Chapter 5: Echoes
"Make way for Prince Tohma and Prince Byakuya!" called the escort.
Behind him, a contingent of royal guardsmen led the group, followed by the wheeled pavilion carrying the two princes and their entourage. The seated officers from Squad Six walked along the sides of the pavilion and more royal guardsmen trailed after.
Byakuya sat very still and quiet at Tohma's side, with Torio at his right shoulder. He did not have to look up to be aware of Renji's presence just ahead of where he sat on the right side of the pavilion. Though he tried not to look directly, out of the corner of his eye, he could see the redhead's back and his red ponytail. He kept his breathing slow, but the sickness he felt was difficult to manage. He was aware that he looked dreadfully pale, but there was nothing to be done for it. It would resolve itself as his pregnancy progressed. As he sat trying not to look at Renji, all he could think about was just that possibility…
This baby could be Renji's. What do I do? If I tell Renji, then he will, of course, want access to his son…and if I tell Tohma…I have no idea what he will do. He cannot claim that I was unfaithful, as I did not choose to be with him before our marriage. But even so…as unpredictable as he is, he could become angry and hurt the baby…What do I do?
"It is a lovely day for our journey, ne?" Tohma asked quietly, slipping his hand into Byakuya's and smiling at him.
"Yes," agreed Byakuya, "It is perfect for travel."
He tried to say more, but felt dizziness coming on again and leaned against Tohma. The prince wrapped an arm around him and kissed him gently.
"Not to worry. We'll reach Kuchiki Manor soon and you'll feel better."
Byakuya nodded, but the motion made the feeling of sickness worse and his vision began to fade. He heard the prince call for a healer, then everything became quiet, dark and still. He wasn't sure how long he was unconscious, but when he woke, he found himself in his own bed at the manor. Tohma lay beside him, stroking his face and speaking to him in a soft, worried tone.
"The trip was too much for you, I think. You are having trouble tolerating the pregnancy, but your Unohana taichou was very helpful. You will be all right now. We will have to refrain from our lovemaking for a bit while your body adjusts, but soon we will be able to be together again."
Byakuya sighed with relief at the news. But it wasn't a resolution. He was still married to the prince…and despite the respite, sooner or later, they would be intimate again. He closed his eyes and leaned against Tohma, trying not to think about it.
Torio entered the room, carrying tea for the two and as they rested and drank their tea, Tohma stroked his hair and back and talked about whatever came to mind.
"I walked up to the waterfall with your sister, Rukia. She is a pleasant girl, if a little talkative, but I can see why you like her. Your staff here is wonderful. They were really helpful in getting us settled. And I met your fukutaichou…quite interesting, for a commoner…"
Byakuya began to drift off and found himself in the middle of an all too lovely dream.
"Renji…there is something I need to tell you," Byakuya said, wrapping his arms around the redhead.
"What is it?" Renji asked, touching his face and stroking his hair.
"We are going to be parents, Renji. I am having your child…"
"Byakuya?" Tohma's voice sounded, breaking into the dream, "Are you all right?"
It was then that he realized that his body was shaking and his face was drenched in tears.
XXXXXXXXXX
Renji looked up as the office door opened and Byakuya walked in, looking pale and ill.
"Oi, Taichou," he said, frowning in concern, "You don't look so good. Have a seat. I'll make you some tea."
He disappeared down the hallway and returned shortly after with two steaming cups of tea. He handed one to the noble and kept the other, dropping into the chair next to the noble's desk and sipping at it absently.
"Are you feeling better?" he asked as Byakuya sipped at his tea and relaxed in his chair.
"Yes, arigato, Renji," he said, nodding, "I feel much better."
"But why are you so pale and sickly? That's not how you usually are…"
"I…I did not take well to being in the spirit realm for so long. I missed home…"
Renji looked unconvinced.
"Maybe so, but…Taichou…"
"I will be fine," Byakuya assured him, "I need you to give me a status report on the squad's activities while I was in the spirit realm."
