod; he'd already been caught lying, and didn't want to make it worse. Byakuya was quiet a moment, then spoke softly. "I understand, and I realize you are afraid I will make you take your hakamas off. I do not intend to command you like that. However, the problem is that your thigh is still bleeding, and I know it is hurting you. I want to make the pain stop, Renji. If I turn away, will you take off your hakamas? You may cover yourself however you want, and let me know when I can treat the cut. Does this sound like a compromise you would be more comfortable agreeing to?"
Renji thought for a moment, reassured by the fact that the Alpha was not taking the easier path of just forcing him to comply. He nodded. "Ok, I can do that."
Byakuya nodded, then turned away. Renji untied his hakamas with shaking hands, his eyes flicking back and forth between his task and the back of his superior's head. He got his hakamas off, leaving him in just the boxer-briefs he preferred. With his uniform completely removed, he found himself bunching the whole thing up into a ball and placing it over his crotch. He left his wounded leg sticking out and folded the other in front of him, securing his pathetic little barrier of fabric. He looked at his feet, realizing that he looked ridiculous still wearing his sandals and his tabi, so he took them off. Then he took a deep breath and whispered, "O-ok, I'm ready."
The noble turned to face him, deep, silvery-violet eyes flicking over him as he asked softly. "Are you comfortable?"
He shrugged. "Bout as comfy as I can be." The older man nodded, then moved close to his leg and gently cleaned the blood away to expose the cut. Then, it was happening – Byakuya was leaning down, and Renji held his breath as he watched. The smaller Soul Reaper's pink tongue came out, tracing his cut.
Renji suddenly wasn't even registering that the pain was fading. All he knew was that he could see his blood on his captain's tongue, and Byakuya didn't look disgusted. The sight was stunningly erotic as the ravenette licked his cut, seeming like he enjoyed what he was doing. Renji felt an unfamiliar wave of desire and need, and his body tightened.
XxXx
Byakuya couldn't help the fact that he liked the taste of Renji's blood – it was an Alpha–Beta thing. He was enjoying this, and he just hoped he wasn't making his subordinate uncomfortable. Then he caught desire seeping into the scent of Renji's heat.
He raised his eyes to see the younger man watching him with a flush on his cheeks. Byakuya held the deep auburn eyes as he tenderly, deliberately licked the cut once more. The bigger Soul Reaper shivered, hands fisting in the balled-up uniform he was using to shield his body. "Ta-Taicho, please."
Unsure of what the abused Beta wanted, Byakuya paused, asking softly. "Do you want me to stop?"
The Rukon Dog looked confused as he whimpered, "I… I don't know, Taicho."
Byakuya lifted his head, speaking gently. "Renji, you do not have to call me "Taicho" right now."
Before the stunned redhead could reply, Byakuya gently laid his hands on the muscular thigh and lowered his mouth to the healing cut again. But this time, instead of licking, he kissed the area, brushing his lips over warm skin that he knew would be extra-sensitive because of the injury and the Beta's cycle.
He felt Renji beginning to tremble, and the breathing above him evolved into soft panting as the scent of desire got stronger. "Taicho?"
He murmured against the soft skin, "What's my name, Renji?"
The response was shy-sounding. "By-Byakuya?"
Pleased with the way his name sounded on the younger man's lips, Byakuya smiled as he lifted his head. "Yes?"
He realized Renji was staring at him – specifically, at his smile. "I- I don't think I've ever really seen your smile before. It's nice, Tai-Byakuya."
He replied softly, "It makes me happy to hear you use my name."
His subordinate's blush deepened further as he whispered, "I… I think I'd like to ma- make you happy." Then the auburn eyes quickly dropped from his.
Byakuya was touched by the shy words, but the abused Beta still seemed uncomfortable and skittish, and he was afraid that if he made a wrong move, he would do irreparable damage to their relationship, maybe even to Renji himself. The traumatized redhead didn't seem to be too far from something snapping in his head.
Byakuya was well aware that the Rukon Dog was one of the most attractive Betas in the Seireitei, with his unique scarlet mane and black tattoos. That, paired with a ferocious fighting spirit, and almost reckless bravery, and a truly kind heart, was why Byakuya had been filled with a sort of lustful pride ever since the day Renji had become his lieutenant. He'd kept that to himself, of course, but maybe that in itself had been a mistake.
He'd never told Renji how he felt, and worse, had never suspected the trauma he was living with. On top of all that, he'd been so harsh and cold, even downright cruel to the crimsonette. Even if Renji hadn't had reason to fear Alphas in general, his fear and suspicion of him was well justified. Now his subordinate was in heat, a condition that made many Betas feel self-conscious and confused, and had driven this one into a state of insecurity and panic.
Byakuya just wanted to make him feel better, but wasn't sure how to do it without risking even more damage to the younger man. He didn't realize how long he'd been quiet until he heard Renji's voice.
XxXx
Renji wasn't sure why the Alpha had gotten so quiet, but he hoped It wasn't his fault. "Byakuya? You ok? Did I say something wrong?"
The amethyst-steel eyes rose to his, looking surprised by his question. "No, Renji, you have done nothing wrong. I was just thinking."
Renji nodded, relieved, that he hadn't said or done anything to upset the ravenette. Comforted by how patient and understanding Byakuya had been, he found himself leaning closer until his shoulder touched the older man's.
