Author's note: Yay! I finally managed to update! I had two days in which I had planned to write this ENTIRE chapter, but because of an unexpected sleepover, I couldn't. I was also distracted by writing a semi-depressing GrimmIchi fic. Oops. (: But I still think that I did pretty well to update this as soon as I did! (:

So, I'm guessing this is the chapter you guys have been waiting for? Oooh. (: Ahaha. Anyways, this is probably the second-to-last chapter (NO!). In the next/last chapter, I'm just gonna have a 'Six Weeks Later' kind of thing, because I don't want this fic to DRAG on. (:

I thought that the paragraph at the start of the last chapter was my longest, but…apparently not. (:

Anyways, thanks for all of your reviews! I got LOADS! They mean a lot to me. (: Please, please, PLEASE continue to do so!~

~Rainbow Fruit Loop.

Blossoming Romance
~Chapter 15~
R a i n

Renji stared glumly out of the scarily-clean hotel window, his chin in his palm.

I'm so bored…

After Renji and Byakuya had fought the two Arrancar, the weather had suddenly turned violent.

It was stormy, and had been raining heavily for three days.

The two Shinigami had been stuck inside all that time.

Renji was sure that he was losing his marbles.

I would'a thought that being stuck in the same room as Byakuya for three days would've been fantastic.

But this room is so small. I think I'm turning claustrophobic.

Renji sighed, and watched the drops of water run down the outside of the window.

He noticed two drops of water moving down the window more quickly than the others. Because he was bored out of his mind, Renji decided to name one drop 'Renji', and the other 'Byakuya'.

The 'Renji-drop' made its way down the window, touching with lots of other drops, but never quite connecting with them.

Hm. It's like me. I'm good friends with a lot of people, but I never seem to really connect with them.

Renji watched as the 'Byakuya-drop' made its way down the window. It seemed as though it had its own path; it was weaving in and out of the other drops, never quite touching any of them.

And that's like Byakuya. Independent… and never touching anyone.

Renji watched in a foolishly elated suspense as the two drops of water made their way closer together. He waited for the two drops to connect and form one.

…But they didn't. The two drops merely crossed paths, and continued their journey on their own.

Renji sighed, disappointed.

And still bored.

Byakuya was in the shower. From Renji's place at the window, he was in a position where, if he turned around, he would be able to see Byakuya.

The thought made Renji blush, and it took all of his willpower not to turn.

What's gotten into me?

I never used to be so perverted.

…………………………

Ten minutes later, Renji heard Byakuya coming up behind him.

It was still pouring with rain.

"Ya can't really do much in this weather, can ya?" Renji asked, turning to grin at Byakuya.

"No."

"I think I'm going insane." Renji informed him.

"I'm well aware."

"But at least we haven't had any Hollow attacks." Renji said positively.

"…Yes. And you've had time to recover from almost dying."

Renji grinned, and felt his face flush.

Because the sad, sad truth was that Renji hadn't been able to get the fact that Byakuya had kissed him out of his head.

He said that it was for 'therapeutic purposes only.'

I wish that that wasn't the case. I wish that he'd kissed me because he thought that I was dying, and he simply wanted to kiss me before I went.

I wish-Oh well. I guess you can't have everything.

"What are you thinking about?" Byakuya asked, breaking the silence.

"Not much." Renji said, hiding a blush.

I'm acting like a stupid school girl.

Blushing at anything and everything.

"Ya know, someone once told me that life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass… It's about learning how to dance in the rain." Renji commented.

Now I sound intelligent.

Points for me.

"If you think that I'm going to go outside and dance in this rain, then you are sorely mistaken." Byakuya said, a hint of a smile on his lips.

"Yeah, I know." Renji grinned. "That would be weird."

Another hour later, the rain had stopped. Upon further inspection, Byakuya noticed that he could see something that vaguely resembled sunlight.

Renji, who was now full of enthusiasm, grinned. "I'm gonna go for a walk or somethin'. Do ya wanna come with me?"

Byakuya nodded, glad to get out of the hotel room.

Renji flung open the hotel door unnecessarily dramatically. "What are ya waiting for?"

"You go on ahead; I'll just grab a few things." Byakuya said, reaching out for the small, black backpack which lay, discarded, on the floor.

"Right. I'll go sign us out then." Renji said. He then proceeded to sprint down the hallway.

Byakuya shook his head at his Lieutenant's childish enthusiasm.

He's so… spirited.

