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Squad six had never been more worried and confused about their captain and lieutenant.
First of all, their captain was completely withdrawn. Going through the motions. He didn’t scold anyone for anything, and seemed to let just about everything slip by. He’d even caught a few squad members skipping training and hadn’t even so much as glared. Just calmly told them to get back to the training Field. Before, something like skipping training would have been met with the full force of Byakuya’s wrath. They would have been doing odd jobs no one wanted for weeks.
Now, the captain didn’t do anything. Just… Came in, did his work, and left.
Their Lieutenant on the other hand was the opposite. He seemed to harden considerably, snapping at everyone and being strict in the captain’s place. Even Rikichi who was particularly close to the red head was punished for messing up a simple food order form. It’s not that Renji wanted to be strict and cruel, but without the captain filling that role, someone had to do it.
“Captain Kuchiki I’ve brought you tea.” Renji said, entering his office.
“Thank you abbarai, you may set it down here.” Byakuya sighed, not looking up from his paperwork. Renji did as told, but when the noble thought he was leaving, he instead simply closed the door and locked it, making him sigh again.
“What is it this time, Abarai?” He said exasperatingly.
“Captain, you are acting like a child. Stop moping around and get it together.” Renji snapped.
“Oh… Am I…?” Byakuya said, swishing his brush in the ink mindlessly. He watched it with uninterested eyes, cheek leaning against his palm.
“Yes! Last week you would have scolded me thoroughly for talking to you like that! Probably punished me as well! You can’t keep doing this, letting everyone get away with everything….”
“Well what do you want me to do, Abarai!? First I’m too cruel, then I’m not cruel enough!? What do you want me to do!?” The noble snapped.
“I never said you were too cruel to the squad, I simply wanted to know why you were punishing Rikichi!”
“I was not! Why on earth would I punish him if he didn’t do anything!?”
“I don’t know, a grudge!? You tell me!”
“He hasn’t done anything to a warrant a grudge from me, you on the other hand, are getting on my very last nerve, Abarai!”
“Oh yeah!? So what’cha gonna do about it, Taicho!?” Renji snapped his captain’s face was growing red again.
“I’m going to work you so hard you won’t ever dare to speak to me in such a way ever again!!!” He yelled.
“Good! At least someone’s getting what they deserve!” Byakuya paused at this.
“…Abarai, are you telling me that when I punish Rikichi it bothers you, but when I punish you, you don’t care…!?” He snapped.
“Something along those lines, I suppose! Why!?” Renji said. Byakuya went quiet, steaming. He clenched his fists and his jaw.
“Get out.” He said darkly.
“Why, Taicho!?”
“GET OUT RIGHT NOW OR SLICE YOU INTO RIBBONS! AGAIN!!!” Byakuya screamed, standing up.
“I’M NOT LEAVING ‘TIL YOU GIVE ME AN EXPLANATION!!!” Renji screamed back, standing up as well. In the blink of an eye, Byakuya had Senbonzakura out and swinging at Renji, but his lieutenant was ready for it. He blocked with Zabimaru, a loud clang ringing out as metal met metal. The two glared at each other, pushing with their swords. Byakuya was the first to pull away, slashing quickly at the red heads right arm. Renji just barely blocked it, going in for a counter attack that had been slower, last time they fought, so the noble was unprepared and also just barely blocked it.
“Why do you have to be so damn difficult, Taicho!” Renji spat.
“Why do you have to challenge my authority!? I am your captain, for kami’s sake!” Byakuya retorted. There wasn’t enough space in the office for releasing shikai, so they continued to swipe at each other.
“Well captain, If you’d just tell me why you are punishing an innocent man, then I wouldn’t have too!” The tattooed man glared.
“I am a noble, Abarai! I shouldn’t have to answer to the likes of you!”
“Oh, you’re going to play that card!? Really!? Real mature, Taicho!”
“You misunderstand!” With that, Byakuya sliced Renji’s arm just barely, cutting open his uniform as blood trickled from the wound. “I’m not saying I shouldn’t have to explain my actions to you regardless, but I shouldn’t even be in the situation in which I would have to explain my actions to you!” As he said that, Byakuya began gaining on his lieutenant, slashing him everywhere. He even somehow managed to slice his hair tie making his fiery red locks fly out around him. If the noble hadn’t been preoccupied it would have reminded him of a Phoenix taking flight.