With Byakuya being nice to him, he could feel an unusual need building in him – an instinctive, irresistible urge to be close to the Alpha. It was a new sensation, and Renji was kinda confused by it. Instinct and experience were at odds inside him, and his conflict must have showed on his face, because his superior began speaking softly. "It is ok, Renji. I understand this is an unfamiliar and confusing situation for you. I am sorry you are having to deal with this, on top of your heat symptoms, which I am sure are making you feel awful."
Renji nodded miserably; he felt so hot, and his entire body ached, he felt nauseous and he had a weird feeling of being fatigued and restless at the same time.
The smaller Soul Reaper spoke again. "If you want me to, I can help you feel better. If you would be able to trust me, I could at least be able to reduce the severity of your symptoms."
Renji tilted his head. "You can? How does that happen?"
The noble murmured, "Being intimate with an Alpha is the most basic way for a Beta to alleviate the negative effects of their heat."
Renji frowned, pulling away a little. "No, that doesn't make sense. I've been with Alphas lots of times, and it ain't ever made me feel better."
His Captain shook his head, an almost sad look on his fine features as he spoke carefully. "Renji, as you said, you have never been with an Alpha by choice. I said 'being intimate with'; not 'getting violated by.' I am talking about when a born dominant takes care of a Beta and is putting their effort into bringing pleasure to them, which is how it's meant to be."
Renji blushed and lowered his eyes, made shy by the Alpha's words. The thought of being submissive to the older man made him feel nervous, but… sort of excited, a reaction he wasn't used to having when it came to Alphas. He felt himself tremble as he whispered, "Taicho, I… I'm not so sure about this. I dunno if… if I can…"
He trailed off, uncertain of how to word his conflict, then he sensed Byakuya shifting just a little closer. "It's ok, I'm not going to hurt you, or force you to agree to anything. This is your decision, Renji."
He saw a pale hand reach out to gently touch his arm as the soft voice continued. "I know you're scared, but before you decide, I would like to try just one thing first. If you like it, we could keep going. If you don't like it, we will stop and I won't bring it up again."
Renji shyly met the steel eyes, asking, "Wha- what do you want to do?"
The noble answered softly. "You said you've never kissed an Alpha. I would like to change that."
XxXx
Byakuya saw Renji's auburn eyes widen at his words, obviously caught off-guard by his request. The younger man began to fidget as his cheeks reddened. "You… you wanna kiss me?"
He nodded, replying in a gentle tone. "As I said, if you don't like it, we can stop there. But even a kiss may take the edge off of your heat symptoms."
He watched as his subordinate gave the tiniest nod, blush deepening as he whispered. "O-ok. But, um, I… I don't know how to kiss an Alpha, Taicho. I've only ever kissed other Betas."
Byakuya smiled as he replied softly. "Renji, sweetheart, my name is By-a-ku-ya, not 'Taicho.' And there's no reason to worry – it's much the same, and I wouldn't make fun of you for not knowing. As with many things, kissing can be guided quite well by instinct."
He could sense Renji's surprise that he'd called him 'sweetheart', and the pleasure the Beta felt at the unexpected endearment. The redhead gave another small nod, and Byakuya shifted closer, slowly lifting one hand to trail his fingertips along the strong jaw. He saw Renji shiver at the touch, but it didn't seem like a nervous shiver.
He laid his other hand on the broad chest, feeling Renji's heart pounding as he leaned into the bigger soul reaper. Byakuya touched his lips to Renji's, keeping the pressure light. He was pleased when the Beta didn't pull away, then he felt Renji tentatively kiss back, copying what he was doing to return the gentle pressure.
He smiled as he kissed the younger man tenderly, coaxing the soft lips open. He heard a sound between a moan and a whimper as Renji's lips parted invitingly, and Byakuya carefully deepened the kiss.
Renji's flavor was as unique as his looks and personality – warm and wild, spicy but somehow sweet, as well. It was a taste that perfectly suited the crimsonette, and Byakuya found himself reveling in it as he pressed closer, kissing his subordinate with a growing eagerness.
Renji was kissing back with more confidence, a happy little moan vibrating through their exchange. Byakuya felt the big hands touch his shoulder, pulling him closer as the Beta listened to his instincts. Their tongues danced together, and Byakuya didn't think he'd ever enjoyed a kiss as much as he was enjoying this one.
But the last thing he wanted to do was let his own desire and excitement overrun the situation. As gently as possible, he broke the kiss, meeting the dark coppery eyes. "Well, Renji, do you want to stop?"
The younger man shook his head, gripping his arms so tight it bordered on painful. "No, I don't wanna stop! I… I like it, and it is making me feel a little better."
Byakuya tilted his head, knowing that a Beta could inadvertently lie to please an Alpha. "Did it really make you feel better, or are you saying that because you think it's what I want to hear?"
The Rukon Dog's cheeks reddened a little. "Honestly, I do still feel pretty crappy. But, I don't really hurt as much, and I don't feel quite so weak and shaky. Not as nauseous either."
Pleased that Renji was feeling at least a little better, Byakuya smiled. "Good. Since you liked that, would you like to try something else? Considering what you told me, I imagine you have been deprived of any good attention from an Alpha. I would very much like to show you what you've been missing."
