Title: Apotheosis
Series: sequel to Nexus
Author: Akuni
Genre: Drama/Romance
Rating: M for 'Much Smut'
Pairing: Renji/Ichigo
Spoilers: read through Soul Society & Arrancar Arcs
Summary: One year after Nexus, Ichigo and Renji face personal challenges and a new crisis that threatens everyone.
Word Count: 60,000ish
Warnings: There is more talk about the war with Aizen that I wrote around in Nexus. There are mentions of character deaths during the war, but they're mostly minor. Should also be noted that there's some definite Shuuhei/Yumichika subtext, and off camera Hitsugaya/Hinamori.

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, I'm just borrowing it for a while.
Distribution: Also posted to my LJ. Please ask if you want to share it :)

Dedication: To my wonderful beta Shelagh, for putting up with my writing process and for drawing the amazing art that goes with my stories. She keeps me on the path of reality when my feet try to take me down sugar plum lane. And for Sara, our partner in fangirling and BL love, for helping us stay silly and sane. And I suppose even for my husband, who has had to endure my mental love affair with Renji, my extended hours on my laptop writing this beast, and my ups and downs while writing it. One night we got drunk and he let me read all my fics out loud to him in one night (yes, even all of Nexus) - my voice was ruined the next day, but we had a great laugh. He laughed in all the right places, and wouldn't let me chicken out and stop reading at the sexy bits. :)

And as always, to all my fellow Renji/Ichigo fangirls/guys out there. We know it's impossible, we know it's silly, and we know it's damned hot!

A/N: I said Nexus ate my life - I was wrong. So very wrong. The idea for Apotheosis came to me while I was still writing Nexus, and I scribbled down a couple pages of notes as I went along. Nexus was posted at the end of August, and it's now December. I've only taken a handful of days off writing this story - I even took my notebook to work and scribbled lines and scenes as they came to me. This is definitely an obsession. And I loved every minute of it. I hope you all do, too.

Chapter 2 – Appreciation

When Ichigo awoke in the morning, he could feel that Renji's distress had lessened considerably. They had two days, and he knew they would make the most of them. By sheer good luck, there was nothing happening in those two days that he couldn't postpone in order to take full advantage of his lover's unanticipated presence.

Ichigo attempted to get out of bed without waking Renji, but the shinigami was alert as soon as Ichigo's weight left the mattress.

"Goin' somewhere?" Renji cracked one eye open, lips twitching upward in a half-grin.

Ichigo chuckled. Being as tightly bonded as they were meant it was nearly impossible to sneak up on or away from each other. The only reason Renji had managed to slip into bed without waking Ichigo was because of the dream Ichigo had been having. It was always worth a try, though, and they were both highly amused by Renji's attempts at stealthy entrances.

In response, Ichigo snagged Renji's hand and hauled him out of the blankets. This tradition required no further explanation as they headed for the shower.

Renji pressed himself against Ichigo's back as the hot water splashed over them, the dim light from the single bulb covering them in deep shadows. He leaned his head down on Ichigo's shoulder and held him tightly. Ichigo could sense the last of Renji's distress fading as he clutched Ichigo to him.

After several long minutes, Renji loosened his grip a little and lifted his lips to Ichigo's neck. He began slowly kissing his way across Ichigo's shoulder as Ichigo stretched his arms back and ran his hands over every part of his lover he could reach. Ichigo turned his face to press briefly against Renji's, flicking his tongue over his lover's lips to catch the droplets of water. The aura around them shifted subtly; one of Renji's hands trailed up Ichigo's chest, the other sliding across his hips to stroke him. Renji's touch was familiar and firm, and in a very short time he brought Ichigo to his release.

Ichigo's euphoria washed through their reiatsu, but it was eclipsed by the surge of excitement from Renji. He didn't relinquish his hold, simply turning Ichigo in his arms to bring their mouths together for a searing kiss before working his way farther down. Gentle teeth nipped lightly at one small nipple, warm hands sliding down to grip his backside.

He continued moving his hands and lips down over Ichigo's body, which soon began to respond again. When Renji got down on his knees, Ichigo braced himself against his lover and prepared for a wild morning.

