Disclaimer: I DON'T OWN THEM! I'd need a titanium chain to hold Byakuya and Renji would hardly allow himself to be left out of the fun. –sighs- They're gonna be the ruin of me. They're so expensive to keep…
Warnings: Sorry about the Ukitake and Ichimaru smut only in the previous chapter. I was feeling…silvery. I needed something a tad different but rest assured, I'm back to switching between them all now. Oh and um…adult language, silliness of the Abarai variety. No mansecks, but only because I was feeling wordy, not horny. –laughs- Please enjoy it anyway.
Notes: HOLY HITS! I can't believe this fic has only been going for two months and there are that many hits! I love you people! –gives kisses and random sparklies- More chapters to come so please, keep reading!
Though their bath had ended early enough, Renji had declined to stay the night with his new lover, needing to return home and get his things in order for the picnic he and the other vice captains participated in on the holiday, having only a few scant hours until his normal bedtime to get his treats ready and clothes set out. With a light kiss and a hurried wave as he took off, the redheaded swordsman left the Kuchiki estate and returned to his own home, quickly changing into less formal clothes and stalking to the kitchen to begin.
He had purchased the items he needed earlier in the week and along with the fresh fish that had been delivered to his home that morning, he could begin the delicate little finger foods Izuru looked forward to, a specialty the pony tailed shinigami had picked up while living with the other children, the perfect way to stretch what little food they had into delicious morsels.
Once satisfied with their consistency, Renji set everything aside to cool atop the counter and got out the large handled wicker basket he used to carry them in, carefully lining the bottom with white cloth and broad cherry leaves, leaving it all to wait until early the next morning, when he would layer them all inside and heft it down to the Court's large garden.
Exhausted but absolutely thrilled with himself and the previous day, the young shinigami undressed and climbed into bed with a content sigh, burying his face in the pillows and snuggling the covers around his warm body, a little annoyed with himself for having to leave the welcoming offer of Byakuya's bed, not to mention more time to cuddle with the beautiful nobleman. If anything that day, Renji had learned just how flawless and delicate his captain truly was underneath his chilly demeanor.
He was snoring nearly before his head hit the pillow and to the young fukutaichou, who had initially feared working with the deadly and cold sixth division captain, things seemed to be taking a turn in his favour.
"Do you think he's awake, Momo-kun?"
"Ah, hai. Renji's usually on time for the picnic. I don't think he's been late yet."
"Yeah, but he's never been a fukutaichou for it before either. Maybe he just slept in-"
The short haired third division vice captain looked up at the larger man's front window just as a tousled head peered over the sill, one hand tossing a tiny wrapped package down at him which he barely caught, the scent of cherries and sweet bean paste drifting through the air. Kira Izuru smiled and waved back with his other hand before opening it up, the delicate little treat neatly prepared and just waiting to be eaten, its fate decided as the cheerful but shy boy downed it in one piece, chewing quickly and licking his lips.
"Wonderful as always, Renji-kun! Now, hurry up! We're gonna be late for Ise-san's opening speech!"
A grumbled response was all he received as the window was dragged closed again but no sight of the redhead was seen again until the front door slid open and basket in hand, Renji stepped out, dressed in a blue and green yukata, his hair pulled back and tied with a thick length of cloth, its ends draping over his shoulders as the wind caught them.
"Hai, hai. Ise-san's got more wind than most of us. I'm surprised she's allowed to give the speech at all. Why not give it to Kusajishi-fukutaichou? Least she'd make it interesting."
The tiny girl to Kira's right smirked before giggling out loud, wagging a reprimanding finger at the tallest among them, enjoying the friendship they all shared.
"Renji-kun. Ise-san's the best read out of all of us, and there are some vice captain's that couldn't make it. Otherwise, I'm sure Yamamoto-dono would have had Matsumoto-san or Shuuhei-san do it."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Ready to go, Kira? You can't have any more of these things until we get settled in, after all."
"Hai! I'm coming."
Almost the best of friends since their academy days, the three shinigami left in the direction of Seireitei and entered the Court through the main gates, brightly coloured streamers marking the way as they walked the short distance to the grassy area, Momo waving as they were waved at and Kira nodding his greetings, still somewhat shy around the other vice captains, even though he had been around them for ages already.
It was the perfect way to entertain the division members while their captains were being catered to at the Kuchiki estate, the servants already setting up for the grand gathering when Renji had left the night before.
With a light grunt, he placed the basket down with the other wrapped desserts and headed back to where Kira and Momo had settled into the grass, the blond carrying on a hushed conversation with Hisagi Shuuhei, a welcomed friend of his ever since the facially tattooed fukutaichou had saved him from Hollows, only to be overshadowed by Aizen Sousuke and Ichimaru Gin, during their Hollow training in the real world.