“I’m supposed to be the very pinnacle of grace and honor! Absolutely perfect in every way! So why are you able to affect me so much!?” With that, Byakuya finally knocked his lieutenant off balance, making him fall flat on his back on the floor. Renji’s uniform was in tatters and he was breathing hard, staring up at his captain with a glare that no longer held any fire too it. Byakuya pushed the tip of his sword just hard enough into his neck to make blood pool around the wound.
“Why do you make me, me, feel like I’m completely out of control…?” Byakuya said. He too was heaving, and they both stated like that for a while catching their breath and starring each other in the eyes. Beautiful, the noble couldn’t help but think, his lieutenants hair splayed around his head wildly, clothes shredded and hanging off glistening tan skin.
“…you won.” Renji said after awhile of no noise but the sound of their breath. Byakuya sheathed his sword.
“Of course I did.” He made no attempt to help the tattooed man up. Perhaps he wanted him to stay there, lying on the ground.
“Why did you punish Rikichi?” Byakuya laughed bitterly with a cruel smirk.
“Because I wanted him to suffer. I hate Rikichi. I’m not sure why, He’s just got one of those faces.”
“That’s not true.”
“Oh? And how do you figure?”
“Because you’re not like that. You wouldn’t be immature for no reason. You wouldn’t be immature unless it was a very, very good reason.”
“Fine. I was envious. There. Happy? Get out of my office.”
“Whoa, wait, why?” Renji said, confused. He watched from the ground as his captain went to sit in his chair again, picking up the brush and paper he’d been working on as if nothing had even happened.
“It doesn’t matter, it’s over now, now get out Abarai. I will not ask again.”
“Envious of what? What could Rikichi possibly have that you don’t!?”
“For kami’s sake, Abarai, you were right, alright!? I ought to start being more strict with the squad, starting with you, so get out and get to work! Now!” Renji frowned, ignoring his captain and thinking deeply. What would Kuchiki Taicho want that Rikichi has…? It must be something big to make him bitter enough to do something about it… Hmm… It started right around when Renji woke up from his exhaustion induced nap… Rikichi had come to see him when he woke up… He hadn’t mentioned anything amazing he’d gotten… Afterwards, Byakuya had come to see him… He hadn’t said much of anything to him besides how he wasn’t able to do his work, due to shaky hands. That’s right, Rikichi had helped him eat, hadn’t he…? Now that Renji thought about it, that should have been kinda awkward… He’d mentioned that to Byakuya like it was nothing, though…
Oh.
Oh.
“Abarai, it is quite distracting to have you laying in the middle of my floor, will please go back to your own office!? Please!?” Byakuya sighed exasperatingly.
“Taicho!” Renji jumped up from the floor, slamming his palms on the desk excitedly. “I’ve realized what about Rikichi makes you jealous!”
“Did you now? That’s great, now kindly leave my presence.”
“You’re jealous because you think either me, Rikichi, or both of us have a thing for each other!”
“Wh-what!?” Byakuya practically squawked.
“I’m right, aren’t I!?”
“N-no! That ridiculous.” Byakuya said, turning away with his nose in the air.
“Oh… I just thought that that might be the case… It’s an understandable assumption, really. Rikichi told me after that one time you beat me to a bloody pulp that he looked up to me. That I inspired him to work harder. He told me his dream is to be like me…” Renji said. Byakuya’s eye twitched in irritation.
“If you think this is somehow going to prove your point, you are mistaken…” He said.
“No, I’m just explaining how I came to the conclusion. You must know how he thinks of me, After all I’m sure you’ve seen his tattoo.” Renji said.
“Hm…? Tattoo…?” Byakuya said.
“Yeah, y’know, the one on his eyebrow? Looks just like mine!” Renji replied, pointing to his own eyebrow. Byakuya seethed in his spot, but didn’t reply.
“If you don’t believe me, ask him to see it sometime. Or just lift up his bangs, it’s there, I swear.”
“That doesn’t prove anything. Rikichi’s got some kind of celebrity crush on you. So what?” Byakuya said.
