This is a short chapter, but my head hurts, and I'm tired so it's all you're getting.
Anyways, I don't own Bleach. If I did... Forget it. No creative disclaimer today.
Renji put the wristband back on in a secluded clump of trees near Kaili's school, grimacing at the transition. He doubted that he'd ever get used to it. Casually, he walked across a large soccer field, towards the school. The few parents already waiting there gave him appraising looks, and he shifted uncomfortably. Did Byakuya get that? Renji would bet anything that he did. After all, Byakuya was insanely attractive, and he noticed a few single mothers who would pay to look at him. After all, if Renji didn't already get the privilege for free, he would pay to look at Byakuya.
Trying not to show how uncomfortable he was with those eyes on him, Renji leaned against the wall of the school, and waited for Kaili to come out. He didn't have to wait long.
Kaili was the first one out of the school, and the second she saw Renji, she threw herself at him, and burst out in tears. Renji picked her up, and let her cry into his shoulder, gently cradling her against his chest.
"It's okay," he whispered softly. "He's okay." Kaili simply tightened her grip around his neck. "I even got Unohana to come. She says he'll be fine." The only reply that he got were several more quiet sobs. "He's even feeling well enough to insult me, which I think is a good sign." This at least got a response.
"What'd you do?"
"I threatened him."
"With what?" Kaili asked, obviously trying to figure out what would scare Byakuya enough that he'd snap at Renji.
"Unohana."
"Oh."
"Yeah."
"That was kinda mean."
"But extremely necessary."
"… maybe."
"Come on. Let's go." Since Kaili showed no inclination to letting go of him any time soon, Renji walked in the direction of the ravine, still carrying her. The two of them removed their wristbands, and returned to the hotel.
Byakuya was asleep, curled up on his side. His right hand hovered protectively over his injured shoulder, and Renji paused for a moment to watch the vulnerability that Byakuya only showed when he was asleep. He knew that he was truly privileged to see Byakuya like this, instead of the cold, unapproachable mask that everybody else saw. Gently, Renji stroked Byakuya's hair. It was a privilege that he would never, ever abuse. Because if he lost it… Without Byakuya and Kaili, there really wasn't a point in living.
"See," Renji told Kaili. "He's fine."
"We need to get apple juice," Kaili replied, fixing him with a piercing stare.
"Why?" Renji asked, although he knew that there didn't really have to be a reason with Kaili.
"Because apple juice makes everything better."
There was no arguing with that. Renji stood slowly, and took Kaili out to buy apple juice from the gas station right across the street from the hotel. When they got back, Kaili lay down beside Byakuya and promptly went to sleep, clutching a jug of apple juice to her chest. Renji gently untangled the jug from her grip, and set it down on the side table. Then he lay down on the other side of Byakuya and went to sleep too.
When Byakuya woke up, he found himself sandwiched between Kaili and Renji. Slowly, so as not to wake them, Byakuya pushed himself up into a sitting position, holding his left arm against his body. Silently he surveyed the room, absentmindedly stroking a stray copper curl away from Kaili's face.
"Lie down." Renji commanded. Byakuya frowned down at him, peaceful moment broken.
"I'm not-" he began, but Renji cut him off.
"I'll call Unohana," Renji threatened, and Byakuya lay down again, scowling. "Don't do that," Renji mumbled, running his thumb gently over Byakuya's face. "You're too pretty to use such an ugly expression."
"So you've turned into Yumichika now?" Byakuya asked sourly.
"If you're gonna get nasty, I'm gonna leave," Renji warned. (If you can tell me what that quote's from, you are amazing. Also, I may dedicate a chapter to you. Or, I'll write you a commission. Your choice. No, seriously guys. If you can tell me what this is from you are automatically boosted to one of the top spots on my 'Fav. People' list. Although, you're all already there anyways)
Byakuya shut his eyes and sighed. "Sorry," he replied quietly. "I feel like shit."
"All the more reason to do what I tell you," Renji pointed out gently, pushing Byakuya's hair out of his eyes. Byakuya's right hand caught Renji's wrist so fast that it was hard to tell that he was injured.
"Don't go anywhere," Byakuya said softly. "Please."
"I'm not going anywhere," Renji promised.
Crap ending, short chapter... sorry.
-Stormy