Not Too Close Ch 19 RenxIchi rated T
Not Too Close for Comfort
Word count: 4818
Rating: T
Spoilers: Bount Arc/possible Arrancar Arc.
Pairing: IchigoxRenji, some ByakuyaxIchigo tension.
Genre: Romance, Comedy,
Summary: Byakuya’s creative punishment for Renji and Ichigo goes into effect. Will it put a rift in their relationship?
Disclaimer: I don’t own Bleach, Tite Kubo created the characters, and Shonen Jump owns them. This fan fiction means no harm to the anime/manga.
**
Byakuya clapped his hands directly in front of the door. A second later, another squad member entered and saluted. “Sir?”
“Miyamoto, you are hereby promoted to third seat. Please inform Iwao to arrange suitable accommodations for Kurosaki. He will be staying here a while.”
“Sir?” Miyamoto replied, jaw dropping open.
“Abarai, fourth seat?”
“Yes sir?” Renji responded, his tone flat and dull.
“Conduct the new Fukaitaicho to his office and inform squad member Richiki to assist you in helping him get settled in for today, as well as oriented to his duties. I will call a meeting of the squad at four and announce the changes in the rank structure,” said Byakuya.
“Yes sir,” Abarai barked, saluting.
“Kurosaki Fukaitaicho, you will report to me promptly at three, understood? With a working knowledge of policies so you will accompany me to the emergency Taicho ensemble at five sharp.”
“Yes… sir…” Ichigo gritted his teeth, burning with near rage. He hated seeing Renji’s clenched jaw and trembling step as he turned away.
“Miyamoto, inform the squad of the change in the duty roster. You are in charge of formation. Please have Iwao 20th seat assist you in moving your supplies to the appropriate office.”
“Yes sir!” he said with a near chuckle. He stifled it seeing Byakuya’s frown.
“Permission to ask a question, sir,” Ichigo barked more fiercely then he would have liked.
Byakuya lifted a brow. “Granted, Kurosaki Fukaitaicho.”
“How exactly is this going to work? With all DUE respect, sir, I have a life in the real world, you know!” Ichigo asked, struggling to keep his voice at a reasonable volume. For Renji’s sake. He saw how Renji winced each time Byakuya used Ichigo's new title.
“The necessary arrangements will be made. This promotion is only temporary,” Byakuya said. “And I expect you’ll do everything to make certain you do your job to the best of your ability for your sake as well as Abarai’s. Am I understood?”
“Yes SIR,” Ichigo grated again. “Crystal clear sir.”
“Dismissed,” Byakuya announced. Ichigo turned away, hastening to the door of the office before he either punched someone or worse.
***
A minute later Ichigo’s head spun as he followed Renji along a hallway lined with office doors. On the way, Renji said only two or three words to him. Ichigo could feel the tension building and wished Renji would holler at him in his anger or at least look at him.
He stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall, and then unlocked it. “There’s a case just inside to store your Zanpakuto.”
Awkwardly Ichigo reached back to remove the wrapped bundle of Zangetsu. Taking it Renji opened the cabinet just inside and stood Ichigo’s sword up in the space. However, he still wore his own at his hip. Ichigo glanced away from the cabinet, knowing just what was stored there before. His didn’t belong there. He did not belong HERE in this office filled with cardboard boxes.
“Apologies for the mess. The office should be clear by tomorrow for your own belongings,” Renji answered.
Ichigo stared at him for a full moment with how ridiculous this sounded. He had NOTHING to put in this place except Zangetsu. Just what was Renji trying to pull?
Reluctantly Ichigo stepped further inside the office, resting his hands on his hips as he took in the sizable desk, cabinets and bookcases. Across from the desk was a smaller wooden chair, while behind that was a small sofa next to the far bookcase. Rice paper screens covered the walls and there was even a potted tree in one corner of the office furthest from the door. Renji’s desk sat to the left of a person walking in, its back to another bookcase filled with various volumes, though not as many as Byakuya’s. Bare nails on the wall indicated where things had once hung, but other items still hanging up there were visible.
“I had no idea this would happen,” Ichigo mumbled when they were alone in what was once Renji’s office. The first thing Renji did was march over to the nearby cabinet and pull out a lacquer box. He opened it and spun around.
“Well neither did I,” Renji answered sullenly. He dropped the box on the desk with a loud thud.
“What’s that?” Ichigo asked, watching Renji pull a white silk cloth with a badge attached to it. Seizing Ichigo’s arm Renji wrapped the armband around it.
“Thank you VERY much, Fukaitaicho!” Renji growled, tugging the cloth tightly against his lover’s arm.
“I don’t fucking WANT this job!” Ichigo snapped, jerking his arm away. He seized the badge.
“Well tough shit. You’ve got it,” Renji interrupted, grabbing Ichigo’s hand and pulling it away from removing the badge. “Congratulations Kurosaki fukaitaicho.”
“You think I WANT to report to that… that…” Ichigo yelled.
Renji released his arm and stepped back. He spun around and slammed his hand against the wall. “You just HAD to open your fucking mouth, Ichigo. Just HAD to get involved!”
“Well excuse the FUCK me for caring about your ass! What happened to being in this together huh?” Ichigo snapped back at him.
Whirling around Renji stormed over, reaching out a hand towards him. It stopped only inches from Ichigo’s red strap. He growled, “That was BEFORE you fucking grabbed MY rank, you dumbass!”
However, Ichigo seized Renji’s collar and tugged him forwards, shouting, “I already said I didn’t WANT the damned job!”
“Well that’s too damn bad cause you’ve got it, Kurosaki fukaitaicho! All hail you for the fucking promotion, SIR!” Renji answered, grabbing Ichigo’s wrist and prying his kimono out of his lover’s grip.
Instead of stopping him, Ichigo watched Renji step back and spin around, arms folded across his chest. He sighed, “It’s only for a month, Renji! Doesn’t that mean something that you could still get it back?”
“Ya sure you might not want it permanently? You’re pretty damn influential,” Renji said sarcastically, shoving his hands into his sleeves. He paced around the room, shoving boxes with his sandaled toes.
“Don’t you even LISTEN damn it? I’ve got to explain this to my friends and family! Why the fuck I’ll be gone again! For a whole goddamn MONTH! I’m only sixteen Renji, what the hell does he think I can do that you can’t do better?”
“You’re more powerful than I am, Kurosaki Fukaitaicho,” Renji said bitterly. “It’s fucking karma.”
