[Fic] Os Anos de Renji 1/2
[Title]: Dia de Anos
[Characters]: Abarai Renji, Kuchiki Byakuya, Rikichi; mention of several other shinigami and Chiyo, a Kuchiki house servant (OC of course)
[Summary]: Renji's birthday brings about unexpected developments and blurted confessions.
[Word Count]: 2700
[Finished]: 31.August.2007
[Beta]: Not Beta-read
[Warnings]: extreme flufiness
[Rating]: PG
[Notes]: This piece is set in the same universe as my other Bleach, Hanging by a Thread (HbaT), but can be read separately, as a ONE(big)SHOT. It takes place in a near future from HbaT.
The title literally means Birthday in Portuguese.
Happy Birthday, Renji-kun, a little late but life got in the way.
Disclaimer: Do not own Bleach and will not make a profit out of this fic. All characters © Kubo Tite; save a small OC, product of my imagination. Do not use without permission.
Dia de Anos
Thoughts of red crossed his, fluttering awake, mind. Byakuya savored the remains of the dream, knowing he would need to get up soon. With crimson stains drowning in the back of his conscience he stretched the sleep away from his limbs, gently grazing the soft linen of his futon. He rose to a sitting position, the sheets sliding down to his lap, as he looked to the empty space at his side.
Empty days, as this one, were becoming more of a rare event than ordinary. Waking up alone, rather than by the sounds of a gorgeous, snoring redhead was a rarity these days but necessary, as affairs, of the clan or the division, had a way of spoiling their fun and calling them to a harsher reality.
A soft knock on the door helped bring him back to his room in the Kuchiki Manor; a strict voice called.
“Kuchiki-sama?” Chiyo, the old housemaid, that had looked after the young Kuchiki heir, from his very early days, opened just enough of the shoji door to make sure he was in his sleeping quarters; as she confirmed this, she bowed, opened the door only a few inches more and entered through the smallest space she could manage her slim body to pass. It still amazed Byakuya how she could get through such small spaces.
“Good-morning, Byakuya-sama” she greeted, already busy with arranging his clothes for the day.
“Good morning, Chiyo-san”
“I see Byakuya-sama is in this morning.” she said, no malice in her voice.
Byakuya only nodded, rising from futon and walking to the doors overlooking the gardens; as he opened them, a calm breeze and a soft light swirled around him entering the room; the smell of a hot summer day flooded his nostrils: ripe fruit, fresh water and tree leaves already turning to autumn colors. He took in the scent with a heavy breath, then turned and walked in to get ready for the day ahead.
Chiyo helped him, in her skilled, competent silence: combing his hair, placing the intricate kenseikan in place, adjusting the Kuchiki scarf just right. Byakuya remembered how Renji had tried both tasks and failed miserably; his hair had looked disheveled and pointing at all ends, his scarf, too tight to the neck, almost not bearable to breath. It earned them a few good laughs that Byakuya now faintly mimicked with a soft chuckle.
It earned him now, an intrigued look from Chiyo, unaccustomed to him showing emotion. Byakuya cleared his throat, stood and made his way out of the room, feeling somewhat silly for being embarrassed in front of Chiyo, whom he’d known for all his life.
“Will Byakuya-sama not eat in his room today?”
“No, I will go to the dining room this morning.” Byakuya answered.
He didn’t fell like eating with the other family members, especially because Rukia was absent, still in the human world with Kurosaki Ichigo, but he also knew that these absences from the breakfast table had inspired some remarks from certain, more gossip inclined, members of the household. Remarks he had to placate before they went too far; he would start by simply showing at the table. It was surprisingly effective.
xxxxx
Renji woke up, mid-morning already, stretched on his futon and felt alone; no warm body next to him, no long black hair entangled in his fingers, no light skin against his. He let out a strong sigh.
“Aaahhhhh, Byakuya-sama!” he felt his morning erection twitch in response to the bellowed name. He thought of ignoring it, the sooner he got up, the sooner he would be near Byakuya, but then recalled it was his birthday and decided to indulge in a quick morning play.
He let his right hand slide down his chest all the way down to his erection and rested it there, stroking ever so slightly, teasing himself as Byakuya often did; he smiled imagining the other man right there beside him, playing and kissing him passionately, stroking him quicker, a mouth pressing light laps at his sac, pulling and grazing his teeth in a dangerously erotic manner.
Renji’s breathing gather some speed as his hands tried to emulate the lover in his fantasy, his hands attending to him in thoughtful, loving ways but increasing the rhythm as his need was becoming more desperate. To hurry things up he licked a few fingers thoroughly and pressed them to his entrance, playfully entering one by one, reaching for his prostate and an orgasm as powerfully as possible, with no Byakuya.
His other hand kept stroking in a long learned tempo, his thumb rubbing the tip in known ways; his prospecting fingers missing the gland most times but accomplishing the objective of a quick morning job. He tilted his head back, the tingling of an orgasm hovering close, spread through his body, as he came in his hand to thoughts of a dark-haired shinigami, working his devious ways, in god forsaken places.
“Ooohh…hrmm” he bit his upper lip and sprawled on the futon; thoughts that he would have to wash all of this, sometime later came to mind but were replaced by more interesting ones of Byakuya.
He got up and got cleaned, grabbed some leftovers as breakfast and left the house heading for 6th Division headquarters. As he sighted the main building, where the offices of Taichou and Fukutaichou were located, he quicken his step, without noticing, and entered, decided that the first stop would be the Taichou’s office.
Byakuya had insisted that they should keep all private matters outside their work, no shows of affection whatsoever, that they should behave as before. Of course, it was no longer possible, none of them had remained the same. And if in Renji’s case, he only became even louder and more blaring. In Byakuya’s case, he was becoming more approachable, easier to address, kinder and less cold in his replies to people; a few of their shinigami had noticed. Rikichi had commented that he felt, he now, could talk to Kuchiki-taichou and not feel completely terrified; also he had wondered why there was such a change in the Taichou’s behavior. Renji had felt proud to have had some influence in that change. Still, if needed, the Kuchiki Byakuya-taichou of old, wouldn't shy away from a few appearances.
The Taichou’s door was in sight when a group of three shinigami rushed up a corridor to greet him.
“’morning, Abarai-fukutaichou!”
“Good-morning, Fukutaichou”
“Happy Birthday, Abarai-fukutaichou!” Rikichi beamed.
“Only ya, Rikichi-kun, t’ know today’s me birthday! ‘morning to ya’ll” Renji replied. The young shinigami had a thing for birthdays and seemed to know everyone’s date of birth.
“Hmm…well…” he smiled sheepishly.
“Anyway, thank you”
“So, Fukutaichou, where’s the party? A day like this should be celebrated.” another of the shinigami asked, sounding hopeful.
Rikichi seemed uncomfortable. “Well maybe Abarai-fukutaichou is busy and…” the kid looked suspicious to Renji, but he let it go for now.
“Yep, somethin’ like that. I hadn’t real’ thought about it.” this detour was taking too long and he was dying to see Byakuya. So he hurried things up a bit “Well I must see the Taichou and report, so if ya’ll excuse me…” he nodded and headed for the main office, not waiting for an answer.
He knocked anxious, the reply came from the other side, he entered, closing the door and leaned against it, enjoying the view, his heart thumping loudly.
