Hand of Fate
By Spunky0ne
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When Renji learns a devastating secret about good friend, Kuchiki Tetsuya, he is forced to take an action that will end his budding relationship with Byakuya. But their heartbreak may be better than what would befall Byakuya's gentle cousin if the truth became known…MxM, mpreg…Renji/Byakuya, Aizen/Tetsuya, Ichigo/Toshiro
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Chapter 1: Things in the Dark
Garbled male voices began to leak through into the haze surrounding Kuchiki Tetsuya's conscious mind. His body felt weightless at first, but as the voices cleared, a feeling of heaviness returned to him, then aches and pains began to break through and he groaned and tried to open his eyes. Harsh white light blinded him for a moment and he gasped, trying to turn his head away. A soft hand touched his, and he was soothed instantly by the familiar voice that sounded beside him.
"Don't be headstrong. Your use of divine power has drained you badly, especially as it was used at a time when you had already been fighting for an extended time. Your life signs were barely readable when we found you."
"B-yaku…" Tetsuya whimpered, shivering.
"I don't think he listens very well, Taicho," Renji chuckled, squeezing his other hand, "What do you think we should do about that?"
"Do I need to induce sleep?" Byakuya inquired, "or will you try to rest now, watashi no itoko?"
Tetsuya released a shaky little sigh and sank back into comforting sleep as the sixth division taicho and fukutaicho looked on.
"Good," Byakuya said approvingly, "he needs the rest. The war has been difficult for him. Although Tetsuya is capable, he has the heart of a healer, not a fighter."
"He's damned strong, though," Renji said appreciatively, "Torio said that he held off a group of quincies so that the household could get away."
Byakuya nodded.
"He remained outside the protective barrier much of the time, preventing the enemy from entering."
Renji moved closer and sat down beside the brooding noble.
"Is it true that Tetsuya is the one who found…him? The one who found Aizen after?"
"He is," Byakuya affirmed, "however, that information is classified, as it involves the extreme measures my cousin took to repair the damage to Aizen's body."
Renji frowned.
"I thought that the hogyoku gave Aizen regeneration," he recalled, "Wouldn't he just have healed without help?"
Byakuya's expression took on a troubled look.
"One would think, but the black material that was strewn all over had a chaotic nature. It interfered with the human girl, Orihime's powers, so I can understand it interfering even with so powerful a thing as the hogyoku."
"But, Tetsuya's healing power worked?"
"Yes, and it is hard to say why that worked when other measures did not. It is perplexing."
"Yeah, it is," the redhead agreed, looking down at Tetsuya's relaxed sleeping face, "But at least everyone's okay and Aizen's back in Muken, where he belongs."
"Yes."
Renji studied Byakuya's downcast expression for a moment, thinking quietly before he continued.
"And that means that it's time for us to eat, rest and recharge."
"Renji, Tetsuya is…"
"Tetsuya is surrounded by people who are taking good care of him," Renji said firmly, "He's got Michio to heal him and Koji to sit with him. He's going to be okay. We are still in a chaotic situation and that means that we have to take any opportunity to heal, rest and eat. That's standard operating procedure, Taicho."
Byakuya flinched at the sound of his more formal title, but he managed a stiff nod and climbed to his feet.
"You are right, of course," he answered in a low, rough voice.
"C'mon," the redhead coaxed him, slipping a hand into his.
Byakuya's attendant appeared in the doorway and the Kuchiki leader indicated the seat he had just vacated.
"Torio."
"Sir?" his attendant said, bowing.
"Renji and I must eat and rest. Will you please tend to Tetsuya until Koji returns?" Byakuya requested.
"Of course, Byakuya-sama."
Torio sat down in the chair and slipped a hand into Tetsuya's as Renji curled an arm around Byakuya and guided him out of the room. He led the pensive noble down the hallway to his own room, nudging him into the dressing area, where he found two yukatas.
"You don't mind if I borrow one, right?" he asked, giving Byakuya a look that bore a little hint of shyness, "Then, if you just point me to somewhere I can…"
"You are welcome to share my bed, as the manor is still under construction and what rooms we have are currently housing injured Gotei officers."
"Oh…ah…" Renji stammered.
"You are welcome to sleep out in the gardens, if you prefer," the noble said with a stern edge to his voice.
"N-no!" Renji shouted, then he paused, blushing, "I mean, thank you for making space for me, sir."
"It is fine," Byakuya assured him, accepting one of the yukatas from his fukutaicho, then beginning to slip out of his uniform.