“Yeah, but it’s more than that. He’s a really close friend of mine, y’know? Probably one of my favorite guys on the squad, too. We meet up and have lunch sometimes, talk about this and that. Go drinking… Kid’s a real light weight, always gotta help him get home, since he can’t hardly stand up straight. His room’s pretty nice…” Byakuya’s fist were shaking, he was clenching them so hard.
“Soft bed…” That did it. He stood up, slamming his hands on the desk.
“How the hell would you know that!?” He yelled.
“Why? Does it matter~?” Renji said, raising an eyebrow. Byakuya blushed, looking away angrily and in shock. He couldn’t believe… Couldn’t accept…
“You two… You’re…” He said softly.
“We’re what~? Fucking~?” Renji said. Byakuya flinched, but didn’t answer. That was as much of a conformation as he needed. He felt tears well up in his eyes and he blinked them away angrily. He would not cry over a stupid street rat. Byakuya was a noble, the very head of the Kuchiki clan. He would not cry over…
He would not…
Cry over…
Renji sighed, sitting in one of the chairs in front of the desk, leaning back in it.
“No.” He said.
“…what?” Byakuya said so softly, he could barely be heard. He was still staring out the window, his hand now covering his mouth in disbelief.
“No, I’m not sleeping with Rikichi. Or anyone, for that matter.”
“But…”
“But I lied. Rikichi and I aren’t even that good of friends. Sure, I’ve gone to lunch with him now and again, but I’ve never done anything else with him, especially not drinking. I like you.” Renji said.
“You…you do…?”
“Captain, pardon my language, but I fucked you with my tongue.” I don’t typically make a habit of eating just anyone’s ass.” The red head said. Byakuya scowled at him.
“I thought we weren’t going to mention that ever again.” He said. His lieutenant laughed.
“Why not~? It’s a fond memory~”
“Ew, no! Why would you say that!?”
“Because it was~! The noises you made still fuel my nightly fantasies~” the tattooed man said.
“Bleh! Disgusting!”
“Oh please, like you didn’t love it~! Should I remind you? Oh, Renji, oh god, I’m coming~! I’m coming~! Ahaaah~!” Renji mocked in a high girly voice. Byakuya’s face burned bright Crimson.
“Shut up, Abarai, Or I swear I’ll finish what I started back on that bridge!” He said. The red head laughed.
“I’m sorry captain, I couldn’t resist~ it was really hot, though, my boner was a wicked shade of purple afterwards.”
“That’s disgusting, Abarai, I really don’t want to hear about it.” Byakuya crossed his arms and put his nose in the air haughtily. Renji gave him a seductive look, sauntering over to him, grabbing his wrists gently and wrapping them around his own waist.
“You can call me Renji when we’re alone~” he purred, eyes smoldering.
“Oh really~?” Byakuya said, his fingers dancing up his lieutenants arms.
“Well, Renji~” he said, suddenly wrapping his arms around the red head’s neck and pulling him roughly down until they were mere inches apart.
“I think it’s time you got back to work~” the noble said, swaying forward as if to kiss the tattooed man. Renji’s eyelids fluttered and he groaned.
“mmmh, tease~” he accused. Byakuya chuckled, pulling away.
“As if I’d let a filthy peasant such as yourself claim me so easily~” he said, sitting back down at his desk.
“Oh really~? You’re using that excuse again?” Renji said, raising an eyebrow. Byakuya laughed softly, making him blush and smile stupidly. This time it was The noble’s turn to raise an eyebrow.
“What are you doing…? Wipe that idiotic grin off your face, you look possessed~” he said.
“I apologize Kuchiki Taicho, but your laugh is beautiful. I wish I could hear it more often~” Renji said, bowing deeply. His superior blushed and turned away with a little grin of his own.
“Stop this at once, Abarai. I don’t know what you are trying to accomplish, but it won’t work…” He said, those his smile did not fade.
“My apologies, Captain. I merely wanted to see you smile and laugh some more.” Renji said, amused. Byakuya let out a sudden giggle, though covered his mouth with a shocked expression the instant it came out of his mouth. He turned beat red in embarrassment and looked away cursing himself internally. What was he doing!? Allowing his subordinate to flirt shamelessly with him, and even returning his advances…? Giggling at him!? Such behavior was unacceptable for a noble such as himself.