The few times Renji had come home to Ichigo upset over something, they'd discovered that a recently distressed Renji was an exceptionally eager to please Renji. Renji himself realized it was some kind of reaffirmation as well as a relief from the nervous tension, and they were both happy to let him work out his excess energy on Ichigo's willing body. It wasn't all that surprising, and Ichigo knew he'd be the same way if he had to deal with major traumas on a regular basis.

Smooth lips and tongue were accompanied by strong hands and fingers stroking, massaging, cupping… pushing inside to find with practiced ease that spot that sent a blinding flash through his entire body. Ichigo's knees trembled as his body stiffened in anticipation. His fingers dug into Renji's shoulders, earning him a pleased rumble that sent a shock through Ichigo's groin. The soft heat was welcoming and eager, and he fought against the urge to thrust as his senses were once again drowned in pleasure. Ichigo could feel the sounds Renji made deep in his throat as his own cry echoed in the small room.

Renji was already back on his feet before Ichigo had even caught his breath. This time he definitely needed the support of Renji's arms around him; Ichigo laid his head against a warm, wet shoulder as his legs wobbled. Once again the feeling of Ichigo's pleasure in their energy was accompanied by an even more intense feeling of anticipation and eager desire emanating from Renji.

Still holding the panting Ichigo upright, Renji turned them around so Ichigo was directly under the now lukewarm spray. "Love watchin' that." Renji's voice was heavy with passion. A spicy scent filled the air as he ran soapy, water-softened hands over his lover, each cleansing touch a caress.

Ichigo raised his head to brush his lips across Renji's neck and jaw, detouring briefly to suck at the sensitive earlobe. He muffled Renji's drawn-out groan as he fastened their mouths together, tongues twining. Ichigo tasted himself on his lover's tongue, mingled with that unique taste that belonged solely to Renji, and it started another ripple of desire trickling down through him. He reached for his target blindly; his hands moved confidently over his lover's arousal, drawing another low groan and a shiver from the shinigami.

"You're just what I needed."

"Then what're you waiting for?"

Ichigo gripped Renji's shoulders as he was lifted and pinned against the wall of the small cubicle. Ichigo raised one knee to rest on his lover's hip as Renji leaned in to nip at his neck, tongue tickling the wet skin he sucked into his mouth with each bite.

Then the water raining down went cold, shocking the breath from them both. Renji swore as he lost his grip; Ichigo slid several inches down the wall before his foot found purchase as Renji spun and slammed off the icy water.

They looked at each other a moment, breathing hard. Ichigo didn't fight the smirk that tugged his lips; Renji snickered.

"Pass me a towel, we'll continue this out there," Renji murmured, pressing his lips against Ichigo's briefly. He took his time rubbing the soft material over Ichigo's body, a process that wouldn't have been quite so involved had Ichigo not decided to continue with his mouth what his hands had only just begun. The mutual desire in their combined energies was intoxicating, and soon they were both trembling with the need for release.

"I think…" Renji panted, "…we should get t' the bed. Right now." He hauled Ichigo into another clinch and steered them to the other room.

Renji sat on the edge of the bed and pulled Ichigo down onto his lap, bringing their lips together as Ichigo lowered himself. Renji gripped his lover's hips, moaning deeply into Ichigo's mouth as the soft flesh parted and heat enveloped him. Bracing himself on Renji's shoulders, Ichigo moved slowly, savouring the feel of his lover inside him.

"Damn ya feel good like this." Renji spoke his desires freely in bed, something Ichigo enjoyed hearing immensely, though he was less inclined to do it himself.

They'd tried many different ways, of course, but they almost always began and ended their visits face to face. They both liked to watch the play of emotions on the other's face, and they'd discovered that they found eye contact during sex intensely erotic. The intensity of their encounters helped get them through the long weeks in between visits.

"Unnhh… Renji…" There were no words for how it felt to be so fulfilled; Ichigo could only repeat his lover's name in time with each thrust as Renji met him halfway. The energy between them thrummed, sharp tension quivering on the edge.