Renji swallowed hard, peeking out of the corner of his eye as he turned politely aside and began to undress himself. If the reveal of his taicho's slight, but muscular shoulders and bared chest weren't enough, then seeing the fine black hairs that traveled down from his navel to the lightly flushed treasure that rested proudly between his thighs left the redhead's heart pounding and his own manhood painfully alert. He turned his hips slightly more away, his heart skipping in his chest as he caught the noble stealing a glance at him as well.
"Is um…eh, is everything all right, Taicho?" he asked nervously.
"Everything is fine," Byakuya assured him, almost dragging a sob from Renji's parched throat as he closed his yukata and tied it at the waist, "Are you hungry?"
"H-hungry?" Renji repeated, barely comprehending.
"Yes, are you hungry?" Byakuya repeated with an edge of impatience, "I will have Torio bring something as soon as…"
He was interrupted by the arrival of his attendant, who carried two trays of food that he set down on each of the nightstands before bowing in front of them. Renji fastened his yukata closed hastily.
"Torio," Byakuya said curiously, "does this mean that Koji has returned?"
"Yes sir," Torio affirmed, "and he said that the barrier around the estate is fully reinforced and the house guards are all in position, in case of any penetration. He is taking care of our cousin now."
"Very well."
Byakuya sat down on the side of the bed nearest the open garden doors, while Renji took his place on the side nearest the dressing area. As hungry as the redhead was, he suppressed the urge to shovel his food and ate slowly, trying to mimic his superior officer's good manners. Byakuya gave no sign of noticing, only turning his gaze to look out into the gardens as he ate.
"They're doing a great job of restoring things," Renji commented, around a mouthful of fish and rice.
"I told them not to rush as there are still enemies breaking through now and again, and it could just be damaged again. It's best to wait for the greater part of the restoration until things are more settled."
"Yeah."
The two officers quieted again as they finished their meal, then sent the dishes off to the kitchen with Torio, who arrived with fresh tea at the end of the meal.
"Will you close the garden doors?" Byakuya requested.
Renji's head snapped around so fast he felt a sharp twinge in his neck.
"Are you all right, Abarai?" Byakuya asked.
"Oh hey, yeah, I'm fine," Renji answered, practically tripping over his words in his haste to get them out, "I just…sorry."
"Would you rather have the doors open while we sleep?" inquired the noble, "I think it is a bit chilly, but you are probably more used to colder temperatures, being Rukon born, ne?"
"Closed is fine," Renji said quickly.
Byakuya nodded.
"Close the interior doors as well, Torio," he added.
Renji felt a little jolt in his loins.
Could he be…? Nah…
He was jolted out of his thoughts as the doors whispered closed and Torio bowed before walking out. His breath froze in his lungs when Byakuya turned to climb in the bed, slipping under thick, soft covers.
Curious smoky eyes touched him, still standing beside the bed like an idiot. Byakuya frowned in confusion.
"Renji? Come lay down."
Renji swallowed and nodded, chanting, 'Be cool, be cool,' in his mind as he crawled under the covers. He settled his head on the pillow and risked a peek towards his superior. Byakuya had turned onto his side, facing away.
Renji let out a soft breath, trying to not let it shake.
They lay in the quiet for some time, just breathing in the silence.
Then Byakuya rolled over to face Renji. Surprised, he stared at the noble, meeting eyes that seemed black in the semi-darkness.
"Renji, I -"
"Hey, Taicho -"
They both paused, and Renji gave a sheepish grin.
"You go ahead, sir."
"I insist."
Renji nodded, his eyes dropping to the blanket.
"Well, Taicho, I just wanted you to know that I...I...I'm glad you're alive and ok. Sir."
He winced internally at his cowardice. So close! But he couldn't say it. He wasn't even sure how to explain it, this tumultuous feeling inside whenever he so much as looked at his superior. He felt Byakuya's gaze on him and had to clench his jaw to physically stop himself from shuddering. But shame that he had chickened out kept him from raising his eyes. It was silent for so long that he wasn't sure what to think, then Byakuya spoke quietly.
"I am glad for your survival as well."
His heart painfully skipped a beat, and he whispered into the darkness, "Really? You are?"
He felt a hand touch his arm as Byakuya leaned closer.
"I am very glad for your survival, Renji. I wish to show you just how glad I am that you made it, and that you are here with me tonight."
Renji watched in utter disbelief as the older man leaned even closer, then paused inches away.
He hesitated for a moment, then leaned in the last few inches and kissed the noble. When he felt Byakuya kiss him back, he dared to raise his hand and run his fingers through silky black lengths.
Renji felt Byakuya shift closer, the kiss becoming hungry, demanding and needy on both sides. He eagerly devoured the softness and sweet taste, holding the smaller Soul Reaper's head with both hands. Slender hands slid into his yukata, pushing it off.