“Good-morning, Taichou” he said in his most professional tone. Byakuya looked up at him, his taichou mask in place.
“Abarai-fukutaichou” he greeted “How was your mission in the human world?”
“Nothing much happened” Byakuya had turned his gaze towards the papers in his hand, Renji stepped forward and continued “Rukia says 'Hello'!”
Byakuya nodded, his thundercloud eyes still interested in the papers.
“And so does Ichigo!”
His head tilted up slowly, the left eyebrow arched in disbelief. Renji could swear Byakuya’s eyes had twitched to the mention of Kurosaki’s name, but it was such a lightning like flinch, and so swiftly replaced by the Taichou mask that no one would believe him. What made Renji so sure he hadn’t been dreaming was the fact that this was not the first time he had see Byakuya react to the mention of Kurosaki Ichigo, and always with that twitch of… Renji wasn’t sure what it was, he would’ve to explore this further; but right now other, more urgent matters, needed his attention.
Byakuya was still looking at him; the Ichigo question dismissed for subjects of professional domain. “Have you finished your report already?” a doubtful look appeared in his face.
“Nah, not yet, Taichou, and I know I’m breakin’ our agreement but can’t help it!” Renji moved towards the desk and placed himself right behind Byakuya’s chair; the Taichou’s eyes never leaving his. He put his arms around a familiar, white, lean neck, his head resting on regal shoulders, whispering the words “I kinda missed ya like hell this week.” he kissed the ear lightly and dared to graze his lips from it to the strong cheek, retreating slowly, savoring the known green tea flavor.
Byakuya lifted his head, his eyes softer now, almost a smile in his lips, his hand stopped Renji’s retracting movement, reaching for his marked forehead, tracing the lines on the skin and pulling the head down again for a strange upside down kiss.
Byakuya didn’t say a word but Renji knew he had been missed. He tried to repeat the weird kiss but Byakuya pushed him away.
“Later!” the Taichou mask was back in place. “Now see to your affairs of Fukutaichou of this division.”
“Will you stay the night?” Renji didn’t give up.
Byakuya thought for a moment “I will.”
A rush of desire filled Renji and he couldn’t help grinning like a mad man.
“But now, if you please, see to your work, Abarai-fukutaichou!”
“Good-day, Kuchiki-taichou.” And he left the room.
xxxxx
It was now midday, he finally had everything settled, arranged and confirmed, he could now invite Abarai-san to the birthday party, a party he, Rikichi, had planned and organized in the past week; it was nothing fancy but he was proud of the little gathering he had arranged. A few from their division, a few more from 11th and some others he knew were Abarai-san’s friends, like Kira-fukutaichou and Hisagi-fukutaichou, and some other party crashers he could not prevent from showing up. It should be a fun and merry party. He knocked on the fukutaichou’s door.
“Yeah” came the reply. He open the door and peeked inside.
“Fukutaichou? It’s me, Rikichi, can I have a word, please?”
“Yeah sure, com’in” he walked in and bowed “So what’s up?”
“Well you see…” he commenced a little unsure and anxious “..since I knew it was your birthday today and that you had been out on mission in Karakura town and…well y’know…with no time to set up any celebration, I…decided to…hm…save you the trouble and take matters into my own hands and arrange a party for Abarai-fukutaichou.” The last part was gushed out of his mouth at shunpo speed, but there it was, all out, hopefully the Fukutaichou would agree to it enthusiastically, he eyed his superior expectantly.
“So that’s what you’ve been up to?” he really didn’t looked surprised, a reasuring grin showing “It does soun' great, so when’s this party?” he continued with enthusiasm. “Where? Tell me all ‘bout it!”
“Well you know the restaurant right across from 11th Division’s headquarters?” Abarai-san nodded “I thought of telling everyone to get there after work for drinks and then dinner. They also will have some people playing music, I think that would be fun too.” he explained in one breath.
“And you planned all this alone?”
Rikichi assent.
“You’r freakin’ amazing, Rikichi-kun!” the younger shinigami gleamed with the complement.
“So who’s invited?”
Rikichi told him, apologizing for the crashers.
“Nah, no worries. Matsumoto-fukutaichou makes a party livelier” he winked “and Kyouraku-taichou is always welcome. S’what time t’bithday boy is ‘spose t’arrive?”
“I was thinking right after work hours, Abarai-fukutaichou.”
The red-haired's enthusiasm waned slightly “Hmm, well…you see I’ve somethings ta do, so that time might be a little early f’er me.” he said apologetically.
“As long as the Fukutaichou’s there, you can come at anytime you want.”
The Fukutaichou thought for a while. “I can be there right after dinner, it's the earlier I can manage, ‘s that cool?”
“Of course, Abarai-fukutaichou.” Rikichi couldn’t keep from smiling. For a moment, it had crossed his mind, that the Fukutaichou would decline the invitation, so him saying it would be okay, was a major relief. He made his way towards the door. “See you later, Abarai-fukutaichou.”
“Yeah, see ya.” Abarai-san replied.
Rikichi was almost out the door when the Fukutaichou called again.
“Ah, Rikichi-kun, do me a favor, please.”
“Sure, Fukutaichou.”
“Please inform, Kuchiki-taichou, I’ll be busy…erm…later and that’ll b’ going…hmm…home earlier. Ya’ know ‘cos ‘f the party ‘n all.”
“Hmm…of course, Abarai-fukutaichou, see you then.” The Taichou had been more approachable these days, he could do it without great concern.
“Bye.”
Rikichi left the office pleased with himself. He now would have to inform all the people invited of the exact hours of the party.
He spent the rest of the day running some errands for the Division and rearranging some small and last minute aspects of the party. It was late afternoon when he returned to headquarters and suddenly remembered Abarai-fukutaichou’s request.
He stopped, pale, sweat breaking out on his tattooed forehead, he would have to speak with the Taichou, explain that he had completely forgotten about a message from the Fukutaichou. He would have to go to Kuchiki-taichou’s office and tell the frightening and powerful shinigami, that he hadn’t remember it because he had other matters in his mind, matters not at all connected to the 6th Division.
Maybe he could give the message and not mention that it had been issued several hours before. Yeah, right! He couldn’t lie for his Bankai and Kuchiki-taichou was like a shinigami lie detector! He was doomed, doomed to suffer the wrath of the Taichou and his powerful zanpakutou. At least it would be a lovely and swift death - in a swirl of cherry blossoms.
He couldn’t postpone this much longer; he was late enough! He walked the wooden paneled corridors, mostly empty now, the shinigami probably getting ready to go to Abarai-fukutaichou’s party, a party he had organized but now couldn’t be able to attend. He stopped at the Taichou’s door, gulped several times, and praying for his life, knocked.
Everything seemed in slow motion, him entering the room, prostrating himself on the floor, begging forgiveness; he was immensely sorry, it would never happen again, he would never disregard the Division’s affairs. He stayed in the floor, never looking up at the Taichou, expecting his anger, but for a moment eternal, nothing came. Then…
“Care to explain what you’ve done that requires my forgiveness!”
In all his exasperation and anxious state he had forgotten to tell the actual grieve. He gulped, yet again, and told all to the Taichou. When finished, he dared to look up at the black-haired man, trying to discern how severe his punishment would be. The high-ranking shinigami remained impassive as was usual.