Anyway, I wonder where we're going to walk.

Maybe somewhere pretty?

Should I bring my sketchbook?

I may as well.

Byakuya opened the drawer beside the bed, pulled out the sketchbook, and put it into the bag.

He then walked over to the small fridge, and pulled out two punnets of strawberries - just in case the two men were to get hungry.

Apparently, Renji was addicted to the fruit.

Byakuya put the strawberries in his bag, grabbed the key to the hotel, and locked up.

…………………………

Byakuya stepped out of the hotel, and was instantly hit with a ray of bright, warm sunshine. The air smelt fresh and clean, and trees were gently swaying in the calm wind.

This is nice.

Byakuya walked up to a bouncing Renji. The sunlight seemed to make his already bright red hair even more radiant.

"So, where do you propose we walk to?" Byakuya asked.

Renji shrugged. "No idea. Why don't we just …walk?"

Byakuya nodded, and the two Shinigami started walking to nowhere in particular.

Usually, not actually having a plan as to where he was going would annoy Byakuya, but being with Renji made everything different.

And it really shouldn't have.

Byakuya turned his head to face his Lieutenant. Renji had his head tilted up to the sun, obviously enjoying the warm temperature. The usual sharp planes of his face had softened in relaxation. His eyes were closed, and – as Byakuya noticed – his dark eyelashes were lightly brushing his cheeks.

He looks… kissable.

Nngh.

"So." Renji started, opening his eyes. "When we went to that Amusement Park, you got me to tell ya what I thought of ya. Remember?" he asked.

"…Yes." Byakuya said hesitantly.

This sounds… ominous.

"Well, I think that it's only fair if you tell me what ya think of me." Renji said, his eyes sparkling mischievously.

Byakuya suppressed a sigh, knowing that he was going to have to be very careful about what he said.

I can't tell him that I love him… Can I?

No.

"Alright. Well, as my Vice Captain, you're… fiercely loyal, which has always impressed me. You always have complete and utter faith in your team members, which is a relatively rare occurrence…" Byakuya started.

He snuck a glance at Renji, who was beaming from ear to ear.

"And you never give up. If you want something, then you make sure you get it."

Byakuya didn't notice how Renji ducked his head.

"As a person, I think you're… very passionate. Honestly, in all of my years, I have never seen someone quite as fiery or as happy-go-lucky as you."

And it scares me to think that I fell in love with you.

"Aw, thanks, Captain!" Renji enthused, kicking at a stray pebble.

Byakuya opened his mouth to speak, but instead smiled slightly.

He then looked around – not having been paying attention to where they were walking.

They were walking down a cobblestone path lined with grey and brown rocks. Tall, dark green trees grew on both sides of the path, lush grass surrounding their bases.

They were a rather long way from the hotel.

I suppose it is true what they say. 'Time flies when you're having fun'. Or, in my case, 'Distance flies when you're talking with the love of your life.'

…I really should stop referring to him as 'the love of my life', or 'the one I've fallen in love with'.

I mean, it's not definite. I might not have fallen in love with him.

I may be merely infatuated with him as a result of being stuck in a small hotel room with him for a long period of time.

But Byakuya knew that that thought was highly improbable. He had been feeling strange around his Lieutenant whilst they were in Soul Society.

Damn it. Damn it all.

Just then, the sky grumbled. The Noble heard Renji make a noise of exasperation beside him.

Byakuya looked upwards. Instead of the blue, no-clouds-at-all sky he was expecting, he noticed that the large, grey rain clouds were back.

It had better not rain.

The sky flashed, and then it immediately started raining.

Great.

"Perhaps we were a little ambitious?" Byakuya suggested, looking at a sheepish Renji.

"Yeah. We're ages from the hotel, so we'll be drenched if we go back." Renji stated, wincing slightly as the rain came down harder.

"Should we find shelter?" Byakuya asked, raising his voice. The rain was almost deafening.

"Yeah!"

Byakuya looked over at the trees on either side of the path. The branches were thin, and leaves were scarce; therefore making the grass below said trees wet, and incredibly muddy.

I refuse to sit in the mud.

"Come on!" Renji yelled. Renji had the hood on his light brown jacket over his head, but his hair (which hung loose) was still getting was getting wet.

Byakuya nodded, and together the two men ran forwards.

Running is incredibly undignified.

Byakuya thought about searching for his gikongan dispenser, and exiting his gigai. However, although he would then be able to use Shunpo, he would need to carry his lifeless body.