"Can't take any more..." Renji gasped. "Ichigo…" His fingers dug into Ichigo's hips as he flipped Ichigo down onto his back. "Need t' feel you movin' under me," he growled softly, his breath ragged and warm, brushing over Ichigo's cheek as he took up a swift pace. Ichigo ran his hands down Renji's back, meeting the intense gaze in the dark eyes as they moved as one and fell into ecstasy together. The fire sizzled through their bond, heightening the sensations and pulling louder cries of pleasure from them both before their bodies grew slack.

Renji sprawled on top of him, breathing hard against his neck. Ichigo held him tightly, pressing his face against the tattooed shoulder, feeling their thudding heartbeats gradually slow. They slipped into a light doze for a short while, but it didn't last long as they'd slept contentedly together the night before.

When he roused from the nap, Ichigo was pleased to sense that while his lover's energy levels were still elevated, they were far closer to normal than before. Once again he was grateful for Renji's ability to bounce back from almost anything. He tightened his arms when Renji attempted to shift himself over.

"Should let ya get up now… I'm sure ya got things ya need t' do today."

"Hmm, you're right, I do." Ichigo grabbed Renji more firmly and rolled them over so he was positioned between the shinigami's legs.

"What about your—"

"There's no more hot water," Ichigo reminded him with a smirk. "I'm not interested in a cold shower just now, are you?" He bent his arms and grinned suggestively down at his lover, whose own trademark grin and pulsing aura were answer enough as they began all over again.

§

Later – much later – after they'd finally managed to shower properly and dress, Renji filled Ichigo in on the situation in Soul Society.

"They still don't know what's goin' on," he said, referring to Soul Society's Research and Development Institute. "Nothin' like this's ever happened before. Hollows were just Hollows, some bigger'n others. But now, they're… even the smallest ones got these weird abilities, an' they're stronger'n they should be. Takes three times as much t' kill 'em now."

Ichigo looked at him thoughtfully. "How much of this did Aizen do?"

Renji grimaced. "A lot, looks like. Hueco Mundo's changed… it's different than it used t' be, an' too much a' the weird crap comin' outta there's got his signature all over it."

"And they just keep coming." Ichigo's brow furrowed; Renji could almost hear him adding up just how many serious attacks there'd been over the past several months.

"They dunno how they were made, or why, or how many of 'em there are. All anyone knows is how t' kill 'em. An' that just ain't enough." Renji frowned. "We can't go on like this much longer, we're still under strength. I shouldn't be here right now, but Unohana-taichou insisted we'd be better off takin' the break instead a' tryin' t' keep on. Know she's right, an' I'm glad t' have the chance t' see ya, but…"

"I know."

Renji knew he didn't really have to explain, but he was grateful that Ichigo let him anyway. He was certain Ichigo understood all too well the drive to fight, to protect, to help do something in a crisis. Most shinigami felt the same double edge of guilt and relief when they were forced to step back during a crisis.

"Ya already know all this, why'm I goin' on about it?" he grumbled.

Ichigo shrugged and smiled. "Just lettin' you talk. And listening to you helps me think."

"Well I've had enough a' talkin' 'bout work. If I'm on leave, then I'm on leave. Time t' have some fun – who's in town tonight?"

"Everyone. You have unbelievable luck, yanno that?" Ichigo shook his head. "Chad's off tonight, and Ishida just got back from some Quincy thing in the mountains. Inoue volunteers at the children's hospital some nights, but she'd definitely free up a few hours, and..."

Renji listened with growing approval as Ichigo rattled off the friendly names. "Sounds like a party, then!" he said cheerfully.

§

Late afternoon on the second day of Renji's leave found them back at the flat, settling down to enjoy their last evening together alone. Ichigo sat on his bed reading reports from Soul Society while Renji sat on the floor, leaning against Ichigo's left leg while he meditated quietly.

The reports were disturbing. Every patrol that ventured into Hueco Mundo came back with new information, but they were still missing too many vital pieces to solve the puzzle.

Renji shifted slightly, the ends of his hair tickling Ichigo's arm. Absently Ichigo twisted the vibrant strands around his fingers. He was still fascinated with Renji's hair. No matter how many times he'd held it in his hands and felt it sliding over his body, Ichigo was still as entranced as a kitten with a ball of yarn.