“Today is Abarai’s birthday?”
Rikichi bit the inside of his cheek “Yes, Kuchiki-taichou.”
“What time is the party taking place?”
“Hhmm…right after dinner, in the restaurant near 11th, Kuchiki-taichou” Was the Taichou planning on going?!
“When did Abarai-fukutaichou give you this message?”
“At noon.” he lowered his head again “I’m so sorry, Kuchiki-taichou, it won’t never, ever happen again, I promise, Taichou…”
“Enough, Rikichi!”
He flinched, here it was, the moment he’d been dreading, Rikichi glued his head to the floor.
“Leave now.”
Huh?! Had he heard right, e looked up again, a shocked face staring at Kuchiki-taichou. He rose, not needed to be told twice, bowed deeply and made his way to the door.
Kuchiki-taichou spoke one last time “Be in my office first thing in the morning, for your punishment.”
“Yes, Kuchiki-taichou.” he gulped and left the room.
xxxxx
Byakuya left the Division headquarters heading for the shack used for their encounters, the sun was already setting behind the trees, bathing the surroundings in gold, warm colors, the air still and the evening calid. The 6th Division Taichou walked swiftly, lost in thought.
He wasn’t really concerned with Rikichi’s lapse; it had delayed his meeting with Renji but was of no greater consequence. There would be punitive measures, not entirely for the delay but mainly because he had been attending personal business in working hours and Byakuya didn’t tolerate such behavior in his Division.
What really bothered him was that his red-haired Fukutaichou had omitted that today was his birthday; had Renji been expecting him to have knowledge of the date? Byakuya didn’t have the habit of knowing peoples birthdays, if it was an important member of the Kuchiki House or of Soul Society’s aristocracy he would certainly be informed; of course Renji was none of that, so nobody had bothered to inform him. Byakuya, being able to could count by the fingers of one hand the birthdays he knew by heart, and having never discussed the matter with Renji or dealt with any of the Fukutaichou’s friends, was ignorant of the date. He sighed quietly, hoping he wouldn’t be too late. He sighted the small glade where the little house was located and used shunpo to reach it instantly.
He entered the house, somewhat breathless, not entirely sure if from the walk or the expectation. Renji was leaning over the small, lit hearth, occupied with something cooking in the dim fire; his naked, well defined back to the door, drops of water dripping from Renji’s long, wet, loose hair trailed down his back, seeming to follow his black tattoos. Byakuya gulped silently, his heart quickened, heat that had nothing to do with the weather or the cramped, warm room, spread throughout his marble skin, quickly reaching his lower abdomen. He steadied himself bringing some restraint to his growing desires just before Renji turned to great him.
“What kept ya?” he said grinning his gorgeous grin.
“Rikichi did.” Byakuya replied, smiling very faintly in response.
“Rikichi?!” an arched eyebrow joined the grin. Byakuya explained the troubles of the day, Renji seemed amused. “Poor Rikichi, he must be dreading tomorrow. What ‘r you plannin’ to do t’im?”
“Have him perform all the Division’s Hell Butterfly correspondence. He should learn not to disregard the messenger duty.” he dictated in a stern voice.
“You’re evil!” Renji chuckled with delight.
“Renji” Byakuya continued in the stern voice “why haven’t you told me today is your birthday?”
Renji turned to face him, looking him straight in the eye, as very few people did, and answered unconcerned “It ain’t no big deal, nobody ever cared about birthdays where I came from.” he shrugged “I think folk were too concerned with livin’ through the day or with what they’re gonna cheat the hunger with that night, to care about the day they were put into that crappy world.” he continued, for moments lost into that miserable existence, a sad, weary look showing on his face, mirroring days of despair. “So I didn’t tell you ‘cos it don’t matter and ‘cos I wasn’t planning on celebrating it anyway.”
Byakuya felt relief and guilt; an uncontrollable urge to hold Renji in his arms, to comfort him, to tell him it would all be good, crept through him, making him step closer to the red-haired. But Renji was already back to the present, the fire in his eyes rekindled, so Byakuya stopped himself.
“Well…” the Fukutaichou cocked his head to the side “…but I was planning on celebrating my return to Soul Society.” he let his tongue sweep across his lips in a promising manner.
The next moment they were kissing fervently, Renji still seated on the floor, in front of the hearth and Byakuya on his knees across from him, his hands entangled in the long, red hair that was his perdition; their lips locked and tongues dancing in a mating ritual of newfound lovers.
“Welcome back!” Byakuya breathed, his head pressed to Renji’s beaming face. “What are you cooking?” he asked glancing behind, to the pot in the fire. They rarely ate here and the few times they had, they had brought it with them, bought somewhere. “You can cook?! I didn’t know that!” he mused pleasantly surprised, while getting back to his feet and offering a hand to Renji.
“Yeah, I can cook!” Renji replied trying to imitate Byakuya’s surprised remark, while accepting the offered, stretched hand. “Amongst other things I picked up along the way. But it’s just simple rice and some vegetables, nothing fancy.”
“May I try it?” Byakuya asked earnestly.
Renji looked truly surprised and taken aback “Aahh…I don’t think my cooking would suit the taste of a…hmm…a Kuchiki Noble.”
“You suit my palate just fine.” the noble replied, simply “Why wouldn’t your cooking suit me as well?” it was his time to look puzzled.
Renji’s eyes grew to the size of a Menos Grande and a wild, bright red flush spread through his face, neck and upper body, only a few tones down from his hair. Byakuya saw his mouth open and close several times before a sound was uttered; embarrassment, and something else Byakuya couldn’t tell, filling his eyes. The wheels on Renji’s head turning slowly trying to think of something to reply and, Byakuya could see, coming up empty handed. Amused, he decided to lend a hand.
“I’m really not that captious when it comes to food and am rather famished at the moment. So your cooking will do just fine.” He told him, smiling a disarming smile.
Renji only nodded in reply, looking too dazed to speak. He hurried setting the table and finishing the supper, while Byakuya set Senbonzakura, right next to Zabimaru, in the stand by the bedroom door, took off the Kuchiki scarf and the kenseikan, as was usual every time they were together. He looked for a towel to clean his face from the sweat and dust. When he looked back at Renji, the red-haired was staring at him, a shadow of the embarrassment and disbelieve from before still in his face.
“You ’r swetin’!!!”
“I apologize coming to you in such fashion but I did not have the time to bathe before, as you have heard from the story I told you.” he reacted, a tad disconcerted and baffled, his pride hurt.
“That’s not what I meant.” Renji was getting back to his old unabashed self “You never sweat, it’s almost unnatural and now” he pointed in Byakuya’s direction “you’re kinda pouring… it’s just… weird!”
Byakuya was now feeling quite fazed and embarrassed “I’ll have you know I’m not…weird, to use your words, and I do sweat!”
“Yah that’s true, you sweat!” the Fukutaichou conceded. “When put to extremes, you sweat. But we have to be at it for a very long and arduous time for you to break a sweat!” he grinned. He was enjoying his revenge a little too much. Byakuya being watermelon red was only helping his cockiness increase.
He now seemed to be studying Byakuya’s face. “Did you come running?!”