He got a harsh jab in the shoulder and a pointed finger as Renji indicated that the eight division vice captain was about to speak, a book tucked neatly against her chest by one arm as the other was held above her head, the small crowd immediately becoming quiet.
The young Hinamori managed to stay awake during the twenty minute ordeal but her male friends did not fare so well, each receiving a sharp jab in the side as she poked them out of their dazed stupors, a broad grin on her face as she assumed the innocent role, ignoring the glares of hatred each man leveled her way.
At the clap of her hands and a salutation of "Itadakimasu!", the bespectacled fukutaichou welcomed all of her comrades and let the party begin, hungry and giddy shinigami all stalking towards the food tables, delicious treats from each one set out on display, Renji's served wrapped in a cherry leaf, Kira's manju buns handled carefully so as not to disturb the light powdered coating and Momo's sugary yokan sliced by a member of the fourth division and handed out with a dollop of sweet cream on top.
Each of the three picked out a flavoured drink and went to sit back down in their respective places, half of Renji's treats gone by the time Kira finally got comfortable, his lips covered with powdered sugar and a spot of cream resting on his chin, something the skittish blond fukutaichou found endearing until Momo leaned in and wiped it off.
"These namagashi are delicious this year. I think Matsumoto-fukutaichou made them. What else did you get, Kira-kun?"
"A..ano, I think it's a monaka from thirteenth division. The third seats make a dessert and bring it over in memory of Kaien-dono. It was his favourite."
Renji furrowed his brow for a brief second before downing the rest of his own handmade sakura mochi, quickly setting his plate aside and falling backwards to rest in the cool grass, his hands crossed behind his head and a weak smile on his face.
"I'm really happy with the way things're going in my division. I like working with Kuchiki-taichou. He's really nice when he wants to be. I guess he likes me."
The other two shinigami gave him a shocked look before breaking into a fit of giggles, the fifth division vice captain holding a hand over her mouth as Kira snorted into his own, trying not to spill his drink as he rocked back and forth.
"Renji-kun! That's the nicest thing I've ever heard anyone say about Kuchiki-taichou! He's normally so cold to everyone. How'd you get him to be nice?"
The redhead sat back up and draped his hands over in his lap, now embarrassed for being too open with his description, a light blush warming his cheeks.
"Nothing really. Just spent a bit of time with him yesterday. You know, tea and stuff. He's entertaining the captains today."
Neither of the others believed him but they nodded placatingly anyway before turning to the short fourth division member who stood behind them, handing him their empty plates and cups before going back to their conversation.
"Yeah, he does that every year. That meeting yesterday was supposedly to up security in the area for holidays and such but here we are, all partying as if nothing was asked of us. I feel kinda guilty."
"Ah, Kira. You felt guilty the day Ichimaru-taichou chose you for his division instead of some other candidate. Give it up. We love ya, no matter what's going on."
The blond dropped his head a bit and nodded, grinning widely as he was patted on the back by the larger man and cuddled against by the small brunette, gaining some enjoyment from the smile that was given by the loudmouthed redhead, knowing that if nothing else, he had his friends to support him.
With neither a smile, nor a nod, Kuchiki Byakuya held an arm out to offer his comrades entrance into his largest of sitting rooms, hot tea already set out on polished trays, as well as sweets and other handmade delicacies, casually settling himself into a single person plush chair while the others picked out their desserts and were served the lightly flavoured tea, milling about somewhat before sitting comfortably, the cliques within the rank separating and sitting with each other.
They had all shown up, save for Genryuusai-dono, at varying times before the scheduled hour, even Ukitake, who's body was willingly cooperating with him, and whose third seats had refused to allow him to sit alone in his room for a fourth day in a row. Though 'alone' hardly seemed the word for it, considering the occasional visit by the long haired captain's lover, of which sat neatly to Ukitake's left, one hand holding a steaming cup of tea while the other rested familiarly on the sickly shinigami's thigh.
It was still a secret from the others but given the tightness of most people's lips and the obviousness of Ichimaru's loving attention, made it hard for the thirteenth division captain to keep himself from blushing during the gathering. An unfortunate thing for him, since the rest of the high-class shinigami found it a rather interesting topic of conversation.
"Ukitake-san, how have you been feeling lately? I have hardly seen you for anything other than the occasional visit."
"Quite well, Unohana-san. I've had Kiyone and Sentarou doing most of my errands so you may have seen them in your division for supplies and whatnot."
"Hai, I have seen them. You are very lucky to have such caring third seats. I am very pleased that you are well enough to join us today."
A blink and a small wince came from the white haired shinigami before he smiled broadly and gave a short bow while remaining in his seat.
"Ah, hai. Arigato. It's wonderful to see us all together again."
The fourth division captain bowed gently and walked back to her seat, smiling at nothing in particular and putting most of her attention to the tea that was handed to her, her right hand holding the cup as her left rested softly atop the servant's wrist, gaining herself a bright grin from the delicate young girl before she was again fluttering off, her tray held tightly against her chest.