Groaning roughly, Renji returned the favor, his bigger hands sliding down to coax the silky garment off of his superior's lithe frame.
He felt Byakuya shiver at his touch, reminding him of how rough his hands were. He broke the kiss to whisper, "Sorry."
But Byakuya shook his head.
"It's fine, Renji."
He hesitated for another moment, prompting the noble to frown.
"I will not repeat myself."
Renji nodded and sank into more hungry kisses. He ran his hands gently over the lean muscles, painfully aware of how soft the skin under his touch was. To his surprise, Byakuya was leaning into his hands, even while exploring him. The older man's hands ran over his skin, and he could feel how soft they were.
He's been using a sword longer than me; how are his hands so soft?!
How is anything on him so soft when he could kill me if he wanted?
His thoughts went into a tailspin as he realized Byakuya was climbing into his lap, positioning himself above Renji's arousal.
"Wa-wait!" he begged hoarsely, his last bit of coherency focused on not wanting to hurt his captain. "Let me -"
But it seemed Byakuya was beyond listening, kissing him into silence as he lowered his body. They both gasped into the kiss as they slowly became one. Renji wrapped his arms tight around the smaller Soul Reaper's body, mindlessly caressing any part of the trembling form he could reach. Byakuya was shaking, but not stopping, even though his discomfort was clear. Renji groaned at the delicious heat consuming him as he was buried in sinful softness.
"Oh, Ta-Taicho!"
He sensed reiatsu flicker around him, pressing into his flesh as though threatening to cut him. A sense of fear joined his arousal, but only served to make him feel as though his control was slipping.
"Use my name, Renji."
"Ha-hai, sorry Byakuya."
They began moving, and Renji could feel himself leaking from the sheer pleasure. His muscles trembled from the need to move faster, harder, but he managed to hold himself back, even when their movements caused the fluid leaking from his member to coat their bodies, making everything smoother.
"Unnh...Byakuya...fuck..."
The noble kissed him passionately, moving his hips faster.
Unable to resist, Renji turned them, pinning his superior to the pillows as he began thrusting wildly, his control evaporating at the sounds of overwhelming pleasure Byakuya made. His body tightened warningly, and he could tell his lover was getting close as well. He reached down to grasp the throbbing length between them. Byakuya gasped and arched under him as he began stroking. Moments later, it crashed into them. The heady rush of ecstasy stole their breath, and Renji would've sworn under oath that his heart fucking stopped for a moment there. He poured himself into the tight heat, just as Byakuya moaned deliriously and spilled his own release into his fukutaicho's stroking hand.
They lay panting for a few moments, then Renji carefully pulled away. Eager to lie down with Byakuya again, he found a towel in record time and cleaned them up gently. Renji laid back down, then hesitated, not knowing the older man's preferences after sex.
"Hey Taicho?"
"You may keep using my name as long as we're alone."
"Okay, Byakuya. Thank you. Umm, I was just...I don't know if you wanna snuggle now or if you prefer space afterwards."
Byakuya met his eyes and gave a small smile.
"It has been some time since I've 'cuddled' with anyone. I must confess that I miss it."
At that, Renji scooted close, wrapping his arm around a slim waist and thoroughly snuggling his superior.
"I gotcha. From now on, you'll get all of it you want."
The smaller Soul Reaper sank into his cuddly embrace with a soft, contented sound.
"Thank you, Renji," he sighed, "I am grateful for the comfort."
Renji kissed him tenderly on the mouth, making the noble's usually unsmiling lips curve upward.
"Pleasure's all mine, Byakuya."
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Tetsuya woke to the feeling of a parched throat and coughed weakly, eliciting a swift reaction in the watchful attendant who sat at his side. Koji filled a cup halfway with cool water and helped to lift Tetsuya's head slightly to drink.
"Take it slowly, Tetsuya-san," the attendant cautioned him.
"S-so thirsty!" Tetsuya whispered.
"You've been sleeping awhile," Koji explained, "Are you hungry at all?"
"N-no, just thirsty."
"Okay," Koji answered bracingly, giving him an encouraging smile, "just a little bit. Just one thing at a time. Before you know it, you'll be on your feet again. We'll get you there, watashi no itoko."
"Th-thank you."
Koji gave Tetsuya a little smile.
"You had some visitors awhile ago," he commented conversationally, indicating two vases filled with flowers, "Hitsugaya taicho and Shiba Ichigo."
"Sh-Shiba…" Tetsuya said, looking at him blankly for a moment.
"Oh!" Koji said excitedly, "You've been unwell, so you've not heard. When the taichos came back from the royal realm, Byakuya-sama explained to the elders that Kurosaki Ichigo's father is actually Shiba Isshin!"