Byakuya felt his toes turn bright red, he had to get a hold on himself fast or he was going to go through hell.
“Hah, you came running, didn’t you?!” a look of triumph appeared in his beautiful face. “You must really like me, Taichou!”
The tongue to the cheek and the mad man’s grin and the loose red mane and the head turn sideways; Byakuya’s heart clenched like a heart attack, his guts did a flip and dropped to infinite pits. Yes, he must really like this man!
The realization of such feelings filled him with a calm he hadn’t felt in decades, if he ever had felt in such ways. Once again, now owner of his composure, guardian of a truth nobody could rob him of, he faced Renji, smiling like never before and answered wholeheartedly.
“Have I ever given any reason for you to doubt me liking you?”
Renji’s jaw dropped. Byakuya avenged his shame and hurt pride. And uncovered a truth far more valuable than all that.
They ate mostly in silence, Renji taking the time to recover, eating in unfamiliar muteness, the talking expenses left to Byakuya, who was enjoying the sheepish looks Renji directed his way, only to quickly stare back at his rice and vegetables. The food was surprisingly tasty and nourishing without being too hot or heavy in the warm season.
They conversed about the party and affairs of the division and little nothings, Renji coming back to his usual self in small amounts, averting his eyes or a faint blush now and then till he decided to face his concern. He rose from his place at the table, crawling to Byakuya’s place and sliding into the dark-haired’s lap, knees to the floor and hands on the strong shoulders; a hand grazing the cheek and moving towards the ear and hair, fingers curling loose strands of raven.
“So I suit your palate?” he said, using the same words Byakuya had, before leaning closer and kissing him. At first slow and soft then increasing in speed and want, his hands in Byakuya’s hair and neck still twisting the strands. The kiss tasted of rice and boiled vegetables but a faint scent of bergamot was still there, Byakuya was fully satisfied when the kiss ended.
“Very much.” was his only reply.
“And you…” Renji seemed unsure “…like me?”
Byakuya nodded, staring at warm eyes. Renji was lost in thought for a while, pondering on the revelation. After a long moment, mischief danced in his eyes.
“Humm, so maybe I should stay,” he placed small pecks in Byakuya’s lips, the playful tongue brushing softly, demanding entrance “and have my party right here.”
“Your friends will be disappointed if you miss the party, Renji. Think of all Rikichi’s hard labor gone to shambles if you’d never showed at the party.” he pointed out wisely
He seemed to think it over “Or maybe you could come to the party, and have some fun.”
Byakuya arched an eyebrow.
“You could use the distraction; a good drinking party would do you wonders.” he struck his tongue out and laughed at the Taichou’s dubious expression “From what Rukia told me those Kuchiki gatherings are worse than wakes. C’mon come with me, it’ll be fun!” he tempted, smirking.
Byakuya felt his eyebrows reach even higher, an astonished look spreading in his face; he considered the Kuchiki House reunions an highly elaborate and elegant affair, where members of the House would come and visit each other, once a year and discuss matters of pivotal importance to the clan, and Renji and Rukia had called it a wake?! He was incensed at their lack of social grace and capacity of understanding the minutious details of an intricate political web. He did actually gasp at the remark, but steadied himself and responded only to the warmhearted invite.
“I don’t think it would be wise for Kuchiki Byakuya to be at a party for Abarai Renji, where’s the sense in that? And more, my presence would only make people uncomfortable and ruin it for all.” he explained, no disappointment in his words, it was true but he didn’t feel belittled by being left out of his lover's birthday party.
Renji started to protest “There’ll be other Taichou’s there.”
But Byakuya stopped his words with a kiss, grazing his tongue through the red-haired’s palate, as he’d been taught. “Zaraki-taichou and Kyouraku-taichou are not my favorite party companions. Don’t press the matter, Renji, I’ll be content this way.” He kissed him again, lightly this time.
Renji kiss him back hungrily, as he seemed to thought the situation over and after a few minutes pushed him onto his back and leaned on top of him, hands to the side of Byakuya’s head, red hair frenzy all over their face. “Promise ya’ll be right here when I come back.”
Byakuya chuckled and nodded his assent. “I’ll give you your present then.” His hands came up as he embraced Renji, bringing their bodies together.
Renji’s eyes kept staring at him, shinning eagerly “What ya‘ll give me?”
“Whatever you want!” he felt Renji’s member, pressed to his own, stir awake; the eyes locked to his, pools of glistening light.
“Can I…” Renji thought of the infinite possibilities exited “…can I ride ya? No, wait…” he seemed bashful for a moment “…can I…erm...” he cleared his throat, visibly embarrassed “…do you, Byakuya?”
Byakuya stared at him, his heart pounding in his chest, but answered firmly. “Anything, Renji.”
Renji pressed his head to the crook of his neck, nuzzling and placing light tickling kisses there; their erections growing considerably. “Hmmm…I really should stay here. Screw the party.” his kisses increased in rhythm and need.
Byakuya, mastering all his force, pushed him by the shoulders, getting up from the floor; a disheveled and eye-glazed Renji grunted his protest.
“The offer only stands for after the party”
“Awwwww…” he sounded like a spoiled kid.
“Go or you will be late.” If Renji didn’t leave quickly, Byakuya would change his mind.
“Don’t leave that exact place” Renji leaned for a quick kiss, and then hurried out the door.
Byakuya set aside the clutter from dinner, had a long, refreshing bath and laid the futon in the room; then settled, by the door, waiting for Renji to return, enjoying the night breeze on his face, the light of the moon, the crickets and cicadas rustling, soothing sound.
He woke up to sounds of feet thumping the ground, leaves being crumpled as someone made his way carelessly through the woods; Byakuya sighted Renji, staggering his way to the shack, obviously drunk, he waited for him to close the distance before getting up.
Renji looked at him and grinned madly and then pointed accusingly “Yur not wherrr ya said ya would be!” he blurted out.
Byakuya amused by the intoxicated state of Renji, smiled, getting up and offering a hand to Renji. “I couldn’t see when you'd would arrive from that spot.”
Renji seemed satisfied by the reply and launched himself into his arms “At least ya staid!” he ran his fingers through Byakuya’s hair, all the way down his back and resting in his ass, groping mildly; his head propped in his shoulder, nuzzling the neck softly. Byakuya held on tightly and they remained still for long treasured moments.
Renji’s breathing was even, a moisture wet Byakuya’s neck, he called softly “Renji?” No reply; he was sleeping. “Renji, move to the bed.” Renji grunted but gave no other indication he had heard him. Byakuya carried the bigger man to the room, tripping in the stairs and startling Renji into semi-consciousness.
“…don’t think I can d’ya t’nigh… so sleepy… ‘sa shame” he managed to grunt out before falling flat on the floor.
Patiently Byakuya loosened his hair out of all restraints, removed his socks and sandals, the kimono and hakama and moved him to the futon, lying next to him, after removing all his clothes too. He laid his head on the broad chest, teasing the perked nipple with his fingers, Renji responded dimly putting his hands around Byakuya and whispering softly.
“’sa shame…”
“Indeed a shame.” Byakuya nestled in his arms, kissing the hollow of Renji’s neck and closed his eyes to sleep. “I love you” he whispered softly.
Renji adjusted his arms, snuggling closer and mumbled “Love ya too.”