So Byakuya continued running beside Renji.

At that moment, Byakuya stumbled on an incredibly slippery patch of moss-covered path.

He felt himself falling, but, because his gigai's reflexes were so slow, he was unable to do anything about it.

But, then he felt two strong, warm arms wrap around his waist, preventing him from face-planting the ground.

Of course, it was Renji.

You've saved me yet again, Renji.

You've saved me more times than you can imagine.

"Are ya alright, Captain?" Renji yelled through the pouring rain.

"I'm fine, Renji." Byakuya said, nodding thanks at his Lieutenant.

He must think that I'm a blundering fool.

Renji released his Captain's waist, but instead grabbed Byakuya's wet hand.

"Let's go."

…………………………

The two Shinigami ran, hand-in-hand, until Byakuya noticed a large tree on top of a hill.

"If we go to that tree, then perhaps the ground won't be too muddy?" Byakuya suggested, brushing his soaking hair out of his face. "I think we really need shelter now. I don't particularly want to catch a cold."

Renji grinned, and nodded.

After making their way up the hill, Byakuya breathed a sigh of relief. The tree's branches were very thick, so said tree was acting like a shelter.

"Good call – it's dry up here." Renji commented, panting slightly. "Even the grass is fairly dry."

He then proceeded to shrug his wet jacket off. The t-shirt underneath was also soaking wet, so he pulled that off as well.

"Why are you doing that?" Byakuya asked, glancing at his own wet clothes.

He tried desperately hard not to ogle Renji's tanned, toned, now-glistening wet chest, which took a lot of willpower.

Why must he take off his shirt in front of me…?

He is so damn… hot.

Which is something I never thought I think about anyone.

"Because I'll be colder in wet clothes than in no clothes." Renji shrugged.

His logic is warped.

Fortunately for Byakuya's mental health (or unfortunately depending on which way he looked at the situation), Renji did not take off his wet jeans.

Well, I'm not taking off my shirt.

Instead, Byakuya sat down, crossed his legs, and watched the rain fall onto the grass around them.

Renji – who was not looking in the least self conscious at his naked state – sat down as well, sitting in front of Byakuya.

There was silence as both men wrung out their hair, the water produced dripping onto the dry grass.

"Ya know, I think I like the rain more than I like the sun." Renji said suddenly.

Byakuya raised an eyebrow. "But you've been complaining for thee days about how much you hate the rain."

"I hate the rain when I'm stuck inside, but once I'm outside… I find that the rain is really soothing." Renji shrugged.

"I suppose that makes sense." Byakuya said, an unimpressed look on his face. "Although, I myself despise the rain. It's so gloomy and… wet."

"I guess." Renji shrugged again. "Maybe I'm just weird."

"That's probably the answer."

There was a bit of a silence as both men looked out at the view that got from the hill. They could see the entire Karakura Town. All of its buildings looked small from up on the hill. The river which ran through the middle of the town looked surprisingly pretty in the rain.

I never realized how pretty a human town could be.

Byakuya pulled the backpack of his back. Luckily, it had a waterproof lining, so it wasn't completely soaked.

"I brought strawberries." Byakuya commented, pulling one of the punnets out, and handing it to his Lieutenant.

"Yum!" Renji enthused, smiling at his Captain. "Thanks."

He opened the punnet, took a strawberry, and offered them to Byakuya.

Byakuya took one, and took a delicate bite – not wanting to get juice all over his lips. Obviously Renji didn't have the same qualms as Byakuya, as dark red strawberry juice was running down his chin.

It took all of Byakuya's self-control not to gently wipe it off with his thumb.

After a few minutes of strawberry-munching – the only sounds being the pouring rain – Renji spoke up.

"Can I ask my daily question now?"

"If you would like." Byakuya nodded at his Vice Captain.

He didn't have the energy to tell Renji that he didn't have his daily-question privileges anymore.

"Okay. What kind of things make ya happy? Like, the small things?" Renji asked.

"What do you mean?" Byakuya asked slowly.

"The small things. Like… finding money when ya need it, receiving an unexpected compliment from a stranger, waking up in the early morning and realizing that you still have a few hours of sleep left, or opening your curtains and realizing that it's a sunny day after a week of rain. 'Cause I reckon it's the little things that make everything magical." Renji finished.

"Oh." Byakuya was at a loss. "Little things that make me happy…"

His mind was whirling with pictures of his Lieutenant.