“Now wait a goddamn MINUTE!” Ichigo said, seizing his lover’s kimono again. “Don’t you DARE start that shit! You think that I…”
“Just shut up before either of us says something we’ll regret,” Renji warned him, throwing up both hands to push Ichigo away. Again Ichigo let him go, feeling the tension crawling over his skin in uncomfortable scratchy waves. He wandered over to the desk chair and pushed it out, then flopped down into it while Renji continued to pay more attention to packing various items into the boxes stacked on the sofa and floor.
“Renji, please would you just listen?” Ichigo asked, laying his hands in his lap.
Not turning around Renji answered, “Right now I dunno if I wanna punch your fucking lights out… or count the minutes till I can get the hell out of here and demolish something!”
“Great, just great,” Ichigo mumbled. Seizing the front of the desk, he pulled the chair, tucking his legs in the kneehole. The newly promoted fukaitaicho buried his face in his hands, squeezing his eyes shut. He pressed his palms tightly to his eyes as if to force out the hellish image of the office and Renji’s furious face.
“You’re telling me, damn it,” Renji finally answered.
“I only did this because I give a fuck about you, Renji,” Ichigo said quietly. “Because I didn’t want to screw up your job because of me. This way you’ve got a chance.”
“A chance for what? Have him actually think you’re better for the damn job? What if you do better than I did and he decides to make this permanent?”
“I’ll step down, resign,” Ichigo said angrily. “And tell him to shove this commission up his ass. The only thing stopping me from doing that now is that this way we can save your career and get you back in this office where you damn well belong!”
“Do ya mean that?” Renji whispered, moving close.
“Damn it Renji, it hurts that you’d even think I’m the kind of person who’d put some damn job over his relationships,” Ichigo answered, voice cracking.
“Well you aren’t the only one, kid,” Renji mumbled, glancing down at the desk.
“Come here you stupid jerk,” Ichigo sighed, reaching over to tug Renji’s robe.
“Stop that damn it,” Renji warned but Ichigo shoved himself out of the chair so hard it flew back and hit the far wall. Renji grunted as Ichigo dragged him so he lay partly across the desk. Then Ichigo sat down next to him and flipped Renji over so he lay on his back glaring up at the younger Shinigami.
“I said come here,” Ichigo whispered, pulling Renji up though he yanked Ichigo’s sword belt and pulled to lever himself up.
“For crying out…” Renji grumbled, but failed to say the rest at the forceful pressure of Ichigo’s mouth on his.
Reaching across Renji’s lap, he tugged the other shinigami’s legs and spun him so Renji sat crosswise on the desk. Their hips brushed while Ichigo tugged Renji to sit on his lap despite the forceful grunts of protest through their hard kiss. Renji finally relaxed and wrapped his arms around Ichigo’s neck, opening his mouth slightly to dominate the kiss. It seemed ridiculous how much Renji towered a head and shoulders over Ichigo and had to bend down to angle their faces together, invading Ichigo’s mouth with a firm press and sweep of his tongue. Forcing all the frustration into the kiss Renji nipped at Ichigo’s lips.
Finally, they broke off, panting forcefully while regarding one another with half shuteyes. Ichigo gasped, “Soul Society and its freaking rules piss me off. But I’m just as eager to prove his royal pain in the ass that he’s wrong, aren’t you?”
Renji snickered despite his attempt to stifle it. “His royal what?”
“Pain in the ass,” said Ichigo with a chuckle.
Renji tensed on his lap, squirming a bit. He whispered, “You’d better watch what you say about Kuchiki Taicho. There are a lot of ears an’ eyes around this squad.”
“I’m sorry, for what it’s worth,” Ichigo whispered back, kissing Renji softly on the lips.
“I know. So m I,” Renji mumbled, burying his face in Ichigo’s shoulder. They sat like that for a few minutes, then Renji let go, moving off Ichigo’s lap to stand up.
“Are we okay?” Ichigo asked, bouncing his ankles off the side of the desk. Renji managed an awkward smile, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Yeah, I guess. But don’t get too comfortable,” Renji said. Ichigo wrapped his arms around his lover, hugging him tightly.
The sharp staccato of knocking interrupted them only a minute later. Both Shinigami released one another rolling their eyes. Ichigo mumbled, “I won’t find this the least bit comfy. Believe me.”
“What?” Renji shouted.
“It’s Richiki, Abarai san… Kurosaki-san. I thought I should tell you that the meeting’s in ten minutes!”
“Come in,” Ichigo mumbled.
Renji strode over and opened the door to the nervous young man.
“I heard what happened. I’m sorry Abarai san…”
“Just don’t talk about it, okay? It’s only temporary,” Renji grumbled.
“Kurosaki san? What in the name of Soul Society is this?” Richiki whispered.
“Stop right there. He’s our new fukaitaicho, and you’d better shut up and not say anything against it, got it?” Renji scolded.
“Y… yes sir,” said Richiki.
“Richiki san, thank you for letting us know,” said Ichigo firmly, giving him a small smile. Renji noticed that clenching in his lover’s jaw that told him the former substitute was holding back what he really wanted to say.
***
White haori ruffling as he walked, Byakuya strode past Ichigo’s office. Biting his lip Ichigo fell into step behind the noble, staring at the ends of his scarf bouncing off his captain’s back. Still the armband dug into the sleeve of his kimono, reminding him constantly of the knife’s edge he walked.
At his side marched Renji, and several other squad members. He could see the training grounds from the walkway towards the main assembly hall, and the barracks arranged in the tall buildings that comprised Squad 6. The imposing architecture loomed overhead blocking sunlight, casting long shadows, while gleaming a pristine white in its full intensity. Ichigo squinted against the reflection and mumbled to himself.
Rukia was first imprisoned here, Ichigo remembered. For the past few hours, he had to endure Byakuya’s long-winded initiation speech, as well as a list of reports and duties. Renji had given him a quick and dirty rundown, but time was fleeting. Now he kept pace behind his new captain on the way to the vast open area surrounding by the buildings, and bordered by a shoulder height wall. Plants and trees graced the gleaming white tile and gravel pathways, winding its way to the entrance gate. He heard the now third seat Miyamoto yelling at the assembled black robed figures standing at attention.
Everyone snapped his or her gaze as Byakuya strode regally to the front, and looked at a spot slightly above him or her. Ichigo kept his place behind the noble, feeling the weight of the eyes on him though all they could see was the bright orange spikes of his hair from over one of Byakuya’s shoulders.
“All present and accounted for, Kuchiki Taicho!” Miyamoto barked.
“Stand at attention and listen,” Byakuya ordered, though his voice was much quieter, it carried quite far.