August2007©MarinLiliz
To the next morning
[Characters]: Abarai Renji, Kuchiki Byakuya, Rikichi; mention of several other shinigami and Chiyo, a Kuchiki house servant (OC of course)
[Summary]: Renji's birthday brings about unexpected developments and blurted confessions.
[Word Count]: 2700
[Finished]: 31.August.2007
[Beta]: Not Beta-read
[Warnings]: extreme flufiness
[Rating]: PG
[Notes]: This piece is set in the same universe as my other Bleach, Hanging by a Thread (HbaT), but can be read separately, as a ONE(big)SHOT. It takes place in a near future from HbaT.
The title literally means Birthday in Portuguese.
Happy Birthday, Renji-kun, a little late but life got in the way.
Disclaimer: Do not own Bleach and will not make a profit out of this fic. All characters © Kubo Tite; save a small OC, product of my imagination. Do not use without permission.
Dia de Anos
Thoughts of red crossed his, fluttering awake, mind. Byakuya savored the remains of the dream, knowing he would need to get up soon. With crimson stains drowning in the back of his conscience he stretched the sleep away from his limbs, gently grazing the soft linen of his futon. He rose to a sitting position, the sheets sliding down to his lap, as he looked to the empty space at his side.
Empty days, as this one, were becoming more of a rare event than ordinary. Waking up alone, rather than by the sounds of a gorgeous, snoring redhead was a rarity these days but necessary, as affairs, of the clan or the division, had a way of spoiling their fun and calling them to a harsher reality.
A soft knock on the door helped bring him back to his room in the Kuchiki Manor; a strict voice called.
“Kuchiki-sama?” Chiyo, the old housemaid, that had looked after the young Kuchiki heir, from his very early days, opened just enough of the shoji door to make sure he was in his sleeping quarters; as she confirmed this, she bowed, opened the door only a few inches more and entered through the smallest space she could manage her slim body to pass. It still amazed Byakuya how she could get through such small spaces.
“Good-morning, Byakuya-sama” she greeted, already busy with arranging his clothes for the day.
“Good morning, Chiyo-san”
“I see Byakuya-sama is in this morning.” she said, no malice in her voice.
Byakuya only nodded, rising from futon and walking to the doors overlooking the gardens; as he opened them, a calm breeze and a soft light swirled around him entering the room; the smell of a hot summer day flooded his nostrils: ripe fruit, fresh water and tree leaves already turning to autumn colors. He took in the scent with a heavy breath, then turned and walked in to get ready for the day ahead.
Chiyo helped him, in her skilled, competent silence: combing his hair, placing the intricate kenseikan in place, adjusting the Kuchiki scarf just right. Byakuya remembered how Renji had tried both tasks and failed miserably; his hair had looked disheveled and pointing at all ends, his scarf, too tight to the neck, almost not bearable to breath. It earned them a few good laughs that Byakuya now faintly mimicked with a soft chuckle.
It earned him now, an intrigued look from Chiyo, unaccustomed to him showing emotion. Byakuya cleared his throat, stood and made his way out of the room, feeling somewhat silly for being embarrassed in front of Chiyo, whom he’d known for all his life.
“Will Byakuya-sama not eat in his room today?”
“No, I will go to the dining room this morning.” Byakuya answered.
He didn’t fell like eating with the other family members, especially because Rukia was absent, still in the human world with Kurosaki Ichigo, but he also knew that these absences from the breakfast table had inspired some remarks from certain, more gossip inclined, members of the household. Remarks he had to placate before they went too far; he would start by simply showing at the table. It was surprisingly effective.
xxxxx
Renji woke up, mid-morning already, stretched on his futon and felt alone; no warm body next to him, no long black hair entangled in his fingers, no light skin against his. He let out a strong sigh.
“Aaahhhhh, Byakuya-sama!” he felt his morning erection twitch in response to the bellowed name. He thought of ignoring it, the sooner he got up, the sooner he would be near Byakuya, but then recalled it was his birthday and decided to indulge in a quick morning play.
He let his right hand slide down his chest all the way down to his erection and rested it there, stroking ever so slightly, teasing himself as Byakuya often did; he smiled imagining the other man right there beside him, playing and kissing him passionately, stroking him quicker, a mouth pressing light laps at his sac, pulling and grazing his teeth in a dangerously erotic manner.
Renji’s breathing gather some speed as his hands tried to emulate the lover in his fantasy, his hands attending to him in thoughtful, loving ways but increasing the rhythm as his need was becoming more desperate. To hurry things up he licked a few fingers thoroughly and pressed them to his entrance, playfully entering one by one, reaching for his prostate and an orgasm as powerfully as possible, with no Byakuya.
His other hand kept stroking in a long learned tempo, his thumb rubbing the tip in known ways; his prospecting fingers missing the gland most times but accomplishing the objective of a quick morning job. He tilted his head back, the tingling of an orgasm hovering close, spread through his body, as he came in his hand to thoughts of a dark-haired shinigami, working his devious ways, in god forsaken places.
“Ooohh…hrmm” he bit his upper lip and sprawled on the futon; thoughts that he would have to wash all of this, sometime later came to mind but were replaced by more interesting ones of Byakuya.
He got up and got cleaned, grabbed some leftovers as breakfast and left the house heading for 6th Division headquarters. As he sighted the main building, where the offices of Taichou and Fukutaichou were located, he quicken his step, without noticing, and entered, decided that the first stop would be the Taichou’s office.
Byakuya had insisted that they should keep all private matters outside their work, no shows of affection whatsoever, that they should behave as before. Of course, it was no longer possible, none of them had remained the same. And if in Renji’s case, he only became even louder and more blaring. In Byakuya’s case, he was becoming more approachable, easier to address, kinder and less cold in his replies to people; a few of their shinigami had noticed. Rikichi had commented that he felt, he now, could talk to Kuchiki-taichou and not feel completely terrified; also he had wondered why there was such a change in the Taichou’s behavior. Renji had felt proud to have had some influence in that change. Still, if needed, the Kuchiki Byakuya-taichou of old, wouldn't shy away from a few appearances.
The Taichou’s door was in sight when a group of three shinigami rushed up a corridor to greet him.
“’morning, Abarai-fukutaichou!”
“Good-morning, Fukutaichou”
“Happy Birthday, Abarai-fukutaichou!” Rikichi beamed.
“Only ya, Rikichi-kun, t’ know today’s me birthday! ‘morning to ya’ll” Renji replied. The young shinigami had a thing for birthdays and seemed to know everyone’s date of birth.
“Hmm…well…” he smiled sheepishly.
“Anyway, thank you”
“So, Fukutaichou, where’s the party? A day like this should be celebrated.” another of the shinigami asked, sounding hopeful.
Rikichi seemed uncomfortable. “Well maybe Abarai-fukutaichou is busy and…” the kid looked suspicious to Renji, but he let it go for now.
“Yep, somethin’ like that. I hadn’t real’ thought about it.” this detour was taking too long and he was dying to see Byakuya. So he hurried things up a bit “Well I must see the Taichou and report, so if ya’ll excuse me…” he nodded and headed for the main office, not waiting for an answer.
He knocked anxious, the reply came from the other side, he entered, closing the door and leaned against it, enjoying the view, his heart thumping loudly.
