Wolfy's a/n: Sesh did all of this one, but I provided the flower translations. *is so proud of Sesh because this is lovely*. You'll see me and my lovely idiots in ch5 ;)

Sesh's a/n: Wolfy owns the flower dictionary.

Naughty happenings- rated M for a reason ;) language.

Chapter 4: Promises

Renji was smiling as he walked in the door to his and Byakuya's suite of rooms at the Kuchiki manor, pleased with himself. He always liked making new friends, and he figured this was a good start to making a couple more. He turned on a light, jumping when he saw Byakuya sitting in a nearby chair. "Hey, baby. Why you sittin' in the dark?"

The noble didn't answer, just looked at him with a solemn expression. The disappointment in the wide silvery eyes was clear as Byakuya seemed to search for something. Renji tilted his head, becoming concerned about his lover.

"Baby?"

The older man flinched. "Do not call me that right now. Not if you're going to use it on someone else."

Now utterly confused, Renji gaped at his superior. "What are you talking about?"

Byakuya sighed, then whispered, "Where were you tonight, Renji?"

Unsure why the question was being asked, he still answered honestly. "I met Aizen-taicho at The Wolf Den. He wanted advice about -get this- his relationship with Gin. We were talking for quite a while, and they're coming over for dinner tomorrow night. Now, you're freaking me out, baby, so can you tell me what's wrong?"

To his surprise and increased concern, the Kuchiki heir seemed ready to cry. "You...you're not having an affair? Promise?"

Shocked, he shook his head. "No, baby, of course not! You're the only one for me. Why would you think I was cheating?"

The fine features crumpled as Byakuya tried his best not to cry. "Because I came to The Wolf Den, and I heard you and Aizen talking and I thought you called him 'baby' and Gin was -"

Renji had crossed the space between them and caught his boyfriend in a big hug. "Oh baby. I swear I'd never cheat on you. You're so precious to me and I love you. I'm sorry I gave you any reason to doubt me."

The smaller Soul Reaper relaxed into his arms, and he smiled as he tightened his embrace. He lowered his head to gently capture the noble's lips. After how long they'd been together, he knew there was one fool-proof, indisputable way for him to show Byakuya how he felt.

He broke the kiss just long enough to ask, "You wanna?" The older man only had to nod, and it was enough.

Renji recaptured those soft lips as his hands slid under the shihakusho. Every touch conveyed more than words ever could.

XxXx

Byakuya felt like a fool for doubting his lover, but Renji's hands were reassuring, comforting. The kiss was understanding and coaxing. He kissed back eagerly, knowing that devotion was a mark of their lovemaking.

When the bigger Soul Reaper began kissing his neck, he moaned. "Re-Renji, I was such an idiot. Forgive me?"

Renji nuzzled him. "Always, baby." The auburn eyes met his. "You know, in my mind I call you my moon."

He blinked. "Why?"

The redhead grinned. "Cause I'm the monkey tryin' to catch the moon, remember? Well, guess what? I caught you." The strong arms tightened around him, and he couldn't stop his smile.

Renji lifted him so his legs were wrapped around a lean waist. He clung to the muscular frame of the younger man, exchanging soft, passionate kisses with him as he was carried down the hallway. Then they were in the bedroom and he was being laid down.

Over the next few moments, clothes disappeared and Renji kissed him deeply as his fingers prepared his body. The pleasurable sensations made him moan and squirm, impatient to be joined with his lover.

Finally, Byakuya let out a breath of relief and anticipation when he felt his partner moving into position. Renji gently joined their bodies, setting a rocking pace as they moved together. "I love you" was breathed against his ear, and he returned the words with all his heart.

The Rukon Dog thrust into him, hitting that sweet spot that made him see stars. He cried out at the intensity of pleasure as he rocked his body to meet his lover's.

Their peak came quickly, soft moans and the sound of skin on skin filling the air. Panting with relief, they stayed joined as long as they could, just holding each other close. After quite some time, Renji pulled away to clean them up.

X~X

Renji smiled down at his superior as he finished the cleanup. Byakuya looked so calm and happy now, no longer thinking him guilty of infidelity. How sweet that his lover had been jealous. His possessive moon.

He straightened out the bed, encouraging his partner to lay down and sleep. After exchanging 'I love you's and sweet kisses, the older man curled up on his side. Renji waited a bit before heading for the doors that led to the Kuchiki gardens.

He cast one last look at the sleeping noble, then stepped out. First, he found a small branch of cedar that had fallen during the last storm. He remembered Aizen telling him that depending on context, cedar meant strength, constancy, or everlasting love. In a certain context, ' the strength of our love will endure forever', and wasn't that fucking beautiful?

Using his pocketknife, he carved the small branch into a slim vase, carefully hollowing it out and etching graceful, curved patterns on it. When it was finished, he worked his way through the garden, gathering the flowers he needed.

By the time he was done, the vase was full and decorated. Ivy for fidelity and loyalty was wound around it and spilling out from the top. Bright red tulips stuck out, waving their message of love. Plenty of jonquil to express his desire and globe amaranth to declare his unchanging, unfading, undying love. Crown imperial for Byakuya's power and majesty, madwort to show his happiness and field lilac to symbolize his humility.

What a message all these flowers made! Hoping Byakuya was familiar with floriography, he put the loaded vase on his partner's side of the bed. It was an unusual looking bouquet but its message was beautiful.

Renji crawled into bed and kissed his boyfriend's forehead before drifting off to the smell of cedar and flowers.