“Yes sir, Kuchiki Taicho!” multiple voices chorused. Ichigo fought the urge to roll his eyes again.
Byakuya then raised one gloved hand to the side, turning it with the palm facing up. Ichigo heard Renji whisper, “He means you dumbass…”
“Members of Squad six I present to you your new Fukaitaicho Kurosaki Ichigo,” Byakuya announced, wriggling his fingers. Ichigo swallowed hard, striding up to stand next to the noble.
He felt the weight of nearly a hundred or so pairs of eyes lock on his, amidst a sea of whispers. He envisioned hissing snakes from the sheer sound of disbelief. Still he focused his gaze directly on them, sweeping his brown eyes to lock into those of each person; Unlike Byakuya he would not stare down his nose at them.
“Silence!” Byakuya shouted. Immediately the mumbles and whispers ceased, although the stares continued.
Ichigo froze absolutely still. It dawned on him just how difficult this was going to be. Because Byakuya said nothing else, he stepped forwards and cleared his throat. “Kurosaki fukaitaicho reporting to duty! Any questions or comments, you tell your seated officers and I’ll answer them okay?”
Byakuya turned his head slightly and nodded. “Follow his orders as you would my own. Voice no objections, but accept the situation as it is.”
Another murmur swept through the crowd. Harsh resentment wafted in waves. Some seemed surprised, others indifferent, and many angry. He watched the eyes diverting to Renji standing on Byakuya’s other side, slightly behind him. Frowning Byakuya reached towards his hip.
“Sir, wait a minute please,” Ichigo whispered.
“You have a better idea, Fukaitaicho?” Byakuya murmured back with a dark stare.
“Oi! Squad six! LISTEN UP!” Ichigo barked. “Oi! SHUDDAP!”
Immediately the murmurs ceased when Ichigo clapped his hands together. “That’s better! Look, you’re probably surprised as hell, but this is how things are. Like I said before, you got any issues, you see me! LATER. Let’s make this work!”
Byakuya reluctantly nodded. “I shall take my leave. Fukaitaicho Kurosaki, inspect the squad…”
“ATTENTION!” Ichigo bellowed, striding forwards as Byakuya strode away. He felt the glares on him but then relaxed at the proximity of Renji’s familiar spirit pressure.
“You heard him! Face left!” Renji barked. At the sound of his voice, the members of squad six swiveled in the specified direction. Ichigo marched along the lines glancing at each squad member’s uniform and posture. Depending on whom he passed he would either feel a sense of resentment, or frustration from some. Others were blank slates, while the rest were worried. Behind him marched Renji, who whispered suggestions to Ichigo. A miserable mess of tension washed over him, adding to the festering pile.
“This sucks,” Ichigo continued to mumble in his mind. Byakuya was a sly chess master indeed. Even though he was regarded as a hero and ‘legend’ in Soul Society, he could see the fierce loyalty the squad had towards their former Fukaitaicho.
All he could do was just stick it out along with Renji to the end. At least with his lover behind him he felt reassured the troops would listen. Just what would happen when Renji wasn’t there was a possibility that caused him greater worry.
***
Forty-five minutes later Ichigo returned to the office while Renji and Miyamoto conducted exercises. At first Ichigo was sure they would have him run drills, but the issue of paperwork arose and since he was fukaitaicho, it was his domain. Staring at the piles Richiki brought in Ichigo took a moment to assess just what he was supposed to do.
Fortunately, Richiki had been very helpful. The first pile took him an hour to complete because they seemed no more complex than a typical homework assignment. Just fill in that blank or the other based on other reports provided by the other seated officers within the sixth division. Then pick up the fukaitaicho stamp and press it into red ink and mark at the bottom corner of each completed document so it could be transferred to Byakuya for his perusal.
“Here’s the roster of goods we’ve got to order. Usually we do those the day before, but the lists have piled up. You need to verify and then write requisitions,” Richiki explained. He placed several manila folders at least filled with a ream of documents each on the ‘in’ bin on Ichigo’s desk.
“A whole month. A whole damn month I gotta do this,” Ichigo grumbled, sitting behind what was once Renji’s desk. He sighed as he tapped his fingers on the top of a set of forms. They looked easy enough, just mind crushingly boring if they piled up much higher.
“If you have any questions I’d be happy to answer them,” Richiki said, putting what seemed like a fake smile on his face.
“Level with me, Richiki, you hate this as much as I do, don’t you?” Ichigo whispered.
“Sir?”
“You resent this promotion business. Just like the rest of the squad. I know it,” Ichigo continued, using his thumb to riffle the corner of one stack.
“I… Kurosaki fukaitaicho…” Richiki stammered, swallowing hard.
“You’ve got my permission to speak freely,” Ichigo said.
With a sigh of relief, Richiki set the folders down and said, “Yes… I really think it is wrong. Abarai-san’s my fukaitaicho. How did this happen?”
“It’s my fault,” Ichigo admits quietly.
“Why… what do you mean?” Richiki asked, frowning.
“I mean…” Ichigo started, rubbing a hand over his face. He squeezed his eyes shut to expunge the view of the piled documents and the immediate reality around him. Why did that damn armband continue to feel so tight?
Patiently Richiki waited, sitting down in the chair opposite the desk as he waited for Ichigo to compose himself long enough to talk. Just looking at the deep frown lines on such a young face convinced him it was not the substitute’s willing choice. “Yes? Go on sir…”
Pinching the bridge of his nose he took a deep breath he hoped would cleanse his lungs of what feels stifling and stuffy air. “I mean that it’s my fault because Renji and I had an argument. We both said things we shouldn’t have. Renji… forgot his soul pager on purpose to try to talk to me. I could have just listened to him or gone and apologized…”
“Damn. So Kuchiki Taicho threw the book at you both. But why would he promote YOU instead of Miyamoto?”
Ichigo let his hands drop to the desk and gave Richiki a sad smile. “He said that it was a lesson for me. To learn how to take Renji’s job seriously. This is for a month, and it’s only temporary. When I tried to tell him to go to hell, he shut me up.”
“Shit, that sounds like Kuchiki Taicho. So I guess you’re only doing this for… Abarai san?”
“You said it,” Ichigo grumbled.
Resting a hand across the desk Richiki stopped it inches from Ichigo’s. Already the new ‘fukaitaicho’ dipped his ink brush again into the water pot to wet it then scrawled some kanji across another form he had started. “Look, Kurosaki san… I hate what’s happening with Abarai san, but now that I know why, I don’t blame you. I’ll do whatever I can to help you out. You didn’t have to tell me, but I’m glad you did.”