“Good-morning, Taichou” he said in his most professional tone. Byakuya looked up at him, his taichou mask in place.
“Abarai-fukutaichou” he greeted “How was your mission in the human world?”
“Nothing much happened” Byakuya had turned his gaze towards the papers in his hand, Renji stepped forward and continued “Rukia says 'Hello'!”
Byakuya nodded, his thundercloud eyes still interested in the papers.
“And so does Ichigo!”
His head tilted up slowly, the left eyebrow arched in disbelief. Renji could swear Byakuya’s eyes had twitched to the mention of Kurosaki’s name, but it was such a lightning like flinch, and so swiftly replaced by the Taichou mask that no one would believe him. What made Renji so sure he hadn’t been dreaming was the fact that this was not the first time he had see Byakuya react to the mention of Kurosaki Ichigo, and always with that twitch of… Renji wasn’t sure what it was, he would’ve to explore this further; but right now other, more urgent matters, needed his attention.
Byakuya was still looking at him; the Ichigo question dismissed for subjects of professional domain. “Have you finished your report already?” a doubtful look appeared in his face.
“Nah, not yet, Taichou, and I know I’m breakin’ our agreement but can’t help it!” Renji moved towards the desk and placed himself right behind Byakuya’s chair; the Taichou’s eyes never leaving his. He put his arms around a familiar, white, lean neck, his head resting on regal shoulders, whispering the words “I kinda missed ya like hell this week.” he kissed the ear lightly and dared to graze his lips from it to the strong cheek, retreating slowly, savoring the known green tea flavor.
Byakuya lifted his head, his eyes softer now, almost a smile in his lips, his hand stopped Renji’s retracting movement, reaching for his marked forehead, tracing the lines on the skin and pulling the head down again for a strange upside down kiss.
Byakuya didn’t say a word but Renji knew he had been missed. He tried to repeat the weird kiss but Byakuya pushed him away.
“Later!” the Taichou mask was back in place. “Now see to your affairs of Fukutaichou of this division.”
“Will you stay the night?” Renji didn’t give up.
Byakuya thought for a moment “I will.”
A rush of desire filled Renji and he couldn’t help grinning like a mad man.
“But now, if you please, see to your work, Abarai-fukutaichou!”
“Good-day, Kuchiki-taichou.” And he left the room.
xxxxx
It was now midday, he finally had everything settled, arranged and confirmed, he could now invite Abarai-san to the birthday party, a party he, Rikichi, had planned and organized in the past week; it was nothing fancy but he was proud of the little gathering he had arranged. A few from their division, a few more from 11th and some others he knew were Abarai-san’s friends, like Kira-fukutaichou and Hisagi-fukutaichou, and some other party crashers he could not prevent from showing up. It should be a fun and merry party. He knocked on the fukutaichou’s door.
“Yeah” came the reply. He open the door and peeked inside.
“Fukutaichou? It’s me, Rikichi, can I have a word, please?”
“Yeah sure, com’in” he walked in and bowed “So what’s up?”
“Well you see…” he commenced a little unsure and anxious “..since I knew it was your birthday today and that you had been out on mission in Karakura town and…well y’know…with no time to set up any celebration, I…decided to…hm…save you the trouble and take matters into my own hands and arrange a party for Abarai-fukutaichou.” The last part was gushed out of his mouth at shunpo speed, but there it was, all out, hopefully the Fukutaichou would agree to it enthusiastically, he eyed his superior expectantly.
“So that’s what you’ve been up to?” he really didn’t looked surprised, a reasuring grin showing “It does soun' great, so when’s this party?” he continued with enthusiasm. “Where? Tell me all ‘bout it!”
“Well you know the restaurant right across from 11th Division’s headquarters?” Abarai-san nodded “I thought of telling everyone to get there after work for drinks and then dinner. They also will have some people playing music, I think that would be fun too.” he explained in one breath.
“And you planned all this alone?”
Rikichi assent.
“You’r freakin’ amazing, Rikichi-kun!” the younger shinigami gleamed with the complement.
“So who’s invited?”
Rikichi told him, apologizing for the crashers.
“Nah, no worries. Matsumoto-fukutaichou makes a party livelier” he winked “and Kyouraku-taichou is always welcome. S’what time t’bithday boy is ‘spose t’arrive?”
“I was thinking right after work hours, Abarai-fukutaichou.”
The red-haired's enthusiasm waned slightly “Hmm, well…you see I’ve somethings ta do, so that time might be a little early f’er me.” he said apologetically.
“As long as the Fukutaichou’s there, you can come at anytime you want.”
The Fukutaichou thought for a while. “I can be there right after dinner, it's the earlier I can manage, ‘s that cool?”
“Of course, Abarai-fukutaichou.” Rikichi couldn’t keep from smiling. For a moment, it had crossed his mind, that the Fukutaichou would decline the invitation, so him saying it would be okay, was a major relief. He made his way towards the door. “See you later, Abarai-fukutaichou.”
“Yeah, see ya.” Abarai-san replied.
Rikichi was almost out the door when the Fukutaichou called again.
“Ah, Rikichi-kun, do me a favor, please.”
“Sure, Fukutaichou.”
“Please inform, Kuchiki-taichou, I’ll be busy…erm…later and that’ll b’ going…hmm…home earlier. Ya’ know ‘cos ‘f the party ‘n all.”
“Hmm…of course, Abarai-fukutaichou, see you then.” The Taichou had been more approachable these days, he could do it without great concern.
“Bye.”
Rikichi left the office pleased with himself. He now would have to inform all the people invited of the exact hours of the party.
He spent the rest of the day running some errands for the Division and rearranging some small and last minute aspects of the party. It was late afternoon when he returned to headquarters and suddenly remembered Abarai-fukutaichou’s request.
He stopped, pale, sweat breaking out on his tattooed forehead, he would have to speak with the Taichou, explain that he had completely forgotten about a message from the Fukutaichou. He would have to go to Kuchiki-taichou’s office and tell the frightening and powerful shinigami, that he hadn’t remember it because he had other matters in his mind, matters not at all connected to the 6th Division.
Maybe he could give the message and not mention that it had been issued several hours before. Yeah, right! He couldn’t lie for his Bankai and Kuchiki-taichou was like a shinigami lie detector! He was doomed, doomed to suffer the wrath of the Taichou and his powerful zanpakutou. At least it would be a lovely and swift death - in a swirl of cherry blossoms.
He couldn’t postpone this much longer; he was late enough! He walked the wooden paneled corridors, mostly empty now, the shinigami probably getting ready to go to Abarai-fukutaichou’s party, a party he had organized but now couldn’t be able to attend. He stopped at the Taichou’s door, gulped several times, and praying for his life, knocked.
Everything seemed in slow motion, him entering the room, prostrating himself on the floor, begging forgiveness; he was immensely sorry, it would never happen again, he would never disregard the Division’s affairs. He stayed in the floor, never looking up at the Taichou, expecting his anger, but for a moment eternal, nothing came. Then…
“Care to explain what you’ve done that requires my forgiveness!”
In all his exasperation and anxious state he had forgotten to tell the actual grieve. He gulped, yet again, and told all to the Taichou. When finished, he dared to look up at the black-haired man, trying to discern how severe his punishment would be. The high-ranking shinigami remained impassive as was usual.