"Shiba Isshin?" Tetsuya repeated, opening his eyes wider, "Why, he hasn't been heard from for many years!"
"Right!" Koji agreed, "I heard that he was attacked by a weird hollow that Aizen Sousuke made and that Ichigo-sama's mother was a quincy and she got hurt protecting him. Shiba taicho…erm, or the former Shiba taicho had to stay in Karakura Town all of this time because he had to give up his powers to save her life!"
"What? R-really?" Tetsuya mused, blinking and sitting up slowly.
"Yes, really," Koji affirmed.
He gave Tetsuya an affectionate smile.
"That perked you up a bit to hear," he noticed, "Do you think you can eat something now?"
"Oh," Tetsuya sighed wearily, placing a hand on his midsection, "I don't think I can yet."
"Your reiatsu's down to nothing," his attendant complained, "Please, just a little?"
"Um, okay, I…"
"I'll be right back with that!" Koji said, jumping up and running out of the room.
Tetsuya smiled weakly.
"I'm sorry for worrying you so much," he whispered, his eyes burning with threatening tears.
He sat back against the pillows, his mind working to make sense of what had happened to him.
It was so dark and a heavy, muddy rain was falling. Something was in it, something with a thick, black malevolent reiatsu. I was so tired already from the fighting, and when Ichigo struck down the quincy king, the shock wave rendered me unconscious for a time. I woke nearly drowning in the black muck, and I crawled on hands and knees…so cold…
Tetsuya's eyes drifted closed again as he pictured the frightening scene.
Arashi stumbled out of the dead trees, coughing and barely on his feet, and I lifted myself and hung onto him as we searched for signs of anyone in the area. I was ready to turn back when I almost fell over what I thought was a deceased shinigami…but it turned out to be…
Tetsuya shivered at the memory of the man's oddly calm brown eyes that had looked into his as he looked back, the man's name stuck in his throat and unable to be spoken.
"Wh-who are you?" the man asked him, starting to lift himself.
He suddenly realized or perhaps remembered that he had only the stump of a left arm, and he quivered and coughed heavily.
"Y-you wear the mark of a h-healer," he noted, looking at Tetsuya.
Tetsuya moved forward, leaving Arashi standing on stiffened legs and glaring nervously. The horrific injuries to the former taicho's arm and chest left little doubt in Tetsuya's reeling mind why Aizen hadn't already disappeared.
"I am a healer," Tetsuya agreed, moving to Aizen's side and carefully cleaning away the muck around the traitor's injured body parts.
"I hope you are a powerful one. These wounds were inflicted by a god."
Tetsuya gave him a little nod.
"Please lie still, Aizen-sam…"
"Just call me Sousuke."
Tetsuya looked back at him curiously.
"Well, I am not a taicho, nor am I a powerful criminal, with my strength whittled down like this from battle."
"Would you mind telling me why you have these wounds?" Tetsuya asked, "They were obviously inflicted by the quincy king. I can sense his reiatsu all over you."
"Yes. I was…acting in my own best interests, and that happened to mean, I was helping Ichigo and Renji fight Ywach."
Tetsuya regarded him silently for a moment.
"I don't know whether or not to believe you, but regardless, I am duty bound to heal any injured person I find."
"Even the devil, himself?" Aizen mused, smiling at him.
"Even him," Tetsuya agreed, extending his hands.
As he did, light flared between the two men, coming out of Aizen's chest and flooding Tetsuya's body with frightening red light.
"Healer!" Aizen shouted.
Tetsuya's stricken eyes filled with red flame, then burned hotter and hotter until the light in them became white. And although he had not called upon the power, water exploded from his body, wrapping around Aizen and slowly replacing his damaged arm and chest. Tetsuya screamed in pain and terror as the white light seemed to go out of control and it flashed and burned away the black muck for miles around them. Aizen's eyes widened and fixed on the whitelit shinigami, reading the horrified expression on his face as his own body seemed to flicker and start to catch fire. Just when it seemed he could last no longer, a dark shape moved in behind the healer and struck him hard on the back of the head. As Tetsuya collapsed, the healed traitor faced the other person, healed, but without an ounce of reiatsu available for fighting.
"You," Aizen growled.
A heavy blast of kido struck him, sending him crashing down into blackness at Tetsuya's side. The last thing Tetsuya registered as he lost consciousness…was a silver crest on the mysterious person's clothing.
Tetsuya's heart pounded as he tried to recall exactly what the crest looked like.
It must have been one of the elders, but…from which clan?
That crest is the key to everything.
I have to remember what it was!