“Yeah, for all the good it does me. If I screw up, Renji suffers far worse than a demotion,” Ichigo whispered, glancing around as he leaned forwards towards Richiki. However both of them quickly leaned back in their chairs when sensing spirit pressure approaching. Although they waited for the formality of knocking at the door, Richiki already leapt up from his seat to answer it.
“Abarai san!” he said eagerly, his face lighting up. Ichigo glanced over with relief to see Renji standing in the doorway with a set of manila folders.
“I’ve got the requisitions and arrangements for your quarters sir,” Renji said in a very precise serious tone that Ichigo had seen only during the inspection earlier that day. His officer persona was in full force, with not even a crack in it. Just as thorough as Byakuya’s mask.
“Thank you Abarai san,” Ichigo said in a firm tone with a slight frown on his face. “If you’ll come in and take a seat we can review them…”
“Understood Kurosaki Fukaitaicho,” Renji answered. Richiki anxiously glanced between them, his own eyes narrowing slightly as Renji entered to stand in front of Ichigo’s desk. He let the files drop in front of the young shinigami, who didn’t even blink.
“Richiki san, you’re dismissed,” Ichigo said, looking him directly in the eyes with a neutral expression devoid of emotion. Still there was a commanding note to his tone that he felt comfortable obeying. No wishy-washy vagueness.
“Sir,” Richiki said, saluting before he left. He closed the door so Ichigo and Renji were alone in the office.
“Settling in sir?” Renji asked.
“Thanks to your assistance and that of Squad member Richiki,” said Ichigo, keeping that expression stamped on his face that he would usually wear around his friends. It hurt however to have to put up the wall that he had torn down for Renji just a short time ago.
“I’ve assigned you quarters in the barracks. I’ve come to escort you there since it’s the end of your shift…” Renji announced, still keeping that harsh edge to his voice and an equally hard gleam in his eyes that reminded Ichigo of when they had first fought.
“Thank you, Abarai san,” Ichigo said, pushing away from the desk. He stood up, tugging on his shihakuksho as he rounded the desk and stood in front of Renji. Ichigo struggled hard to keep the frown on his face, hoping the other shinigami would see what he needed with eye contact alone.
“Follow me please,” Renji, said, voice slightly softer as his eyes met Ichigo’s.
“Thank you,” Ichigo said as he reached for Zangetsu from the cabinet. It was a relief to sling it over his back once more and follow Renji out of the office that felt like a prison cell.
***
Silently Renji led the way through the maze that was Squad 6. Ichigo memorized the layout he would need to know like the back of his hand by the end of the week.
One day felt like a week already to Ichigo. Once outside the offices of Squad 6 he inhaled a deep draught of fresh air. This silence was far worse than Renji yelling. He could not think of anything to say anyway without risking someone out here seeing it as a liaison. Granted the kiss they shared earlier said that Renji was at least forgiving him for this mess, he still knew his lover was hurting inside, and it galled him to be so far away because of their military masks.
Renji only made eye contact again when they flash stepped up towards the window of a multistory building with a carved pagoda roof. It was at least ten floors with balconies. Shoji doors were open or closed some with people staring down and others half open to the evening sun on one side. On another, he could glimpse squad members here and there moving behind the paper screens.
Of course, the entrances were to the outer wall on these balconies because Shinigami could flash step up the tiered roofs of the balconies beneath them. Each floor was slightly set back and smaller then the story below it, unlike other buildings in the Sixth squad.
“Bachelor officer quarters. You’re in 10B…” Renji said without looking at him. They stopped in front of one screen that he pressed a slotted card into. It slid open to reveal the apartment inside. Ichigo poked his head in, noticing the tatami stretching out. There was a low table with pillows around it, and a folded futon in the far corner. Ichigo noticed wall scrolls hanging near a few empty bookcases, a kneeling desk with inkstand, and a kitchen area through a set of sliding shoji doors.
“Your quarters, Kurosaki Fukaitaicho,” Renji said, sliding the door shut behind them. Ichigo removed his sandals on the mat, and then wandered around the generous space. He pulled Zangetsu off and set him on the stand atop what seemed like a chest of drawers. He slid one open, noticing clean sets of shihakusho and fundoshi already inside.
“I took the liberty of ordering extra uniforms in your size sir,” Renji said. Ichigo glared at him, then the closed shoji door to the outside. Surely, nobody could see them there.
“There’s a soul pager unit in the kitchen. And a hell butterfly summoning system. I’ve also arranged for the entertainment screens and an account for you at the local squad exchange,” Renji continued, slipping his hands into his sleeves.
“Thank you,” Ichigo said, trying not to choke in frustration. He marched up before Renji, frowning deeply.
Glancing down at him Renji answered flatly, “If there’s anything you need please ask. I’ll write a requisition…”
Ichigo grabbed the front of his robe and dragged him down. Before Renji could protest, his lover silenced him with a hard kiss. Renji’s palms landed on Ichigo’s shoulders and he squirmed slightly at the contact. Slightly hurt that Renji was not responding Ichigo drew his tongue over Renji’s bottom lip and slid his hands up and down the taller man’s back with probing fingers. Every muscle in Renji’s back was tight and tense. He shoved forwards, backing Renji into a wall as he stood up tiptoes and shoved his mouth hard against his lover’s.
Renji’s fingers seized Ichigo’s hair, and his other hand slid down to grip the small of the younger man’s back. Ichigo gasped in relief as Renji’s tongue slid past his and they shared a warm moist breath. He felt the sharp drag of Renji’s teeth biting on his mouth, and retaliated by pressing his chest hard against the former fukaitaicho.
Drawing back Ichigo panted up at him. Renji’s eyes were half shut and he seemed dazed by the kiss. He glanced down at Ichigo with all the emotion he had locked behind the mask minutes before. Ichigo grabbed the side of his face and whispered, “I need you Renji. Don’t you dare think for a moment I don’t damn it! I fucking HATE this!”
“I know,” Renji answered, fingering Ichigo’s soft orange hair. “But I understand what you did back there now, and I love ya all the more for it. Nobody since Rukia’s ever stood up for me before an risked everything like that…”
“It’s not the first time,” Ichigo nodded, clamping his jaws together to stop his chin from wobbling. “It just kills me to have to put on a damn show.”
“You and I both have to. But here, we don’t. Why do ya think I was the one who led ya here huh?” Renji asked, dragging Ichigo towards him for another hard kiss.
At that moment Ichigo knew that no matter how long it would take for Renji to regain his former status, they would face it together. Even if one month may turn into two. He only hoped that they could figure a move out of what seemed like checkmate and reclaim the pieces Byakuya had taken.