"Quit that!" Renji twitched his head, tugging his hair out of Ichigo's grasp. He didn't move, however, and the spiky red tips continued to brush against Ichigo's wrist.

Ichigo knew he didn't mean a word of it – Renji would sit to have his hair played with for hours. He smirked as he ran his fingers through the silky tail again.

"Ichigo…" Renji growled, but Ichigo saw his lips twitching upward and felt the stirring in their energies.

Ichigo leaned down and nibbled on one particularly long lock of hair.

"That's it!" A hand closed on Ichigo's wrist; another trapped his leg as Renji launched himself off the floor. Ichigo found himself pinned solidly to the bed, one arm held over his head, his knee riding high over Renji's hip, held in place by a firm hand on his thigh as Renji grinned down at him.

"So ya like my hair, huh?" The low, rumbling murmur sent a familiar tingle from his gut to his groin.

Ichigo reached with his free hand to snap the tie that held back the crimson strands, watching it spill down and cover their faces in a curtain.

"Oh yeah." Ichigo leaned up and captured the grinning lips with his own before twisting his leg around Renji's and heaving the shinigami over on his side.

The conclusion of the wrestling match that followed was inevitable. Ichigo didn't get to finish reading the reports until much, much later.

§

Two days were over in no time at all. Saying goodbye was never easy, but Ichigo's summer break started in less than four weeks, and they'd be spending the entire two months together in Soul Society.

Every time he stepped through the portal to Soul Society, Renji found himself remembering the events had that occurred the first time he returned after completing the mission that had led to his startling involvement with Ichigo. He wondered what was waiting for him this time; he hoped it was quieter…

§

-8 months ago-

Renji chose to return to a more remote location in Soul Society; he'd asked Urahara to set the portal several kilometres from Seireitei. He needed time to gather his thoughts and make some mental adjustments before taking up his normal routine again – a routine that had to change to accommodate his having a lover in the living world.

When the gate closed behind him, he headed for Seireitei, his attention not on his surroundings but rather on the touching farewell scene that was replaying itself in his mind.

"Welcome home!"

Renji jumped, startled by the cheerful voice. "Dammit Rukia, don't sneak up on a person like that!" Welcome home, huh? Feels more like I just left home.

"Sneak up? I've been following you for the past five minutes," Rukia laughed, her eyes dancing as she stretched up as far as she could to give him a brief hug.

He stared. How'd I miss that? She wasn't even shieldin'. We've been family most our lives, an' I can pick out her reiatsu easily after all these years.

"Not even going to deny it?"

"Che. Not worth arguin' with ya." Renji ruffled her hair for revenge.

"Gah, don't do that!"

"Try'n stop me, brat." He grinned at his childhood friend when she stuck her tongue out at him.

"You're in an awfully weird mood. What has you so distracted that you didn't notice me? I wasn't even trying to hide – you walked right past me, you know." Rukia's voice was light and teasing.

Renji looked away as the memory flashed through his mind again. "Nothin'. Just thinkin' 'bout the mission."

"Renji?" Concern lowered her tone. "Is everything ok? Did something happen with Ichigo?"

"Ya might say that." We planned for me t' tell her, a' course, just wasn't expectin' it t' be the very second I got here. He motioned for her to sit down in the soft grass at the side of the road.

Rukia made herself comfortable as he settled beside her. "So tell me. What's going on that's got you all undone?"

"Uh…"

She waited expectantly, eyes fixed on his face.

This's harder'n I thought it'd be.

"Me 'n Ichigo… we got t' be pretty close over the summer," Renji explained.

"Eh?"

"We kinda have an understandin'," he tried again.

Her brow furrowed. "An understanding?"

Well shit, Rukia, the kind where ya spend a lot a' time naked in bed together. How do I say this without soundin' stupid?

"Eh… we, uh…" he cleared his throat. "We feel…" Inspiration struck. He relaxed the controls on his reiatsu. "Like this." He sat quietly, looking at her earnestly and letting her feel his aura as he remembered the warmth of the bond he shared with Ichigo.

"Oh?" Rukia's eyes widened as she finally grasped his meaning. "Oh!"

"Um… yeah, heh." He fiddled nervously with his bandana as she processed the revelation.

