Chapter 15: The Calm that Precedes the Storm

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So gracefully, and with eyes filled with disbelief, you fell under my power. Slender and beautiful, defeated and undone, your will gave way to mine and I placed my mark upon you, body and soul. So lovely, surrounded by torment, made mad with pain, I thought you yielded everything to me. But I misjudged the strength of the heart that beat beneath that pale, perfect breast. Had I known, I would have torn it out of you long ago…but you will see, my love, it is not too late for that…

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Byakuya stirred softly and began to rise out of the haze in his mind. He breathed in and found himself taking in Renji's wonderful scent. He took another breath, moaning softly, and let it out onto the bare, tattooed chest he rested upon. He realized then that his face was buried in red hair and his hand had, in fact, closed around a thick length of it. He could feel that he was naked and still lying on top of Renji where he had collapsed the night before after spending most of the night making love to the redhead. He lifted his head slightly, burrowing his face underneath Renji's chin, continuing to breathe him in and to release warm puffs of air against the skin of his throat.

"You know," Renji said, stirring softly beneath him, "you keep doing that and I am going to lose control and have my way with you again."

Byakuya lifted his head, bringing his dark eyes to meet Renji's.

"Renji…it is like that night all over again," he whispered, "except for where we are."

The redhead's hand rose and his fingers sank into the noble's black hair. Byakuya sighed with something between sweet memory and regret.

"I had nearly forgotten what that morning felt like. But now I remember that it was much like this…calm and peaceful…our bodies full and sated. And I knew in that place, in that moment that I had never known such happiness…and that all I wanted was to remain there wrapped around your body, making love to you every time my body regained the strength to move. Of course, duty took us away from that place, but even as we took those last steps together, to the place where you and I kissed and took our leave of each other…my body still felt you inside. And I didn't know it then, but you hadn't just brought life into my heart, you gave life to our daughter."

He paused and took a breath to steady himself for what came next.

"As I watched my group fall and die, I could still feel inside that you were fighting somewhere nearby…and even as Aizen's power closed around me and my sense of where you were faded, I still felt your presence in my heart. I didn't fear death, because whatever happened, we'd had our chance to reveal ourselves to each other, and no threat or torment, not even death could take that away. And so as imprisonment, torment, hypnosis and drugs slowly stole away my physical strength and the ability of mind mind to make sense of things…even then, Renji, that part of me that had connected with you still lived…still, my heart remained strong. It was then that I realized the true nature of what was between us…and I promised myself that if we ever returned to each other's arms this way…I would tell you."

"Tell me what?" Renji asked, brushing the stray hairs away from Byakuya's eyes.

"Renji…a noble's reproductive system can be triggered by the person himself or herself. And it was by manipulating this fact that Aizen Sousuke was eventually able to force me to reproduce. But what happened between us is very rare…and it is the reason why I survived the explosion of my zanpakutou."

"Do you know why Senbonzakura exploded like that?"

Byakuya nodded.

"My last moments of connection with Senbonzakura were desperate ones. We were both being tormented and already knew Aizen planned to use us somehow…so rather than permit ourselves to be fouled by him, we chose instead to take each other's lives. It was the one power we still had. But as we made our attempt, Aizen realized what we were doing and stopped us. After that, I have vague memories of holding my weapon, commanding his power somehow, but we were not connected…not in control. Aizen Sousuke gained use of that power. That is why I feared connecting with my blade when I returned. When I did, Senbonzakura came out of the haze he had been in and returned to the moment in which we would have destroyed each other. That caused the explosion. If he hadn't realized at the last moment we were free, he would have killed us both instantly. He couldn't stop what was happening…but it turned out that he didn't need to. Renji, you remember that I told you that the elders would not oppose our union. The truth is that they can't. And the reason that they cannot is that the ability to provoke reproduction in a Kuchiki male may only be found in the Kuchiki male and his soul resonant. A soul resonant is one who is so bound to the Kuchiki male that the distance between their souls can be shattered and the two can become soul bonded. This can only happen one time. After that, the Kuchiki male is bound to that other soul for life. So in truth, our soul bonding began when we made love that night. We were able to make Akane together…and I was bound to you. That Aizen was able to force my body into reproduction was not a sign of any connection between him and me…He used his zanpakutou and my body was taken by illusion. But it was a lie. I was already bound to you and I would never have left your side after that night we had together."