As Renji nodded and began to impart the information, Byakuya half-listened, his mind deeply distracted by Renji's closeness, by the emotion building up inside him…and by the knowledge that he could be the baby's father. And if he was…then what? If Tohma had been the crown prince, then the baby's paternity would have been checked immediately by requirement, but given that the crown prince was healthy, they would not have to submit to testing unless there was reason to doubt. If he came forward with the truth and was tested now, he would be held blameless of infidelity as he could not have known or controlled any portion of the situation. But even though he wouldn't face legal recourse, Tohma could, and would likely become violent upon learning that his association with Renji had been so intimate. He would, of course, seek to have Renji moved from the squad, something Byakuya imagined would have to happen anyway, but that he found heartbreaking if the baby should be his…
"Taichou?"
Byakuya realized he had become lost in thought again and nodded.
"Arigato, Renji."
He started to say more, but the sick feeling returned with such ferocity that he was forced to abandon Renji and flash step to his quarters, where he emptied his stomach somewhat violently, then sat on the floor, too weak to get up again. He tried hard to focus on getting himself onto his feet, but couldn't manage, so was left to consider lowering his pride and crawling to the bed. But suddenly, someone was there with him, slipping an arm around him, lifting him and carrying him to the bed. He looked up into Renji's concerned face and felt tears coming to his eyes again. Renji set him in bed and sat down in a chair beside him, concern everywhere in his features.
"Taichou, I really need you to tell me what's going on. I've never seen you this bad before…"
He stared, knowing he probably shouldn't tell Renji anything, but knowing the redhead would pursue him about it, whatever he did, he opted to explain.
"I know something happened in the spirit dimension. It's why you were confined to the tower. I heard that the prince was, too. What happened, Taichou? Did they do something to you? Please, tell me!"
He stared at Renji in silence for a time, considering, then sighed and nodded.
"Something did happen…and it explains all of this. I was ordered not to reveal it unless absolutely necessary…and any who are told are also sworn to secrecy, Renji."
"Okay, Taichou. I won't say anything," Renji promised, "but why are you so ill?"
Byakuya felt an ache in his heart and placed a hand on it absently.
"It is not supposed to be known, because it wasn't supposed to happen so soon. But…Prince Tohma and I were…intimate…before our wedding, and I am ill because we conceived a child."
He was stunned that Renji's face could express such a range of emotions all at once.
"Oh…wow…I guess that explains it," Renji said, his voice becoming soft and wounded, "Well…congratulations, Taichou…and don't worry. I won't say anything. I'm just glad you're all right."
The silence grew heavy between them. After several uncomfortable minutes, Renji forced himself to his feet.
"Well…let me know if you need anything, okay?"
He started towards the door.
"Renji."
"Hai."
"Just so you know…it wasn't my choice to be with Tohma that way so soon. I…am expected to defer to him, so…"
He felt the soft flare of anger from across the room.
"So…he just couldn't wait to get his hands on you and had so little self control, he stepped all over the rules and your honor, just to get you into bed…is that what you're saying?" Renji said in a low voice.
"The situation is…complicated, Renji. I only told you because I didn't want you to think that I…"
He stopped, the sickness rising up again and making him lean forward, clenching his midsection. Renji was at his side again in an instant.
"Taichou, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put pressure on you. I was just worried. I've never seen you like this."
He moved back across the room and sat back down in the chair.
"I cannot stand the thought of you believing for a moment that I…"
"Hey," said Renji, forcing a smile, "Who do you think you're talking to? I know you didn't want to marry him."
He placed a hand on top of Byakuya's where it rested on his abdomen.
"And I know that if we had our way about things, this baby would be mine. Don't even think I'm going to blame you for this. We just got blindsided, Taichou…both of us."
Byakuya nodded silently.
"What's going on here?" said a voice from the doorway.
The two looked up to see Prince Tohma standing across the room from them. Renji hastily removed his hand from Byakuya's and stood.
"You look better now, Taichou. Rest. Let me know if you need anything."
He started for the door, but was stopped when Prince Tohma laid a hand on his arm. Renji's eyes met the prince's warily.
"Abarai-san, I am grateful to you for seeing to my spouse, but I will see to Byakuya now, if you will excuse us."
"Yeah…" Renji said, continuing towards the door.
Prince Tohma's hand tightened on his arm, stopping him again.
"You have not spent much time in the presence of royalty, I imagine, however, I expect you know the proper way to leave our presence, Abarai-san."
Renji paused for a moment, then nodded.
"Gomen nasai," the redhead said in a low voice, "Good afternoon, your majesties."
He bowed stiffly and left the room. Tohma turned to face Byakuya.