Word count: 4818
Rating: T
Spoilers: Bount Arc/possible Arrancar Arc.
Pairing: IchigoxRenji, some ByakuyaxIchigo tension.
Genre: Romance, Comedy,
Summary: Byakuya’s creative punishment for Renji and Ichigo goes into effect. Will it put a rift in their relationship?
Disclaimer: I don’t own Bleach, Tite Kubo created the characters, and Shonen Jump owns them. This fan fiction means no harm to the anime/manga.
**
Byakuya clapped his hands directly in front of the door. A second later, another squad member entered and saluted. “Sir?”
“Miyamoto, you are hereby promoted to third seat. Please inform Iwao to arrange suitable accommodations for Kurosaki. He will be staying here a while.”
“Sir?” Miyamoto replied, jaw dropping open.
“Abarai, fourth seat?”
“Yes sir?” Renji responded, his tone flat and dull.
“Conduct the new Fukaitaicho to his office and inform squad member Richiki to assist you in helping him get settled in for today, as well as oriented to his duties. I will call a meeting of the squad at four and announce the changes in the rank structure,” said Byakuya.
“Yes sir,” Abarai barked, saluting.
“Kurosaki Fukaitaicho, you will report to me promptly at three, understood? With a working knowledge of policies so you will accompany me to the emergency Taicho ensemble at five sharp.”
“Yes… sir…” Ichigo gritted his teeth, burning with near rage. He hated seeing Renji’s clenched jaw and trembling step as he turned away.
“Miyamoto, inform the squad of the change in the duty roster. You are in charge of formation. Please have Iwao 20th seat assist you in moving your supplies to the appropriate office.”
“Yes sir!” he said with a near chuckle. He stifled it seeing Byakuya’s frown.
“Permission to ask a question, sir,” Ichigo barked more fiercely then he would have liked.
Byakuya lifted a brow. “Granted, Kurosaki Fukaitaicho.”
“How exactly is this going to work? With all DUE respect, sir, I have a life in the real world, you know!” Ichigo asked, struggling to keep his voice at a reasonable volume. For Renji’s sake. He saw how Renji winced each time Byakuya used Ichigo's new title.
“The necessary arrangements will be made. This promotion is only temporary,” Byakuya said. “And I expect you’ll do everything to make certain you do your job to the best of your ability for your sake as well as Abarai’s. Am I understood?”
“Yes SIR,” Ichigo grated again. “Crystal clear sir.”
“Dismissed,” Byakuya announced. Ichigo turned away, hastening to the door of the office before he either punched someone or worse.
***
A minute later Ichigo’s head spun as he followed Renji along a hallway lined with office doors. On the way, Renji said only two or three words to him. Ichigo could feel the tension building and wished Renji would holler at him in his anger or at least look at him.
He stopped in front of a door at the end of the hall, and then unlocked it. “There’s a case just inside to store your Zanpakuto.”
Awkwardly Ichigo reached back to remove the wrapped bundle of Zangetsu. Taking it Renji opened the cabinet just inside and stood Ichigo’s sword up in the space. However, he still wore his own at his hip. Ichigo glanced away from the cabinet, knowing just what was stored there before. His didn’t belong there. He did not belong HERE in this office filled with cardboard boxes.
“Apologies for the mess. The office should be clear by tomorrow for your own belongings,” Renji answered.
Ichigo stared at him for a full moment with how ridiculous this sounded. He had NOTHING to put in this place except Zangetsu. Just what was Renji trying to pull?
Reluctantly Ichigo stepped further inside the office, resting his hands on his hips as he took in the sizable desk, cabinets and bookcases. Across from the desk was a smaller wooden chair, while behind that was a small sofa next to the far bookcase. Rice paper screens covered the walls and there was even a potted tree in one corner of the office furthest from the door. Renji’s desk sat to the left of a person walking in, its back to another bookcase filled with various volumes, though not as many as Byakuya’s. Bare nails on the wall indicated where things had once hung, but other items still hanging up there were visible.
“I had no idea this would happen,” Ichigo mumbled when they were alone in what was once Renji’s office. The first thing Renji did was march over to the nearby cabinet and pull out a lacquer box. He opened it and spun around.
“Well neither did I,” Renji answered sullenly. He dropped the box on the desk with a loud thud.
“What’s that?” Ichigo asked, watching Renji pull a white silk cloth with a badge attached to it. Seizing Ichigo’s arm Renji wrapped the armband around it.
“Thank you VERY much, Fukaitaicho!” Renji growled, tugging the cloth tightly against his lover’s arm.
“I don’t fucking WANT this job!” Ichigo snapped, jerking his arm away. He seized the badge.
“Well tough shit. You’ve got it,” Renji interrupted, grabbing Ichigo’s hand and pulling it away from removing the badge. “Congratulations Kurosaki fukaitaicho.”
“You think I WANT to report to that… that…” Ichigo yelled.
Renji released his arm and stepped back. He spun around and slammed his hand against the wall. “You just HAD to open your fucking mouth, Ichigo. Just HAD to get involved!”
“Well excuse the FUCK me for caring about your ass! What happened to being in this together huh?” Ichigo snapped back at him.
Whirling around Renji stormed over, reaching out a hand towards him. It stopped only inches from Ichigo’s red strap. He growled, “That was BEFORE you fucking grabbed MY rank, you dumbass!”
However, Ichigo seized Renji’s collar and tugged him forwards, shouting, “I already said I didn’t WANT the damned job!”
“Well that’s too damn bad cause you’ve got it, Kurosaki fukaitaicho! All hail you for the fucking promotion, SIR!” Renji answered, grabbing Ichigo’s wrist and prying his kimono out of his lover’s grip.
Instead of stopping him, Ichigo watched Renji step back and spin around, arms folded across his chest. He sighed, “It’s only for a month, Renji! Doesn’t that mean something that you could still get it back?”
“Ya sure you might not want it permanently? You’re pretty damn influential,” Renji said sarcastically, shoving his hands into his sleeves. He paced around the room, shoving boxes with his sandaled toes.
“Don’t you even LISTEN damn it? I’ve got to explain this to my friends and family! Why the fuck I’ll be gone again! For a whole goddamn MONTH! I’m only sixteen Renji, what the hell does he think I can do that you can’t do better?”
“You’re more powerful than I am, Kurosaki Fukaitaicho,” Renji said bitterly. “It’s fucking karma.”