Hm. I didn't realize that he thought about such… deep things.

"Hm… Realizing that members of my squad have gotten stronger without my help, seeing the first flowers of the season on a sakura tree, listening to Rukia's tales of the Real World when she comes back to Seireitei, and when you come to the office on time." Byakuya finished rather lamely.

Renji grinned. "So you are happy sometimes."

His statement confused Byakuya.

"What do you mean?'

"Well, ya never really smile, so I thought that ya must never be happy." Renji shrugged, and took the last strawberry.

"Just because I do not smile often does not mean that I am not happy."

"Oh. Okay. Nice to know, Captain." Renji smiled. "Hey, do ya have any more strawberries?"

"Yes. They are in the bag." Byakuya said, nodding to the black bag which lay between them.

Renji grabbed the bag, and unzipped it. He reached for the strawberries, and then paused. He peered inside.

"What's this?" he asked, pulling out Byakuya's sketchbook.

Byakuya's eyes widened in shock.

"It's nothing – please, give it to me." Byakuya said, holding out his hand.

He tried desperately to hide the urgency in his voice.

The sketch… of him… is in there. If he finds it…

Renji ignored Byakuya, and opened the book to the first page.

"It's a sketchbook! Wow, I didn't know ya were this good!" Renji enthused, looking at Byakuya's sketches of a sakura tree.

"Yes, it's a sketchbook, now give it to me." Byakuya demanded, his heart pounding with panic. He made to grab the book, but Renji jumped up, and ran to the other side of the tree.

"No, Captain! Don't be modest!" he said, as he flicked through the pages. "Ooh, nice koi pond. You're so good! The water actually looks… like water!"

Oh… dear… God.

Byakuya thought briefly about jumping up and snatching the book off Renji, but – as well as the fact that that would be very undignified – he knew that such an action would only make his Lieutenant more suspicious. And Renji wasn't stupid. He would probably guess why Byakuya was so determined to not let him see the book.

"There's Senbonzakura." Renji commented as he continued to flick through the pages. "The petals are so pretty, Captain."

It's only a matter of seconds before he finds it…

So Byakuya did what any sane person would do in his situation. He curled his knees up to his chest, and buried his face in his hands - already feeling embarrassed.

How am I going to explain the half naked drawing of him…?

"There's a drawing of your mansion." Renji stated, peering at the sketch. "It's so detailed!"

And then there was a horrible silence, and Byakuya knew that Renji had found the drawing. He heard his Lieutenant gasp, his breath slightly shaky.

As if on cue, the sky lit up in a flash of bright white, before a deep booming was emitted.

The only word that came into Byakuya's head – as un-Noble as it was – was…

Shit.

"C-Captain…?" Renji finally asked.

Byakuya ignored him.

The rain now seemed incredibly loud – almost deafening.

I should have ripped the picture into a million tiny pieces, and then burned the evidence.

Byakuya heard the soft footsteps of his Lieutenant as Renji hesitantly walked over to him.

Byakuya looked upwards. Renji sat down in front of him, crossed his legs, placed his elbows on his knees, and his chin in his palms. His eyebrows were pulled together in absolute confusion.

"Captain?" Renji asked softly. "Why… is there a half naked drawing… of me…? I mean, I'm not angry or anything, but…"

Byakuya sighed.

I may as well tell him the truth now.

It'll do me no good to lie to him.

My dignity has already been stomped on.

"…Do you want to know what my real answer to your previous question is?" Byakuya finally asked.

Renji – who was looking slightly confused at the change of subject – raised an eyebrow.

"Which question?"

"The one about what makes me happy."

"Oh. Yeah, alright. What was your real answer?" Renji asked quietly.

Byakuya took a deep breath.

"The little things that make me happy are… The way that, when you smile that cute, lopsided grin of yours, my heart accelerates to three times its normal speed and it feels as though my chest will burst. The way that, when your beautiful scarlet hair is down, you instinctively tuck it behind your ears. The way that you have your own opinions, and are not afraid to tell me if you disagree with something I've said. The way that you respect me in your own, unique way. The way that you light up a room when you walk into it, and you don't even realize. The way that I dream about being wrapped up in your warm embrace every night. The way that now, you sit in such a position that shields me from the wind and the rain. And I know that you're sitting like that, not out of obligation or respect, but out of sincere kindness. You genuinely care for others more than you care for yourself. …And finally, the way that you've cracked the mask that I've spent years upon years perfecting. The way that you make me feel emotions that I never thought I'd feel again. The way that you make me feel as though maybe, just maybe, life really is worth living. The way that, when I'm with you, I want to laugh, and to smile, and to cry all at once. The way that you bring out the best in me, Renji. …The things that make me happy? You, Renji. You make me happy." Byakuya finished slowly, looking downwards.