"Kind of him to assist you," he said, gazing down at Byakuya, "but his manners are atrocious, ne? And that he put his hands on you…"
"Renji meant no harm. We are at ease with each other," Byakuya said carefully.
"I noticed," said the prince, "but perhaps, considering your new title and position as my spouse, you will consider how such familiarity reflects on us…"
Byakuya was silent for a moment.
"Of course," he managed, finally.
The prince smiled.
"Well, I came to meet you for lunch, but as you are not well, I shall accompany you home. Come."
He extended a hand and helped Byakuya to his feet, then slipped an arm around him and walked with him out into the squad office. Renji looked up from his work, but said nothing as they passed. Tohma said nothing this time, but a smile crept onto his face as he reached the front door. He stopped Byakuya and slipped his fingers into the noble's hair, cupping his face gently. Byakuya looked back at him questioningly.
"You are so beautiful, watashi no koi," he said, watching Renji out of the corner of an eye.
He leaned forward and kissed the noble passionately, holding their bodies close together.
"Come, Byakuya," he said, smirking, "our bed has been made ready for us at home."
Byakuya's lips tightened, but he said nothing. The prince slipped an arm around him and led him out of the office.
Renji glared after them, the report he held turning to ash in his hand.
"Bastard…" he breathed, forcing the anger down.
XXXXXXXXXX
Byakuya was surprised at the way the prince seemed to change in personality as they left the Squad Six office. He held Byakuya's hand lightly and chatted calmly about the people he had met, the beauty of Kuchiki Manor and anything else that came to mind. Although mystified that after what had happened at the office, he seemed to be disinterested in saying anything about it, Byakuya sighed softly in relief, feeling the pressure of the situation fade. He relaxed inwardly and let the prince chatter on as they entered the manor and greeted the housekeeper cheerfully. They proceeded down the walkway and entered the bedroom. Byakuya went into the dressing area to change into a yukata. He frowned thoughtfully as a privacy shield enveloped the room, then a chill went through him as Tohma entered the dressing area and slipped his arms around the noble from behind, locking eyes with him in the mirror. The way he was held seemed harmless enough, but he sensed sudden malevolence in Tohma's reiatsu.
"So…you and your fukutaichou seem to be on very easy terms. You require shockingly little respect in your exchanges, I see."
Byakuya gazed at him silently in the mirror, but said nothing.
You know, Byakuya," Tohma went on, "when I studied your life in the Book of Lives, it did not escape me that your actions and emotions towards your fukutaichou were growing rather affectionate."
"Renji and I are associates and we are friends…"
"I know you were in love with him and only trying to think of a way to tell him. I looked closely, Byakuya, and decided that despite this, I wanted you. I understand it is not easy to turn your heart away from someone you were beginning to love, but…"
"Tohma…" Byakuya said carefully, "As you know already that Renji and I were falling in love, then you should know that just prior to the summons, we…became intimate."
Tohma's hands tightened on him.
"You…slept with him?" the prince asked in a low voice.
"As I said, this was prior to the summons. I think you should be aware of it. It has no bearing, as the summons ended our relationship, but…"
"You said nothing of this before…when I assumed you hadn't been with another man. You said nothing, Byakuya. Why?"
"I had only just met you," Byakuya said calmly, "I was still reeling at the speed with which my life had changed. I did not mean to withhold anything…but…I feel it is important you know, so that you understand…Renji and I are content with remaining friends. He recognizes and respects your right to claim me as your spouse."
"Good of him," the prince said shortly, "but I hardly need his approval. You know, Byakuya, I also didn't mention something. You see, when I realized what the two of you felt for each other, I looked into his life as well."
Tohma's hands tightened .
"He is a powerful shinigami, yet he remains with you because of his feelings for you."
"I know this. And I am recommending him for a taichou's position," Byakuya said, nodding.
"That is an intelligent decision."
"But, Tohma, despite the fact that doing so will ease the pressure of the situation, there is something that you and I need to consider…given the timing of the conception of our child…"
Tohma frowned.
"What do you mean?" he asked in a low, controlled voice.
"I was with Renji just prior to being summoned…and you and I were together far sooner than we should have been…and that means…"
He stopped speaking as deadly rage appeared suddenly in the prince's features.
"Do not say anymore, Byakuya. You know that the punishment for infidelity is death, if proven," he said warningly.