"So why wouldn't you tell me that before, baka?" Renji chided him, kissing him on the mouth, "Did you think I wouldn't want to be with you?"

"Renji," Byakuya said, pulling away from the redhead's lips, "I wasn't about to put that kind of pressure on you. If you were to be with me, I wanted it to be because you chose me…over all others…not because I obligated you in some way. I needed to know that you really loved me in return. I am sorry I was so stupid. I should have known how you felt. You told me in so many ways…and yet, I didn't trust that. But I do now. And we have each other and our daughter now…"

Renji slipped a hand down to rub Byakuya's abdomen lightly.

"And this other one as well," he added, "So…how will this happen? I mean, Unohana taichou said that it doesn't happen like the normal way. How does it work exactly?"

Byakuya smiled warmly and placed a hand over Renji's on his abdomen.

"Fortunately, my body will not grow in the way a woman's does. As you know, there is a spirit chamber inside me. Our reiatsu was taken inside when we made love, and the two will combine to form a unique reiatsu. Gestation takes about the same amount of time as usual…and during that time, I will experience some of the same symptoms, along with power flares and fall offs, things of that nature. When it is time for our child to be born, the spirit chamber will open and the reiatsu will be expelled. It will then take its form as our child."

"That sounds wonderful, Byakuya," Renji breathed against the noble's lips, kissing him again, "I'm so glad we can be together for this!"

"Me as well, Renji," Byakuya said softly, "But you need to realize that once Aizen Sousuke knows what I have done, he will be incensed. He was very adamant that my only children be his or mine alone. And I think I know why. If he sets himself up as my soul resonant, then the elders will have to accept his marriage to me. For some reason, he wants that to be legitimate. And as I said before, I have vague memories of him tampering with my connection to Senbonzakura…I don't know how…but he will likely seek to use me in his plans somehow."

"Well, whatever his plans are, we wrecked the part about you having only your own kids or his."

Byakuya nodded.

"And that makes the situation very dangerous."

"Won't he back off when he knows his plans have been messed up?" Renji asked.

"Perhaps," Byakuya said noncommittally, "but that is no guarantee that he hasn't a Plan B…or that he won't come after me to retaliate. I got to know him very well while I was his prisoner, and I believe he will seek revenge. We must keep him away from Akane. If he learns she is your daughter, he will kill her the first chance he has. He may do it anyway to punish me for running…and for returning to you."

"That guy is one sick bastard," Renji fumed, "and if I get a shot at him, he'll fucking die for ever laying a hand on you."

Byakuya smiled.

"Spoken like a true fukutaichou, lover and friend, Abarai Renji. It seems fate chose well in putting you in my path…and I will never be sorry for loving you…never, no matter what the cost."

"Same goes for me," Renji said softly, claiming his lover's lips again.

They were quiet for a time, exchanging slow, deep kisses.

"So…what happens now?" Renji asked, "Is there someone you have to ask permission from before we can get married?"

Byakuya blinked in surprise.

"Renji…I am still married to Aizen Sousuke. Just because he manipulated me into it doesn't change that fact…but if we go before the elders, they can invalidate the marriage based on the fact that I am soul bonded and have children by you. They will see through Aizen's lies and we will be allowed to marry…but…are you certain this is what you want? Remember Renji, I have known you for many years. You would be giving up quite a bit of freedom, both because of our marriage and because you would be marrying into a noble family. Much would be asked of you."

Renji chuckled softly.

"I'm not afraid of your stuffy old elders, Byakuya. I'll, of course, stop short of embarrassing you, but I won't let them walk all over me."