“Today is Abarai’s birthday?”
Rikichi bit the inside of his cheek “Yes, Kuchiki-taichou.”
“What time is the party taking place?”
“Hhmm…right after dinner, in the restaurant near 11th, Kuchiki-taichou” Was the Taichou planning on going?!
“When did Abarai-fukutaichou give you this message?”
“At noon.” he lowered his head again “I’m so sorry, Kuchiki-taichou, it won’t never, ever happen again, I promise, Taichou…”
“Enough, Rikichi!”
He flinched, here it was, the moment he’d been dreading, Rikichi glued his head to the floor.
“Leave now.”
Huh?! Had he heard right, e looked up again, a shocked face staring at Kuchiki-taichou. He rose, not needed to be told twice, bowed deeply and made his way to the door.
Kuchiki-taichou spoke one last time “Be in my office first thing in the morning, for your punishment.”
“Yes, Kuchiki-taichou.” he gulped and left the room.
xxxxx
Byakuya left the Division headquarters heading for the shack used for their encounters, the sun was already setting behind the trees, bathing the surroundings in gold, warm colors, the air still and the evening calid. The 6th Division Taichou walked swiftly, lost in thought.
He wasn’t really concerned with Rikichi’s lapse; it had delayed his meeting with Renji but was of no greater consequence. There would be punitive measures, not entirely for the delay but mainly because he had been attending personal business in working hours and Byakuya didn’t tolerate such behavior in his Division.
What really bothered him was that his red-haired Fukutaichou had omitted that today was his birthday; had Renji been expecting him to have knowledge of the date? Byakuya didn’t have the habit of knowing peoples birthdays, if it was an important member of the Kuchiki House or of Soul Society’s aristocracy he would certainly be informed; of course Renji was none of that, so nobody had bothered to inform him. Byakuya, being able to could count by the fingers of one hand the birthdays he knew by heart, and having never discussed the matter with Renji or dealt with any of the Fukutaichou’s friends, was ignorant of the date. He sighed quietly, hoping he wouldn’t be too late. He sighted the small glade where the little house was located and used shunpo to reach it instantly.
He entered the house, somewhat breathless, not entirely sure if from the walk or the expectation. Renji was leaning over the small, lit hearth, occupied with something cooking in the dim fire; his naked, well defined back to the door, drops of water dripping from Renji’s long, wet, loose hair trailed down his back, seeming to follow his black tattoos. Byakuya gulped silently, his heart quickened, heat that had nothing to do with the weather or the cramped, warm room, spread throughout his marble skin, quickly reaching his lower abdomen. He steadied himself bringing some restraint to his growing desires just before Renji turned to great him.
“What kept ya?” he said grinning his gorgeous grin.
“Rikichi did.” Byakuya replied, smiling very faintly in response.
“Rikichi?!” an arched eyebrow joined the grin. Byakuya explained the troubles of the day, Renji seemed amused. “Poor Rikichi, he must be dreading tomorrow. What ‘r you plannin’ to do t’im?”
“Have him perform all the Division’s Hell Butterfly correspondence. He should learn not to disregard the messenger duty.” he dictated in a stern voice.
“You’re evil!” Renji chuckled with delight.
“Renji” Byakuya continued in the stern voice “why haven’t you told me today is your birthday?”
Renji turned to face him, looking him straight in the eye, as very few people did, and answered unconcerned “It ain’t no big deal, nobody ever cared about birthdays where I came from.” he shrugged “I think folk were too concerned with livin’ through the day or with what they’re gonna cheat the hunger with that night, to care about the day they were put into that crappy world.” he continued, for moments lost into that miserable existence, a sad, weary look showing on his face, mirroring days of despair. “So I didn’t tell you ‘cos it don’t matter and ‘cos I wasn’t planning on celebrating it anyway.”
Byakuya felt relief and guilt; an uncontrollable urge to hold Renji in his arms, to comfort him, to tell him it would all be good, crept through him, making him step closer to the red-haired. But Renji was already back to the present, the fire in his eyes rekindled, so Byakuya stopped himself.
“Well…” the Fukutaichou cocked his head to the side “…but I was planning on celebrating my return to Soul Society.” he let his tongue sweep across his lips in a promising manner.
The next moment they were kissing fervently, Renji still seated on the floor, in front of the hearth and Byakuya on his knees across from him, his hands entangled in the long, red hair that was his perdition; their lips locked and tongues dancing in a mating ritual of newfound lovers.
“Welcome back!” Byakuya breathed, his head pressed to Renji’s beaming face. “What are you cooking?” he asked glancing behind, to the pot in the fire. They rarely ate here and the few times they had, they had brought it with them, bought somewhere. “You can cook?! I didn’t know that!” he mused pleasantly surprised, while getting back to his feet and offering a hand to Renji.
“Yeah, I can cook!” Renji replied trying to imitate Byakuya’s surprised remark, while accepting the offered, stretched hand. “Amongst other things I picked up along the way. But it’s just simple rice and some vegetables, nothing fancy.”
“May I try it?” Byakuya asked earnestly.
Renji looked truly surprised and taken aback “Aahh…I don’t think my cooking would suit the taste of a…hmm…a Kuchiki Noble.”
“You suit my palate just fine.” the noble replied, simply “Why wouldn’t your cooking suit me as well?” it was his time to look puzzled.
Renji’s eyes grew to the size of a Menos Grande and a wild, bright red flush spread through his face, neck and upper body, only a few tones down from his hair. Byakuya saw his mouth open and close several times before a sound was uttered; embarrassment, and something else Byakuya couldn’t tell, filling his eyes. The wheels on Renji’s head turning slowly trying to think of something to reply and, Byakuya could see, coming up empty handed. Amused, he decided to lend a hand.
“I’m really not that captious when it comes to food and am rather famished at the moment. So your cooking will do just fine.” He told him, smiling a disarming smile.
Renji only nodded in reply, looking too dazed to speak. He hurried setting the table and finishing the supper, while Byakuya set Senbonzakura, right next to Zabimaru, in the stand by the bedroom door, took off the Kuchiki scarf and the kenseikan, as was usual every time they were together. He looked for a towel to clean his face from the sweat and dust. When he looked back at Renji, the red-haired was staring at him, a shadow of the embarrassment and disbelieve from before still in his face.
“You ’r swetin’!!!”
“I apologize coming to you in such fashion but I did not have the time to bathe before, as you have heard from the story I told you.” he reacted, a tad disconcerted and baffled, his pride hurt.
“That’s not what I meant.” Renji was getting back to his old unabashed self “You never sweat, it’s almost unnatural and now” he pointed in Byakuya’s direction “you’re kinda pouring… it’s just… weird!”
Byakuya was now feeling quite fazed and embarrassed “I’ll have you know I’m not…weird, to use your words, and I do sweat!”
“Yah that’s true, you sweat!” the Fukutaichou conceded. “When put to extremes, you sweat. But we have to be at it for a very long and arduous time for you to break a sweat!” he grinned. He was enjoying his revenge a little too much. Byakuya being watermelon red was only helping his cockiness increase.
He now seemed to be studying Byakuya’s face. “Did you come running?!”
Byakuya felt his toes turn bright red, he had to get a hold on himself fast or he was going to go through hell.