“Hey… Taicho…” Renji said softly. His captain didn’t answer or turn towards him.
“Byakuya…”
“Don’t call me that!” The noble hissed suddenly, whipping around to glare at the tattooed man. Renji put his hands up in surrender.
“Okay! Okay! It’s okay, I won’t say it again, I’m sorry…” He said. At seeing the poor red head’s defensive position, Byakuya calmed down, turning away again with a sigh.
“I am sorry, Abarai Fukutaicho. I should not have… Responded to your advances. I do not wish to lead you on, as I do not want to hurt you. However, I am afraid I must reject your… Feelings. You must understand that it’s not your fault, but simply I cannot be seen with someone of your stature. Please realize that it is not that I do not wish to be with you, but my duties to my family require me to marry a girl of high status, or not marry at all. To be seen with you would damage my family’s honor greatly.” He said. Renji frowned.
“Are you ashamed of me, captain? That’s what you just said, isn’t it? That it’d damage yer honor, or whatever?” He said.
“No, Abarai, I said it would damage my family’s honor. They will not allow us to be… Involved in such a way.”
“But weren’t you married before…? To a girl from the rukongai? Like me? Rukia’s older sister…?”
“Yes, the only reason they allowed me to marry Hisana was because by then she was already sick.they knew she would not last very long. Besides, you are a male. Another thing they won’t tolerate.”
“B-but you’re the head of the family, you can do whatever you want!” Renji said, getting frustrated.
“It’s not that simple, Abarai! I must listen to my elders, do as they wish and treat them with the utmost respect!”
“I don’t believe you! Every time you get uncomfortable, you get all formal with me. It’s bullshit!”
“Abarai, please-“
“No! It always boils down to pride with you, huh!? Can’t be seen with yer good-fer-nuthin’ lieutenant, Kami forbid! Every time I think I might be getting just a little closer, you push me away!”
“Renji, please! It’s not like that, just please listen-“
“If the thought of being with me repulses you so much, then just say so, alright!? You don’t gotta make excuses. I get it, I’m a filthy gutter rat from the rukongai. I know that, you tell me every chance you get!” With that, Byakuya stood up angrily, marching around his desk to grab his lieutenants collar roughly. He yanked the angry read head down so they were glaring each other dead in the eye, mere centimeters apart.
“You know I don’t think of you like that!” The noble hissed dangerously.
” I want you just as badly as you want me, perhaps even more! I want nothing more than to walk through the Gotei 13, holding your hand for all to see. I want to show you off to every soul reaper here! Do you know how amazing you really are!? Do you not see how nearly every woman’s eyes wander to you!? I would be damn proud to call you mine! I want nothing more but to do so! I call you those horrible things because I am trying- and failing- to convince myself that they are true! Because maybe if I did think that way about you, then it wouldn’t be so difficult to let you go!” Byakuya spat. Renji’s anger was long gone, and his glare melted into calm remorse.
“I know you don’t really believe yourself when you say those things… I was just angry and wanted to blame it all on you… It was very immature of me, I’m sorry.” He said softly. Byakuya calmed down as well, sighing. His hand on the tattooed mans collar loosened and he dropped it completely, turning away.
“It’s okay, Renji… I’m sorry too.” He said. The red head reached out to him slowly, pulling him in for a light hug. His captain didn’t pull away and rested his head on his warm, solid chest, sinking into his subordinates arms. He could hear Renji’s solid heart beat as his lieutenant rested his chin on the noble’s head.
“Is it…? Is it really such a big problem for us to be together…?” Renji said. Byakuya closed his eyes, feeling his words vibrating through his chest. He sighed.
“It is true, my elders do hold great power over me, however, my position as head of the family isn’t worthless. I don’t have to marry some one rich and produce an heir, as I have cousins who can do so. Head captain Yamamoto may not like our relationship because of our working relations, but then again, he may not care at all. I don’t know. However I think it’ll be ok to see each other, as long as we try to keep it a secret.” Byakuya said. Renji smiled.
“Good enough for me.”
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