"I was with Renji prior to the summons. The Book of Lives will support this. It vindicates me of any charge of infidelity, as long as I am forthright with you…"
"You did not tell me until it was too late…"
"You did not wait until the appropriate time to lie with me."
"I didn't know you had been with him so recently."
"If you had waited, there would be no question…"
Byakuya went silent as the prince's hand rose and wrapped firmly around his throat.
"There is no question, Byakuya. This child is mine!" the prince said coldly, "Do not dare to say otherwise."
"Tohma…it is no good to lie to ourselves. You must see that…"
He was forcibly stopped from finishing as the prince spun him around and struck him soundly across the face. Byakuya caught his breath sharply, but knew better than to strike back. He did, on the other hand, raise his reiatsu in defense and take a step back.
"Be careful," Tohma warned him, "You know the punishment for attacking me. Being that you bear a royal title yourself, you would avoid death, but there are worse punishments that would leave you alive…"
"I know better than to attack a member of the royal family, but will not allow one to strike me, either. I am permitted to defend myself. It doesn't require returning blows, only stopping them," Byakuya answered calmly.
The prince's reiatsu darkened dangerously.
"You and I both know that as you are with child, your powers are weakened, Byakuya. You cannot shield yourself from me for long. You had best remember your place before I am forced to prove that to you."
"You would endanger your child, merely to prove a point?"
Tohma flash stepped forward suddenly and grabbed the front of the noble's yukata with clenched fists. Byakuya winced as the prince's fingers dug into his skin.
"I will do what is necessary to make you obey me. You have a royal title now, Byakuya, but as you married into the family, you are more limited in your rights. Do not think you can defy me! Listen carefully, because I am only going to say this once. This child is mine. You will accept this without question and you will not take action to prove otherwise. Tomorrow, I will go to your Soutaichou and have you released from duty until after your delivery. You will recommend Abarai for advancement and will not attempt to see him again. You will sever all ties with him and will not, under any circumstances tell him there is any chance that this child might be his. It is mine…end of story. Do you understand?"
"You won't even seek to establish paternity?" Byakuya asked, stunned, "It doesn't bother you that this child might not be yours?"
Tohma's fingers tightened painfully.
"It doesn't matter, Byakuya. The child is mine. You will not question this. If you pursue this and you do manage to prove Renji is the father, I will have your pregnancy terminated. You know I have that right if it is determined you are carrying another man's bastard child."
"That is only meant to be used in cases of infidelity…Tohma…"
The prince smiled coldly.
"And yet, the letter of the law permits me to do this. Breathe one word of this lie…and I will kill that child inside you!"
Byakuya caught his breath sharply as the tension left the prince's body and his calm countenance returned as swiftly as it had disappeared. He turned Byakuya towards the bed.
"Now…lie down. Don't worry. I know you are not to partake of physical pleasures, but I am under no such restrictions. So…you will pleasure me."
Byakuya climbed onto the bed and waited as the prince laid down. Tohma opened his clothing and calmly stroked himself.
"Bare yourself," he said quietly.
Byakuya wordlessly removed his clothing, then knelt quietly beside the prince.
"Now…show me that you can use that pretty mouth of yours for more than defiance…"
XXXXXXXXXX
Byakuya left Prince Tohma sleeping and slipped out into the gardens, shivering as the cold air struck him. He would have dressed in more than the thin yukata, but would have risked waking Tohma. He summoned a hell butterfly.
"Senpai…I need to meet with you privately to discuss a highly confidential matter. You are familiar with Prince Tohma, and so know not to approach me while he is with me. Proceed with caution. I know I needn't explain why…"
He sent the butterfly flitting away, then watched as it disappeared. He sighed softly, looking up at the hazy moon. He started uncomfortably as Tohma's arms suddenly wrapped around him and hot lips brushed against the back of his neck, sending a shiver down his spine.
"Did I say that you could leave me, my lover?" Tohma hissed softly, "What brings you out here in the cold?"
"I felt ill…and the cold air seemed to help," Byakuya told him, calmly yielding as the prince's mouth attacked his with hungry kisses.
"You still taste of me," Tohma said, licking the noble's lips, "It leaves me starving for more…Come, Byakuya, let's forget the unpleasantness and just indulge in each other…"
Byakuya quietly accepted the prince's hand and followed him back into the bedroom.