"Trust you for that!" Byakuya said, smiling, "Then, when we have defeated Aizen Sousuke, I will approach the elders and have my marriage to Aizen invalidated…and after we exchange a more traditional proposal, we will marry."

"Then I'll look forward to that," Renji said, turning and easing the noble onto his back.

Byakuya felt himself melting under the gentle assault of kisses that followed. He closed his eyes and welcomed the softer, gentler touches, the whispers of affection and the long slow fall into pleasure as his body was sweetly claimed once again.

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Byakuya found himself brought suddenly awake by a small bundle of energy that unexpectedly landed on the bed next to him. He was instantly grateful that Renji had been kind enough to tie his yukata closed before leaving the room. The noble's eyes settled on the girl who knelt on the bed next to him and a smile rose to his lips.

"Akane," he said, reaching out to touch her hair, "what has you up so early this morning?"

The girl giggled.

"Daddy Bya," she laughed, "you're all mixed up! You are the last one to wake up this morning. Even Daddy Ren is up before you today!"

"Well," he countered quietly, "there is a lot going on. And it was a blessing to have the extra rest. So…what do you want to do today?"

"Mr. Urahara said we have to leave tomorrow morning…so I want to look for seashells and go to the tide pools and swim in the water one more time before we go."

"Very well then, I think I would like the same. Have you had breakfast?"

The girl nodded.

"I helped Daddy Ren cook for everyone. I got to meet Aunt Rukia!"

Byakuya sat up straighter, frowning.

"Rukia is here?"

"She got here with Lady Yoruichi and Mr. Tessai last night while we were all sleeping. That's why Mr. Urahara is getting us ready to leave."

Byakuya nodded.

"Very well, Akane. I want you to go and find the other children. Stay with them while I dress and eat, then we will go down to the beach with Renji."

"Okay!" said the girl, jumping down off of the bed and racing out of the room.

Byakuya rose and dressed hurriedly, then left the room and walked down the hallway and stairs to the kitchen. Renji stood in the kitchen, wiping his hands on a towel.

"Ah…you're finally up. I saved some breakfast for you."

Byakuya spotted the signs of worry immediately. He accepted the plate from the redhead's hand and sat down next to him at the table.

"Akane said that Rukia and the others are here."

Renji nodded, his lips thinning with stress.

"Aizen found them. We don't know how. But Kisuke thinks that we should move. He was just waiting because you needed another day before he judged you'd be in any shape to leave."

"He worries too much."

"I'm good and worried too, damn it! That he found them means he could be watching us already. We'd leave right now, but Kisuke is making certain that when we leave, we won't be followed…or at least, we will have some time before we have to run again. This is not good, Byakuya. I have a really bad feeling about this."

"I agree," Byakuya said, taking a bite of food, "but we have to be cautious in our haste to move from this place that we do not reveal ourselves. You know that if anyone can protect us right now it is Yoruichi and Kisuke. Aizen has been their enemy for for far longer than he has been ours. They can anticipate his moves better than we can. It is best for us to trust that if they cannot keep us safe, then there is no safety to be had…and Renji, sometimes there just isn't."

"I know that," Renji sighed, "and I'm ready to pick up Zabimaru and do what I have to to defend you and Akane. But what about you and Senbonzakura? Have you connected yet?"

"Briefly," Byakuya replied, "Enough to know that he is recovering. We should be able to fight if need be."

Byakuya's eyes narrowed.

"Have you spoken with Zabimaru?"

"Uh, yeah, some."

"Then…you know what happened in their search for Senbonzakura?"

Renji grinned.

"Yeah, I know."

He chuckled softly.

"Don't worry, Snake Boy was sent away to stand guard…not that I don't think he slipped back and got an eyeful."

Byakuya pushed his plate away abruptly and stood.

"I think I've had enough."

Now Renji laughed wholeheartedly.

"You and your rogue blade!" Byakuya hissed softly, "You certainly don't know the first thing about keeping proper boundaries, do you? Taking advantage of an injured swordmate…scandalous!"

He glared as Renji dissolved into giggles.

"I didn't hear either you or Senbonzakura complaining!"