“Now wait a goddamn MINUTE!” Ichigo said, seizing his lover’s kimono again. “Don’t you DARE start that shit! You think that I…”
“Just shut up before either of us says something we’ll regret,” Renji warned him, throwing up both hands to push Ichigo away. Again Ichigo let him go, feeling the tension crawling over his skin in uncomfortable scratchy waves. He wandered over to the desk chair and pushed it out, then flopped down into it while Renji continued to pay more attention to packing various items into the boxes stacked on the sofa and floor.
“Renji, please would you just listen?” Ichigo asked, laying his hands in his lap.
Not turning around Renji answered, “Right now I dunno if I wanna punch your fucking lights out… or count the minutes till I can get the hell out of here and demolish something!”
“Great, just great,” Ichigo mumbled. Seizing the front of the desk, he pulled the chair, tucking his legs in the kneehole. The newly promoted fukaitaicho buried his face in his hands, squeezing his eyes shut. He pressed his palms tightly to his eyes as if to force out the hellish image of the office and Renji’s furious face.
“You’re telling me, damn it,” Renji finally answered.
“I only did this because I give a fuck about you, Renji,” Ichigo said quietly. “Because I didn’t want to screw up your job because of me. This way you’ve got a chance.”
“A chance for what? Have him actually think you’re better for the damn job? What if you do better than I did and he decides to make this permanent?”
“I’ll step down, resign,” Ichigo said angrily. “And tell him to shove this commission up his ass. The only thing stopping me from doing that now is that this way we can save your career and get you back in this office where you damn well belong!”
“Do ya mean that?” Renji whispered, moving close.
“Damn it Renji, it hurts that you’d even think I’m the kind of person who’d put some damn job over his relationships,” Ichigo answered, voice cracking.
“Well you aren’t the only one, kid,” Renji mumbled, glancing down at the desk.
“Come here you stupid jerk,” Ichigo sighed, reaching over to tug Renji’s robe.
“Stop that damn it,” Renji warned but Ichigo shoved himself out of the chair so hard it flew back and hit the far wall. Renji grunted as Ichigo dragged him so he lay partly across the desk. Then Ichigo sat down next to him and flipped Renji over so he lay on his back glaring up at the younger Shinigami.
“I said come here,” Ichigo whispered, pulling Renji up though he yanked Ichigo’s sword belt and pulled to lever himself up.
“For crying out…” Renji grumbled, but failed to say the rest at the forceful pressure of Ichigo’s mouth on his.
Reaching across Renji’s lap, he tugged the other shinigami’s legs and spun him so Renji sat crosswise on the desk. Their hips brushed while Ichigo tugged Renji to sit on his lap despite the forceful grunts of protest through their hard kiss. Renji finally relaxed and wrapped his arms around Ichigo’s neck, opening his mouth slightly to dominate the kiss. It seemed ridiculous how much Renji towered a head and shoulders over Ichigo and had to bend down to angle their faces together, invading Ichigo’s mouth with a firm press and sweep of his tongue. Forcing all the frustration into the kiss Renji nipped at Ichigo’s lips.
Finally, they broke off, panting forcefully while regarding one another with half shuteyes. Ichigo gasped, “Soul Society and its freaking rules piss me off. But I’m just as eager to prove his royal pain in the ass that he’s wrong, aren’t you?”
Renji snickered despite his attempt to stifle it. “His royal what?”
“Pain in the ass,” said Ichigo with a chuckle.
Renji tensed on his lap, squirming a bit. He whispered, “You’d better watch what you say about Kuchiki Taicho. There are a lot of ears an’ eyes around this squad.”
“I’m sorry, for what it’s worth,” Ichigo whispered back, kissing Renji softly on the lips.
“I know. So m I,” Renji mumbled, burying his face in Ichigo’s shoulder. They sat like that for a few minutes, then Renji let go, moving off Ichigo’s lap to stand up.
“Are we okay?” Ichigo asked, bouncing his ankles off the side of the desk. Renji managed an awkward smile, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Yeah, I guess. But don’t get too comfortable,” Renji said. Ichigo wrapped his arms around his lover, hugging him tightly.
The sharp staccato of knocking interrupted them only a minute later. Both Shinigami released one another rolling their eyes. Ichigo mumbled, “I won’t find this the least bit comfy. Believe me.”
“What?” Renji shouted.
“It’s Richiki, Abarai san… Kurosaki-san. I thought I should tell you that the meeting’s in ten minutes!”
“Come in,” Ichigo mumbled.
Renji strode over and opened the door to the nervous young man.
“I heard what happened. I’m sorry Abarai san…”
“Just don’t talk about it, okay? It’s only temporary,” Renji grumbled.
“Kurosaki san? What in the name of Soul Society is this?” Richiki whispered.
“Stop right there. He’s our new fukaitaicho, and you’d better shut up and not say anything against it, got it?” Renji scolded.
“Y… yes sir,” said Richiki.
“Richiki san, thank you for letting us know,” said Ichigo firmly, giving him a small smile. Renji noticed that clenching in his lover’s jaw that told him the former substitute was holding back what he really wanted to say.
***
White haori ruffling as he walked, Byakuya strode past Ichigo’s office. Biting his lip Ichigo fell into step behind the noble, staring at the ends of his scarf bouncing off his captain’s back. Still the armband dug into the sleeve of his kimono, reminding him constantly of the knife’s edge he walked.
At his side marched Renji, and several other squad members. He could see the training grounds from the walkway towards the main assembly hall, and the barracks arranged in the tall buildings that comprised Squad 6. The imposing architecture loomed overhead blocking sunlight, casting long shadows, while gleaming a pristine white in its full intensity. Ichigo squinted against the reflection and mumbled to himself.
Rukia was first imprisoned here, Ichigo remembered. For the past few hours, he had to endure Byakuya’s long-winded initiation speech, as well as a list of reports and duties. Renji had given him a quick and dirty rundown, but time was fleeting. Now he kept pace behind his new captain on the way to the vast open area surrounding by the buildings, and bordered by a shoulder height wall. Plants and trees graced the gleaming white tile and gravel pathways, winding its way to the entrance gate. He heard the now third seat Miyamoto yelling at the assembled black robed figures standing at attention.
Everyone snapped his or her gaze as Byakuya strode regally to the front, and looked at a spot slightly above him or her. Ichigo kept his place behind the noble, feeling the weight of the eyes on him though all they could see was the bright orange spikes of his hair from over one of Byakuya’s shoulders.
“All present and accounted for, Kuchiki Taicho!” Miyamoto barked.
“Stand at attention and listen,” Byakuya ordered, though his voice was much quieter, it carried quite far.
“Yes sir, Kuchiki Taicho!” multiple voices chorused. Ichigo fought the urge to roll his eyes again.