“Hah, you came running, didn’t you?!” a look of triumph appeared in his beautiful face. “You must really like me, Taichou!”
The tongue to the cheek and the mad man’s grin and the loose red mane and the head turn sideways; Byakuya’s heart clenched like a heart attack, his guts did a flip and dropped to infinite pits. Yes, he must really like this man!
The realization of such feelings filled him with a calm he hadn’t felt in decades, if he ever had felt in such ways. Once again, now owner of his composure, guardian of a truth nobody could rob him of, he faced Renji, smiling like never before and answered wholeheartedly.
“Have I ever given any reason for you to doubt me liking you?”
Renji’s jaw dropped. Byakuya avenged his shame and hurt pride. And uncovered a truth far more valuable than all that.
They ate mostly in silence, Renji taking the time to recover, eating in unfamiliar muteness, the talking expenses left to Byakuya, who was enjoying the sheepish looks Renji directed his way, only to quickly stare back at his rice and vegetables. The food was surprisingly tasty and nourishing without being too hot or heavy in the warm season.
They conversed about the party and affairs of the division and little nothings, Renji coming back to his usual self in small amounts, averting his eyes or a faint blush now and then till he decided to face his concern. He rose from his place at the table, crawling to Byakuya’s place and sliding into the dark-haired’s lap, knees to the floor and hands on the strong shoulders; a hand grazing the cheek and moving towards the ear and hair, fingers curling loose strands of raven.
“So I suit your palate?” he said, using the same words Byakuya had, before leaning closer and kissing him. At first slow and soft then increasing in speed and want, his hands in Byakuya’s hair and neck still twisting the strands. The kiss tasted of rice and boiled vegetables but a faint scent of bergamot was still there, Byakuya was fully satisfied when the kiss ended.
“Very much.” was his only reply.
“And you…” Renji seemed unsure “…like me?”
Byakuya nodded, staring at warm eyes. Renji was lost in thought for a while, pondering on the revelation. After a long moment, mischief danced in his eyes.
“Humm, so maybe I should stay,” he placed small pecks in Byakuya’s lips, the playful tongue brushing softly, demanding entrance “and have my party right here.”
“Your friends will be disappointed if you miss the party, Renji. Think of all Rikichi’s hard labor gone to shambles if you’d never showed at the party.” he pointed out wisely
He seemed to think it over “Or maybe you could come to the party, and have some fun.”
Byakuya arched an eyebrow.
“You could use the distraction; a good drinking party would do you wonders.” he struck his tongue out and laughed at the Taichou’s dubious expression “From what Rukia told me those Kuchiki gatherings are worse than wakes. C’mon come with me, it’ll be fun!” he tempted, smirking.
Byakuya felt his eyebrows reach even higher, an astonished look spreading in his face; he considered the Kuchiki House reunions an highly elaborate and elegant affair, where members of the House would come and visit each other, once a year and discuss matters of pivotal importance to the clan, and Renji and Rukia had called it a wake?! He was incensed at their lack of social grace and capacity of understanding the minutious details of an intricate political web. He did actually gasp at the remark, but steadied himself and responded only to the warmhearted invite.
“I don’t think it would be wise for Kuchiki Byakuya to be at a party for Abarai Renji, where’s the sense in that? And more, my presence would only make people uncomfortable and ruin it for all.” he explained, no disappointment in his words, it was true but he didn’t feel belittled by being left out of his lover's birthday party.
Renji started to protest “There’ll be other Taichou’s there.”
But Byakuya stopped his words with a kiss, grazing his tongue through the red-haired’s palate, as he’d been taught. “Zaraki-taichou and Kyouraku-taichou are not my favorite party companions. Don’t press the matter, Renji, I’ll be content this way.” He kissed him again, lightly this time.
Renji kiss him back hungrily, as he seemed to thought the situation over and after a few minutes pushed him onto his back and leaned on top of him, hands to the side of Byakuya’s head, red hair frenzy all over their face. “Promise ya’ll be right here when I come back.”
Byakuya chuckled and nodded his assent. “I’ll give you your present then.” His hands came up as he embraced Renji, bringing their bodies together.
Renji’s eyes kept staring at him, shinning eagerly “What ya‘ll give me?”
“Whatever you want!” he felt Renji’s member, pressed to his own, stir awake; the eyes locked to his, pools of glistening light.
“Can I…” Renji thought of the infinite possibilities exited “…can I ride ya? No, wait…” he seemed bashful for a moment “…can I…erm...” he cleared his throat, visibly embarrassed “…do you, Byakuya?”
Byakuya stared at him, his heart pounding in his chest, but answered firmly. “Anything, Renji.”
Renji pressed his head to the crook of his neck, nuzzling and placing light tickling kisses there; their erections growing considerably. “Hmmm…I really should stay here. Screw the party.” his kisses increased in rhythm and need.
Byakuya, mastering all his force, pushed him by the shoulders, getting up from the floor; a disheveled and eye-glazed Renji grunted his protest.
“The offer only stands for after the party”
“Awwwww…” he sounded like a spoiled kid.
“Go or you will be late.” If Renji didn’t leave quickly, Byakuya would change his mind.
“Don’t leave that exact place” Renji leaned for a quick kiss, and then hurried out the door.
Byakuya set aside the clutter from dinner, had a long, refreshing bath and laid the futon in the room; then settled, by the door, waiting for Renji to return, enjoying the night breeze on his face, the light of the moon, the crickets and cicadas rustling, soothing sound.
He woke up to sounds of feet thumping the ground, leaves being crumpled as someone made his way carelessly through the woods; Byakuya sighted Renji, staggering his way to the shack, obviously drunk, he waited for him to close the distance before getting up.
Renji looked at him and grinned madly and then pointed accusingly “Yur not wherrr ya said ya would be!” he blurted out.
Byakuya amused by the intoxicated state of Renji, smiled, getting up and offering a hand to Renji. “I couldn’t see when you'd would arrive from that spot.”
Renji seemed satisfied by the reply and launched himself into his arms “At least ya staid!” he ran his fingers through Byakuya’s hair, all the way down his back and resting in his ass, groping mildly; his head propped in his shoulder, nuzzling the neck softly. Byakuya held on tightly and they remained still for long treasured moments.
Renji’s breathing was even, a moisture wet Byakuya’s neck, he called softly “Renji?” No reply; he was sleeping. “Renji, move to the bed.” Renji grunted but gave no other indication he had heard him. Byakuya carried the bigger man to the room, tripping in the stairs and startling Renji into semi-consciousness.
“…don’t think I can d’ya t’nigh… so sleepy… ‘sa shame” he managed to grunt out before falling flat on the floor.
Patiently Byakuya loosened his hair out of all restraints, removed his socks and sandals, the kimono and hakama and moved him to the futon, lying next to him, after removing all his clothes too. He laid his head on the broad chest, teasing the perked nipple with his fingers, Renji responded dimly putting his hands around Byakuya and whispering softly.
“’sa shame…”
“Indeed a shame.” Byakuya nestled in his arms, kissing the hollow of Renji’s neck and closed his eyes to sleep. “I love you” he whispered softly.
Renji adjusted his arms, snuggling closer and mumbled “Love ya too.”
August2007©MarinLiliz
To the next morning