The slightly damp, green grass was suddenly very interesting.

There was silence – the only sound being the pouring, pounding rain which seemed to fit the mood so very well.

Byakuya closed his eyes, and cursed his bad fortune. There was a hot, prickling sensation behind his eyes – the closest thing that Byakuya ever got to crying. He never shed tears. His chest felt hollow, and his stomach was churning with a mixture of embarrassment, sadness, and regret.

He was embarrassed because Renji had found out the truth - as unwilling as Byakuya had been to give it. He was filled with sadness because his newly-found friendship with Renji was, of course, going to be over. And he was filled with regret because he wished that things could have been different. He wished that he could not have fallen for someone who would never, ever feel the same way.

He regretted falling in love again.

What is he going to think of me now?

"Please… don't hate me." Byakuya murmured quietly, knowing that Renji wouldn't actually hear him. "I don't think I could cope if that were the case."

But, for the umpteenth time that day, there was silence.

This is… unbelievable.

Why isn't he saying anything?

Is he that disgusted by me?

Byakuya opened his mouth, ready to say something to break the awkward silence, when he heard Renji's low voice in his ear.

"Is that… all true, Captain?" Renji asked, his voice barely over a whisper. "Being with me... makes ya happy?"

Renji's warm breath on his neck made Byakuya shiver.

I feel… exposed. Completely and utterly naked.

"Yes, Renji. I'm sorry for bombarding you with all of this. I understand that you are now in an incredibly awkward position. But do not worry about offending me. This has nothing to do with our ranks. I accept that you don't feel the same way, and will not treat you any differently as my Vice Captain. I do not expect anything from you." Byakuya said, his cheeks flushing.

"But, Captain… I'm from Rukongai. You're a Noble. Why… Why me?" Renji asked slowly.

Byakuya looked up into Renji's stunning amber eyes. They were full of bewilderment.

He thinks… that he's not good enough for me?

"It doesn't matter where you grew up, Renji." Byakuya spat. "Why should it?"

"I'm not saying that it should, but you could have anyone ya wanted. What's so special about me?"

Byakuya paused. "Renji, some things can't be explained. Love is strange like that."

Renji's eyes widened. "L-Love?"

Did… I really just tell him that, not only do I think his smile is cute, and that he makes me happy, but that I love him?

So much for merely admitting that I have romantic feelings for him. I have to go and admit that I've fallen head-over-heels in love with him.

What has gotten into me today?

I used to live a very quiet, normal, reserved life. Now… everything is changing.

You're changing me, Renji. And it scares me.

"You heard me."

Byakuya expected his Lieutenant to get up and walk off, therefore leaving him in the rain by himself. So, he was surprised when Renji's face broke out into the lopsided grin he loved so very much.

"That wasn't very romantic, Captain. For a love confession, I mean."

Byakuya narrowed his eyes, feeling incredibly uncomfortable. "Are you mocking me, Abarai? Because I can assure you that this is not a joke. And I do not wish to be treated like a fool."

"I wouldn't mock you." Renji whispered, his voice slightly husky.

Before Byakuya knew what was happening, he found his face mere inches away from Renji's. His breath caught in his throat, and he was afraid to make a single noise.

Is he…?

Are we…?

He could hear his heart pounding loudly, and was pretty sure that Renji could hear it as well.

Byakuya's cold, steel grey eyes locked onto Renji's deep, amber orbs. There was something in Renji's eyes – and Byakuya couldn't figure out what it was. Or what it meant. It was almost as though they were… smoldering.

Hesitantly, Renji tilted his face sideways slightly, and pressed his warm, soft lips against Byakuya's, his eyes slipping closed.

It was an innocent kiss, a gentle kiss, a shy kiss, but it had so much meaning behind it.

As soon as their lips made contact, Byakuya felt himself melt. He instantly succumbed to Renji's warm touch, and all he wanted to do was to get closer.

Byakuya felt Renji's long, wet hair brush against his neck – and it made him shiver.

Is he really… kissing me?

Is he doing this out of pity…? Out of obligation as my Lieutenant…? Or is he trying to save my feelings by pretending that he feels the same…?