Byakuya then raised one gloved hand to the side, turning it with the palm facing up. Ichigo heard Renji whisper, “He means you dumbass…”
“Members of Squad six I present to you your new Fukaitaicho Kurosaki Ichigo,” Byakuya announced, wriggling his fingers. Ichigo swallowed hard, striding up to stand next to the noble.
He felt the weight of nearly a hundred or so pairs of eyes lock on his, amidst a sea of whispers. He envisioned hissing snakes from the sheer sound of disbelief. Still he focused his gaze directly on them, sweeping his brown eyes to lock into those of each person; Unlike Byakuya he would not stare down his nose at them.
“Silence!” Byakuya shouted. Immediately the mumbles and whispers ceased, although the stares continued.
Ichigo froze absolutely still. It dawned on him just how difficult this was going to be. Because Byakuya said nothing else, he stepped forwards and cleared his throat. “Kurosaki fukaitaicho reporting to duty! Any questions or comments, you tell your seated officers and I’ll answer them okay?”
Byakuya turned his head slightly and nodded. “Follow his orders as you would my own. Voice no objections, but accept the situation as it is.”
Another murmur swept through the crowd. Harsh resentment wafted in waves. Some seemed surprised, others indifferent, and many angry. He watched the eyes diverting to Renji standing on Byakuya’s other side, slightly behind him. Frowning Byakuya reached towards his hip.
“Sir, wait a minute please,” Ichigo whispered.
“You have a better idea, Fukaitaicho?” Byakuya murmured back with a dark stare.
“Oi! Squad six! LISTEN UP!” Ichigo barked. “Oi! SHUDDAP!”
Immediately the murmurs ceased when Ichigo clapped his hands together. “That’s better! Look, you’re probably surprised as hell, but this is how things are. Like I said before, you got any issues, you see me! LATER. Let’s make this work!”
Byakuya reluctantly nodded. “I shall take my leave. Fukaitaicho Kurosaki, inspect the squad…”
“ATTENTION!” Ichigo bellowed, striding forwards as Byakuya strode away. He felt the glares on him but then relaxed at the proximity of Renji’s familiar spirit pressure.
“You heard him! Face left!” Renji barked. At the sound of his voice, the members of squad six swiveled in the specified direction. Ichigo marched along the lines glancing at each squad member’s uniform and posture. Depending on whom he passed he would either feel a sense of resentment, or frustration from some. Others were blank slates, while the rest were worried. Behind him marched Renji, who whispered suggestions to Ichigo. A miserable mess of tension washed over him, adding to the festering pile.
“This sucks,” Ichigo continued to mumble in his mind. Byakuya was a sly chess master indeed. Even though he was regarded as a hero and ‘legend’ in Soul Society, he could see the fierce loyalty the squad had towards their former Fukaitaicho.
All he could do was just stick it out along with Renji to the end. At least with his lover behind him he felt reassured the troops would listen. Just what would happen when Renji wasn’t there was a possibility that caused him greater worry.
***
Forty-five minutes later Ichigo returned to the office while Renji and Miyamoto conducted exercises. At first Ichigo was sure they would have him run drills, but the issue of paperwork arose and since he was fukaitaicho, it was his domain. Staring at the piles Richiki brought in Ichigo took a moment to assess just what he was supposed to do.
Fortunately, Richiki had been very helpful. The first pile took him an hour to complete because they seemed no more complex than a typical homework assignment. Just fill in that blank or the other based on other reports provided by the other seated officers within the sixth division. Then pick up the fukaitaicho stamp and press it into red ink and mark at the bottom corner of each completed document so it could be transferred to Byakuya for his perusal.
“Here’s the roster of goods we’ve got to order. Usually we do those the day before, but the lists have piled up. You need to verify and then write requisitions,” Richiki explained. He placed several manila folders at least filled with a ream of documents each on the ‘in’ bin on Ichigo’s desk.
“A whole month. A whole damn month I gotta do this,” Ichigo grumbled, sitting behind what was once Renji’s desk. He sighed as he tapped his fingers on the top of a set of forms. They looked easy enough, just mind crushingly boring if they piled up much higher.
“If you have any questions I’d be happy to answer them,” Richiki said, putting what seemed like a fake smile on his face.
“Level with me, Richiki, you hate this as much as I do, don’t you?” Ichigo whispered.
“Sir?”
“You resent this promotion business. Just like the rest of the squad. I know it,” Ichigo continued, using his thumb to riffle the corner of one stack.
“I… Kurosaki fukaitaicho…” Richiki stammered, swallowing hard.
“You’ve got my permission to speak freely,” Ichigo said.
With a sigh of relief, Richiki set the folders down and said, “Yes… I really think it is wrong. Abarai-san’s my fukaitaicho. How did this happen?”
“It’s my fault,” Ichigo admits quietly.
“Why… what do you mean?” Richiki asked, frowning.
“I mean…” Ichigo started, rubbing a hand over his face. He squeezed his eyes shut to expunge the view of the piled documents and the immediate reality around him. Why did that damn armband continue to feel so tight?
Patiently Richiki waited, sitting down in the chair opposite the desk as he waited for Ichigo to compose himself long enough to talk. Just looking at the deep frown lines on such a young face convinced him it was not the substitute’s willing choice. “Yes? Go on sir…”
Pinching the bridge of his nose he took a deep breath he hoped would cleanse his lungs of what feels stifling and stuffy air. “I mean that it’s my fault because Renji and I had an argument. We both said things we shouldn’t have. Renji… forgot his soul pager on purpose to try to talk to me. I could have just listened to him or gone and apologized…”
“Damn. So Kuchiki Taicho threw the book at you both. But why would he promote YOU instead of Miyamoto?”
Ichigo let his hands drop to the desk and gave Richiki a sad smile. “He said that it was a lesson for me. To learn how to take Renji’s job seriously. This is for a month, and it’s only temporary. When I tried to tell him to go to hell, he shut me up.”
“Shit, that sounds like Kuchiki Taicho. So I guess you’re only doing this for… Abarai san?”
“You said it,” Ichigo grumbled.
Resting a hand across the desk Richiki stopped it inches from Ichigo’s. Already the new ‘fukaitaicho’ dipped his ink brush again into the water pot to wet it then scrawled some kanji across another form he had started. “Look, Kurosaki san… I hate what’s happening with Abarai san, but now that I know why, I don’t blame you. I’ll do whatever I can to help you out. You didn’t have to tell me, but I’m glad you did.”