"Oh really..." Her expression grew sly, her mouth twitching with suppressed laughter.

He tried to scowl at her, but the effect was spoiled by the flush spreading across his features. "What?"

"You're cute when you're embarrassed."

"Not embarrassed!" He refused to acknowledge the tingle in his cheeks as he focused on the blade of grass he twisted in his fingers.

"Ok, you're not embarrassed, you just always look like a tomato. Probably the hair, right?" She pushed his shoulder playfully.

"I ain't embarrassed or ashamed or anythin' at all like that! It's just… dammit this's personal, Rukia. Ya know I ain't good talkin' 'bout this stuff."

"Hey, listen…" She nudged him until he looked up at her. Rukia's eyes sparkled as she smiled. "I'm happy for you both."

Renji smiled back. "Thanks." He hauled her to her feet as he stood to continue on his way. They walked in silence for a while. Now that the awkward conversation was over, he was glad to have had it, and relieved that she was noble enough not to tease him any further on the subject.

"So you're not embarrassed, ok. But you're cute when you're in love," she grinned up at him.

"Rukia!"

"Well aren't you?"

"Shut up… Yes. Now shaddap."

Rukia reached out and squeezed his arm reassuringly, offering her support without words. Then she stifled a giggle.

Renji groaned good-naturedly. With friends like this…

§

When Renji entered his quarters that evening, he noticed that the place had been cleaned before his arrival; there wasn't any dust, and the air smelled fresh.

In the centre of his table sat a small box with a note pinned on the top.

Welcome home!

Drinks tonight, Kira's place, 6 o'clock.

Shuuhei

P.S. Happy belated birthday!

He mulled that over as he worked to open the box. There's that 'welcome home' again. Home's where your heart is, an' mine sure ain't here…

Inside the box was a bandana. He appreciated the gesture, but it was puzzling.

Well this's different. With these guys, birthdays mean they'll buy your drinks an' get ya home safe in time t' sleep it off for your next shift.

He lifted the cloth out of the box. It was an ordinary white bandana, with… Tattooed eyebrows shot up as he unfolded it.

With leafy strawberries embroidered all over it.

So they think they're bein' clever, huh? Hehe, we'll just see 'bout that.

Renji shook his hair out of its spiky tail and twisted it into a long braid before wrapping the bandana around his head. He dug out his loudest, most eye-wrenching yukata to complete the outfit, pausing only long enough to smirk at his reflection before heading out.

§

He heard the noise of the party from two streets over. He chuckled to himself – perfect, they were already halfway drunk. Pausing outside, he settled his plan before opening the door.

Renji pulled on his best grin and strutted proudly across the room.

"Hey guys!" He threw a jaunty wave to the knot of shinigami clustered around a large pile of empty bottles on the table in the middle of the room.

He took his time adjusting his strawberry-patterned bandana as he took his seat between Shuuhei and Ikkaku. "Thanks, by the way. Fits great."

Shuuhei grinned and handed him a beer.

"Ya didn't expect ta get off with just th' note, didja?" Ikkaku punched his shoulder.

Renji nearly spilled his drink. "Watch it!"

"He's already drunk, Abarai-kun, don't mind him." Yumichika pushed a finger against his friend's shoulder; Ikkaku swayed. "See?"

"Welcome back, Abarai-kun!" Kira smiled.

"Kira, how's it goin'?"

Kira's smile slipped a little. "More or less the same."

Renji sighed. "Sorry t' hear that. I keep hopin'…"

Kira waved it off. "It's no better, but it's no worse. Better no progress than moving backward."

"But Kira-kun is forgetting to mention how difficult it is to endure the situation, even if it isn't getting worse," Yumichika added.

"Hey no work talk tonight, guys. This is a party!" Shuuhei was adamant.

"Yes, please," Kira agreed. He moved to clear the empty bottles off the table. "When does Iba's shift end? We're out of sake and he's supposed to get more on his way." He replaced the bottles with a tray of beer.

"Damn, I don't want another beer." Shuuhei peered at the tray.

"I do." Renji snagged a mug from under Shuuhei's nose. "Yanno in the living world they got these things on the street full a' whatever ya want. Just put your money in an' press a button an' ya got it."