Thoughts be damned, Byakuya tentatively raised his hand and gently caressed Renji's cheek; marveling at how soft and smooth his tanned skin was.

I may as well enjoy the moment.

Renji deepened the kiss by lightly running his tongue over Byakuya's lower lip. As embarrassing as it was, Byakuya couldn't suppress a moan of pleasure.

He tastes like he smells.

Like cinnamon and spice. And… strawberries.

Byakuya then felt Renji entangle his fingers through his dark hair. The feeling made the Noble shiver, and sent chills down his spine.

Renji…

"Mmm, Renji." Byakuya groaned as Renji gently nibbled on his lower lip.

He felt Renji grin against his lips, before pulling back. He was panting.

There was a silence as both men tried to comprehend what they had just done.

"Why… Why did you kiss me, Renji?" Byakuya asked, breathless.

His face was still only inches from Renji's; both men were breathing in each others air.

"Because I wanted to." Renji admitted, his cheeks a cute shade of pink.

He wanted to?

"But… what about… Lieutenant Hinamori? I thought that… that you… loved her." Byakuya said lamely, feeling desperate and whiny.

"No." Renji answered, the lopsided grin back on his face. "I don't love her. Never have, never will."

"Oh really?" Byakuya asked, unable to stop his lips from curving upwards into a relieved smile. His head suddenly felt light – but he wasn't sure if it was because he had kissed Renji, heard that his Lieutenant wasn't in love with someone else, or because he was relieved that he had finally gotten the weight of his love for Renji off his shoulders.

It was probably a combination of everything.

I feel… surprisingly calm.

"Woah." Renji said suddenly, his eyes wide.

Byakuya's eyebrows furrowed. "What is it?"

"You just smiled!" Renji enthused. "It looks so… good on you."

Byakuya looked downwards, embarrassed at the sudden compliment. "…Thank you. But… why did you tell me that you were head-over-heels in love with Lieutenant Hinamori?"

Renji looked sheepish. "I didn't mean to say her name. I… I was going to confess that I was in love with you, but I kinda freaked out."

Byakuya's eyes widened slightly.

He… loves me…?

"You love me?" Byakuya asked.

Renji burst out laughing, causing Byakuya's heart to sink.

Is he playing a cruel joke on me?

But then Renji smiled affectionately. "Why is that hard to believe? I mean, I just made out with ya, didn't I?"

Byakuya blushed. "We didn't 'make out' as you so elegantly put it."

Renji raised an eyebrow – evidently amused. "What did we do then?"

"Stop changing the subject." Byakuya instructed, he himself changing the subject.

"Yes, Captain. Sorry, Captain." Renji teased, grinning. "Anyways, didn't ya realize that I was talking about you?

Byakuya was silent.

"I mean, I said that 'the person I was in love with' was gorgeous, had long dark hair, creamy white skin, dark, expressive eyes, a keep-to-themselves nature, and a hidden temper." Renji counted on his fingers. "Gee. I didn't realize you were so oblivious."

"I am not oblivious." Byakuya said, slightly huffily. "It's all your fault. I hoped that you were talking about me. My… heart went all 'fluttery'." He admitted. "But then you confused me."

"It doesn't take much, does it?" Renji said, his face stretching out into a grin.

Byakuya was just about to retort, when he was silenced by Renji's finger on his lips.

"Can I have your real confession now?" he asked.

Byakuya paused, before nodding. "Renji, since you walked into my office all those years ago, there has always been something about you that has fascinated me. Maybe it's your hair, maybe it's your tattoos, or maybe it's your intensely vivid personality. But now, I have come to realize that I am, in fact, in love with you."

"Aw." Renji smiled. "I didn't realize that you were so sweet on the inside!"

Byakuya scowled.

"I love you too, you know." Renji said, his face suddenly serious. "And have done for a while now."

Byakuya's face flushed, and he opened his mouth.

"I think that you should use your lips for something else, Captain Kuchiki." Renji said before Byakuya could speak.

"Would you like that, Lieutenant Abarai?"

"More than anything."

And Byakuya leant forward to, once again, press his lips against Renji's own soft, plump ones.

Somewhere in the background, the sky flashed a brilliant electric blue. The rain began to pour down harder, and the howling of the strong wind was almost deafening.

But no one noticed.

And, as Renji's sweet-tasting kisses became more and more passionate, Byakuya had only one thought.

Maybe falling in love isn't too bad.