“Yeah, for all the good it does me. If I screw up, Renji suffers far worse than a demotion,” Ichigo whispered, glancing around as he leaned forwards towards Richiki. However both of them quickly leaned back in their chairs when sensing spirit pressure approaching. Although they waited for the formality of knocking at the door, Richiki already leapt up from his seat to answer it.
“Abarai san!” he said eagerly, his face lighting up. Ichigo glanced over with relief to see Renji standing in the doorway with a set of manila folders.
“I’ve got the requisitions and arrangements for your quarters sir,” Renji said in a very precise serious tone that Ichigo had seen only during the inspection earlier that day. His officer persona was in full force, with not even a crack in it. Just as thorough as Byakuya’s mask.
“Thank you Abarai san,” Ichigo said in a firm tone with a slight frown on his face. “If you’ll come in and take a seat we can review them…”
“Understood Kurosaki Fukaitaicho,” Renji answered. Richiki anxiously glanced between them, his own eyes narrowing slightly as Renji entered to stand in front of Ichigo’s desk. He let the files drop in front of the young shinigami, who didn’t even blink.
“Richiki san, you’re dismissed,” Ichigo said, looking him directly in the eyes with a neutral expression devoid of emotion. Still there was a commanding note to his tone that he felt comfortable obeying. No wishy-washy vagueness.
“Sir,” Richiki said, saluting before he left. He closed the door so Ichigo and Renji were alone in the office.
“Settling in sir?” Renji asked.
“Thanks to your assistance and that of Squad member Richiki,” said Ichigo, keeping that expression stamped on his face that he would usually wear around his friends. It hurt however to have to put up the wall that he had torn down for Renji just a short time ago.
“I’ve assigned you quarters in the barracks. I’ve come to escort you there since it’s the end of your shift…” Renji announced, still keeping that harsh edge to his voice and an equally hard gleam in his eyes that reminded Ichigo of when they had first fought.
“Thank you, Abarai san,” Ichigo said, pushing away from the desk. He stood up, tugging on his shihakuksho as he rounded the desk and stood in front of Renji. Ichigo struggled hard to keep the frown on his face, hoping the other shinigami would see what he needed with eye contact alone.
“Follow me please,” Renji, said, voice slightly softer as his eyes met Ichigo’s.
“Thank you,” Ichigo said as he reached for Zangetsu from the cabinet. It was a relief to sling it over his back once more and follow Renji out of the office that felt like a prison cell.
***
Silently Renji led the way through the maze that was Squad 6. Ichigo memorized the layout he would need to know like the back of his hand by the end of the week.
One day felt like a week already to Ichigo. Once outside the offices of Squad 6 he inhaled a deep draught of fresh air. This silence was far worse than Renji yelling. He could not think of anything to say anyway without risking someone out here seeing it as a liaison. Granted the kiss they shared earlier said that Renji was at least forgiving him for this mess, he still knew his lover was hurting inside, and it galled him to be so far away because of their military masks.
Renji only made eye contact again when they flash stepped up towards the window of a multistory building with a carved pagoda roof. It was at least ten floors with balconies. Shoji doors were open or closed some with people staring down and others half open to the evening sun on one side. On another, he could glimpse squad members here and there moving behind the paper screens.
Of course, the entrances were to the outer wall on these balconies because Shinigami could flash step up the tiered roofs of the balconies beneath them. Each floor was slightly set back and smaller then the story below it, unlike other buildings in the Sixth squad.
“Bachelor officer quarters. You’re in 10B…” Renji said without looking at him. They stopped in front of one screen that he pressed a slotted card into. It slid open to reveal the apartment inside. Ichigo poked his head in, noticing the tatami stretching out. There was a low table with pillows around it, and a folded futon in the far corner. Ichigo noticed wall scrolls hanging near a few empty bookcases, a kneeling desk with inkstand, and a kitchen area through a set of sliding shoji doors.
“Your quarters, Kurosaki Fukaitaicho,” Renji said, sliding the door shut behind them. Ichigo removed his sandals on the mat, and then wandered around the generous space. He pulled Zangetsu off and set him on the stand atop what seemed like a chest of drawers. He slid one open, noticing clean sets of shihakusho and fundoshi already inside.
“I took the liberty of ordering extra uniforms in your size sir,” Renji said. Ichigo glared at him, then the closed shoji door to the outside. Surely, nobody could see them there.
“There’s a soul pager unit in the kitchen. And a hell butterfly summoning system. I’ve also arranged for the entertainment screens and an account for you at the local squad exchange,” Renji continued, slipping his hands into his sleeves.
“Thank you,” Ichigo said, trying not to choke in frustration. He marched up before Renji, frowning deeply.
Glancing down at him Renji answered flatly, “If there’s anything you need please ask. I’ll write a requisition…”
Ichigo grabbed the front of his robe and dragged him down. Before Renji could protest, his lover silenced him with a hard kiss. Renji’s palms landed on Ichigo’s shoulders and he squirmed slightly at the contact. Slightly hurt that Renji was not responding Ichigo drew his tongue over Renji’s bottom lip and slid his hands up and down the taller man’s back with probing fingers. Every muscle in Renji’s back was tight and tense. He shoved forwards, backing Renji into a wall as he stood up tiptoes and shoved his mouth hard against his lover’s.
Renji’s fingers seized Ichigo’s hair, and his other hand slid down to grip the small of the younger man’s back. Ichigo gasped in relief as Renji’s tongue slid past his and they shared a warm moist breath. He felt the sharp drag of Renji’s teeth biting on his mouth, and retaliated by pressing his chest hard against the former fukaitaicho.
Drawing back Ichigo panted up at him. Renji’s eyes were half shut and he seemed dazed by the kiss. He glanced down at Ichigo with all the emotion he had locked behind the mask minutes before. Ichigo grabbed the side of his face and whispered, “I need you Renji. Don’t you dare think for a moment I don’t damn it! I fucking HATE this!”
“I know,” Renji answered, fingering Ichigo’s soft orange hair. “But I understand what you did back there now, and I love ya all the more for it. Nobody since Rukia’s ever stood up for me before an risked everything like that…”
“It’s not the first time,” Ichigo nodded, clamping his jaws together to stop his chin from wobbling. “It just kills me to have to put on a damn show.”
“You and I both have to. But here, we don’t. Why do ya think I was the one who led ya here huh?” Renji asked, dragging Ichigo towards him for another hard kiss.
At that moment Ichigo knew that no matter how long it would take for Renji to regain his former status, they would face it together. Even if one month may turn into two. He only hoped that they could figure a move out of what seemed like checkmate and reclaim the pieces Byakuya had taken.