"Whatever I want?"

"Just 'bout, least that's what Ichigo says. Hot sake, cold sake, food, even clothes."

"Damn, we need that here!" Ikkaku exclaimed.

"Yeah, it's convenient for sure." Renji deliberately downplayed it; there was no way he was ever letting them find out his initial reaction to the things – snatching the money Ichigo offered and feeding it eagerly into the machine while Ichigo laughed. "Me'n Ichigo ate dinner outta those machines a lotta times."

"Convenient? Hell, tha's amazin'!"

"Sounds more than convenient," Shuuhei agreed. "I wouldn't have to wait for Iba to get here to have that sake." He peered around hopefully. "Oh hey..."

Ikkaku was quicker. "Hah, last one's mine!" He snatched the last sake bottle that had rolled under the table.

"We could share, yanno." Renji elbowed him.

"Sorry Renji, we all know I ain't Ichigo's type!" Ikkaku chortled.

Kira's eyes were wide as he made the connection in the silence that followed – clearly he hadn't been made aware of the relationship that was suddenly spread out in the open. Renji appreciated that, and decided to forgive the crude slip.

The corner of his mouth twitched up in a lopsided grin and he shrugged one shoulder in response to his blonde friend's stare; Kira offered a stunned smile and a firm nod in return.

"Ikkaku!" Shuuhei reached behind Renji to slug Ikkaku in the ribs at the same time as Yumichika slapped him on the head from the other side.

"You ain't anyone's type. With that fuckin' glare off the top the only thing ya attract are crows," Renji drawled lazily, drawing the long red braid over his shoulder pointedly. He'd timed it just as the bald shinigami had begun gulping greedily at his stolen sake.

Ikkaku choked; Shuuhei and Kira dissolved into laugher, slapping the table as tears formed in their eyes. Yumichika had to pound on Ikkaku's back for a solid minute, laughing the entire time, before Ikkaku stopped wheezing.

Renji put all he had into his smirk. "Ya done bein' a jackass 'bout my private life, Ikkaku? 'Cause if ya wanna play some more, I got all night t' take ya down. You g'head and get it all outta your system now, 'cause if ya try'n pull that on Ichigo he'll kick your ass from here t' next week – just like the last time ya pissed him off, remember?" He leaned back and took another long drink as the laughter swelled again.

§

-present-

Ichigo slumped in his chair. It had taken a great deal of effort, but he'd managed to cram a month of school work and early exams into two short weeks. Convincing his professors that he needed to deal with a family crisis without offering any solid proof had been easy by comparison.

First he was going to shower and take a nap. Then he was going to pack up the gift he'd gotten for Rukia, as thanks for her part in helping Renji take his sudden leave in the living world.

And then, finally, he was going to join his comrades fighting in Soul Society for the next ten weeks.

§

Omake
Chapter 2 omake

Ichigo: Aaannd I'm naked again already.

Renji: Well yeah, how else'm I supposed t' sex you up?

Ichigo: You're a fiend, yanno that? I lost count of how many times you—

Renji: 'Scuse me, but I seem t' remember ya did plenty a' that yourself. Ya ain't the only one with a sore—

Akuni: ahem

Renji: Che. Dunno why you're complainin'. Was fuckin' amazin', just like she promised! tosses a salute to Akuni

Ichigo: Whoa, not complaining at all, just sayin' you're insatiable.

Renji: Well can ya blame me? You're just too damn sexy.

Ichigo: Back atcha. grins

Renji: 'Cept when ya start chewin' my hair.

Ichigo: Ehh? nibbles at Renji's ponytail

Renji: Dammit Ichigo, you're gonna gimme split ends!

Akuni: And that's all the time we have for today folks! stage whisper No more fanart for you two!

Sekra: rubs her hands together gleefully

A/N: The hair scene and this omake is dedicated to my pal Sekra, for all her wonderful Renjigo crack art. The pic in question can be found on her dA gallery. I have it up on my wall at work. While you're there, check out all her other great stuff!\

Art

Yes, we have art again! It's incredible how much we've both improved over the past few months.
Go look at 'Shower' in Shelagh's dA gallery. Trust me, it's worth it.