So motherly, thought Ukitake. Perfect for the fourth division captain and a true outline of the kindness that seemed to be slowly seeping from the rest of Soul Society.
Reined in by the few shreds of dignity and politeness he still possessed, Ichimaru replaced his hand on his lover's thigh, smiling wickedly as he usually did as he sipped the tea, scanning the room with slightly slitted eyes, red orbs gathering the looks he received and taking in the regal form of their generous host, the dark haired nobleman sitting with his legs crossed, his hands draped over his lap.
It irritated the snake-like shinigami to see the sixth division captain sitting in all his formal glory, something he found immensely distasteful, considering that he had come from Rukongai, as well as most of the other captains, and the display of riches and heritage irked him deep inside. With a light snort, he leaned towards the ailing taichou and purred into his ear, being as nonchalant as he could.
Most of the captains were the quiet type, Soi Fong sitting cross-legged on the floor with her back against the front wall, a small cup of tea resting on her knee as her sense of balance and poise kept it level enough not to spill. Aizen Sousuke, of whom Ichimaru still held enamoured feelings for, was smiling politely as well, tea-less but purposely so, a heavy mug of water sitting on the table to his right instead. The other shinigami had found out early of his allergy to the herbal teas sold in and around Seireitei, and so water was his preferred beverage of choice.
It was a mixed and matched jumble of the remaining captains, Komamura Sajin, Kyoraku Shunsui and Tousen Kaname sitting together, chattering on about their daily activities outside of the Gotei 13, with the remaining three shinigami sitting alone but on the same large couch. Hitsugaya Toshirou with a sad frown on his face, no doubt loathing the fact that he has to spend the entire day with the other adults, Zaraki Kenpachi, with a wide grin on his face and a handful of treats from the main table, busily devouring them at a pace that disgusted his left-hand side teammate, Kurotsuchi Mayuri.
After a brief laugh at Kenpachi's expense, mostly due to the amount of food he had eaten during the course of the day and the speed at which Byakuya's servants had to work to keep his sake bottle filled, the day ended, happily for the first time in ages. There were usually an argument or two to deal with, accompanied by a fistfight between the eleventh and twelfth division captains, neither of which remembering much of it the next day.
Ukitake managed a small fake smile as he was led from the large estate by a warm hand on his arm, his unoccupied hand lifting in thanks as he received a nod back from Byakuya and disappeared behind the high wall that surrounded the Kuchiki estate.
"Like goddamn butterflies, they are. Just flitting about trying to look pretty before they go home and preen each other's wings. Makes me sick sometimes."
Kenpachi grumbled deeply to himself before giving a firm bow to the noble sixth squad captain and jumping up and over the wall, unable to make a proper exit for himself, even amongst his most trusted of comrades. Byakuya only sighed and shook his head slightly as the others left the area, a hand on his shoulder causing him to halt and turn his head slowly, feeling the warmth of it and feeling oddly curious as he had seen the other taichou off already.
"Naa, Kuchiki-taichou, you look a little bit stressed. Anything I can do to help?"
The kenseikan toting captain smiled slightly and gave a brief look around them before wrapping an arm around Renji's waist and gifting him with a light kiss, from which the redhead blushed and smiled warmly.
"That's more like it. I spent so much time with the other fukutaichou today that I needed a bit of love. I can only stand Kira for so long before he strangles me with shyness."
Byakuya chuckled and moved to walk back inside, pulling the younger swordsman with him and securing the door behind them, locking it for the night as the sun was slowly setting and he'd have no more visitors for the remainder.
"Kira is Ichimaru Gin's fukutaichou, is he not?"
"Hai, the thin blond guy. I've known him since I was in the academy and he's all right, but I think Ichimaru-taichou's hard on him. He's sorta…withdrawn, I can't put my finger on it."
"I'm sure he's being taught the proper way to act like a vice captain, Renji. Ichimaru's somewhat less orthodox than some of the others but he's certainly not a tyrant."
"Ah, whatever. I just feel kinda bad for him is all."
Reaching the Kuchiki heir's bedroom, Renji looked around and smirked, winding both arms around his lover's shoulders as he whispered, knowing that the man's servants were still hanging around nearby, leaning in closely enough to suckle at the left earlobe.
"Is there anything you can do for me to make me forget Kira's depressing moods? I promise I'll make it worth your while."
His answer came in the form of a wicked grip on his behind, both of the elder man's arms firmly latched around his waist as he took advantage of the smooth but firm flesh, breathing heavily and smiling where the currently nibbling fukutaichou couldn't see.
"I'm sure I can think of something, but tonight Renji, you will not be the instigator."
He traced the visible tattoos on the redhead's chest as he spoke, utterly jealous of them now that he knew how the other shinigami had received them.
"I'm determined to see how loudly I can make you howl…"