A million hugs for Spunky for helping with this!

Happy birthday Byakuya!

Warning: lemony scene :)

Chapter 3: Not So Bad

Unohana hurried into the room when she heard Renji call for help. Byakuya lay unconscious in his bed, his reiatsu abysmally low, while his subordinate looked alarmed, gesturing frantically at her.

"I was just answering his questions!" Renji exclaimed, his voice shaking, "I don't know what happened. All of a sudden, he just grabbed at his head and he passed out. Please, is he gonna be okay?"

Unohana was just checking Byakuya's pulse, which was fast and thready. From the corner of her eye, she saw Renji carefully take Byakuya's other hand in his own, the pale fingers almost lost in the long, tanned ones.

The pulse under her own fingers slowed and steadied. Surprised, she looked to Renji's face. The redhead blushed and laid Byakuya's hand back down.

"I'm sorry, was I interfering with your work? I just wanted to hold his hand."

Unohana felt her eyes widen as the pulse thrumming under her fingers began weakly racing again. She checked the other vitals; Byakuya's heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure were all elevated.

"Lieutenant Abarai, hold his hand again."

Looking confused, the young man obeyed, taking the motionless hand in his own again. Within a few moments, the noble's vitals settled down to within range. At the same time, Byakuya's reiatsu rose to a less critical level and hovered there.

Unohana shook her head in wonder. She'd seen many things in her time as a healer, but this...they truly had a profound connection, even if Byakuya couldn't remember.

"Renji, I'd like to ask you to stay here with him. Keep holding his hand, maybe talk to him? I think he'll heal faster that way."

The redhead nodded. "You don't have to ask me twice - I was hoping you'd let me stay. I know the squad needs me, but..." he looked at Byakuya's face "I can't leave him alone. This is probably why we got such a lecture from the Head Captain about duty, huh? When we first got together and went public, Yamamoto had us in his office for hours. Basically, I'm doing exactly what he warned us about - neglecting the squad in favor of Byakuya."

Unohana smiled. "I'll send a Hell Butterfly to your third seat to come here. That way you can give him the necessary orders to keep the squad running until you can check on them."

Renji gave a tremulous smile of gratitude. "Thanks."

~X~

"Hey, take it easy, angel," Kenpachi said soothingly, anchoring Tetsuya's softly shaking body in his arms.

"But, Byakuya-sama," Tetsuya said, sounding only slightly more gathered, "There is something wrong. I sense chaos in his reiatsu. Something has unsettled him."

"I guess we know why that might have happened."

"Yes," Tetsuya agreed, "I am sure that it is difficult for him to hear what Renji-san is having to tell him. It is hard already, knowing that he has lost years of his life, and to have to listen to the kinds of things that Renji-san has to tell him…it must be…so painful."

Kenpachi read Tetsuya's slumped posture and tortured expression and kissed him on the cheek.

"Y've given them some time," he offered, "Maybe now you should go on over and see if you can be of some comfort."

Tetsuya looked at him with a conflicted expression.

"You don't think it's too soon? You think I've waited long enough to let them talk?" he asked, "I want to be there for my cousin, but I don't want to be in the way. Whether or not he remembers, he and Renji-san are lovers."

Kenpachi nodded and tugged Tetsuya closer.

"And whether or not he remembers, you and Byakuya are close. He needs you too, angel. I think it's fine if you want to go back over. I'll go with you."

"But, you have your own division to run," Tetsuya objected, "I've already monopolized a lot of your time."

"Who th'fuck cares about reports and shit like that," Kenpachi snorted, "Got officers t'do that stuff for me. They'll call me if there's a fight to get to. Otherwise, I'm yours."

Tetusya moved closer and planted a long, warm kiss on the bigger man's smiling mouth.

"You call me an angel," he whispered, touching Kenpachi's facial scar with adoring fingertips, "but you are the one who is a miracle to me. I love you."

"Love ya right back," Kenpachi chuckled, "C'mon now, we should get dressed and go."

~X~

Byakuya groaned as he regained consciousness, pain rocketing across the left side of his head. That area also itched horribly from the dried blood, but he dared not scratch.

He felt something warm and surprisingly comforting slipping away from his hand, and he forced his eyes open. Renji was carefully pulling his own hand away.

Auburn eyes rose to his, and his subordinate spoke softly.

"Hey, Taicho. I was wondering how long you were gonna sleep and leave me here alone."

Byakuya swallowed, trying to ease his parched throat. Renji rose and moved to the bedside table, producing a cup of tea. Byakuya carefully pushed himself into a sitting position and reached for the cup with a shaking hand, but the redhead hesitated.

"Umm, you're not gonna like this. This tea is hot and you're not supposed to drink it unassisted - Captain Unohana's idea, not mine."

Byakuya frowned, but doctor's orders... He gave a short nod, watching as Renji carefully held the cup to his lips. He took a sip, then scowled.

"Why is it sweet?" he managed. "You know I do not like sweetener in my tea."

Renji's mouth opened and closed a couple of times before he mumbled, "You...well, you had come to like it like this, with honey, but I guess you forgot that, too. Sorry, I'll make you another."

Struck again by that feeling that he'd just made some sort of faux pas, Byakuya shook his head. "It's fine. I can drink it like that."

Renji seemed to hesitate before nodding and holding the cup to his lips again. He took another sip - it was not so bad. The sweetness actually seemed to accentuate the complex flavor of the tea. When Renji lowered the cup, he sighed. "I...appreciate your help. From what I remember before I blacked out, you were answering my questions?"

The tall redhead straightened, setting the cup on the nightstand. "Ummm, yeah, I was. But maybe we should do that slower? Don't want you to pass out again."

Byakuya sighed deeply as the itching on the left side of his head grew unbearable. "Very well, we can go slow with questions. But tell me, is there any chance that I can take a shower?"

Renji cocked his head, glancing at the door to the bathroom. "Well, you're not supposed to shower or bathe alone yet, but she didn't say anything about just washing your hair. I imagine you want that blood off. Your wound is closed, so it should be fine if we're careful."

Byakuya almost smiled in relief. "Finally, some good news."

~X~

"You made a good suggestion," Kenpachi's voice rumbled as Tetsuya leaned back against him with hot water raining down on the two of them, "You need to be good'n'calm when you go over there to talk to the princess. If he's still missing some of his marbles, he'll need some time to process anyway."

"I was thinking that too," Tetsuya sighed, closing his eyes and shifting his body so that it lathered the soap on his back that rubbed against the bigger man's hard, muscular chest and belly.

"Careful, sweet thing," Kenpachi snickered, "You're brushin' up against me and startin' to give me another hard on."

"Was I?" Tetsuya asked, smirking over a pale shoulder.

He turned around and met his lover for a long, open mouthed kiss, while his hand slid down to offer Kenpachi tantalizing pleasure.

"What shall I do?" he sighed, sliding slowly down, onto his knees and taking the big man's formidable appendage into his smiling mouth, "I can't in good conscience, leave you like this. I suppose I will have to take care of it for you."

"Ah!" Kenpachi gasped softly, threading his fingers into Tetsuya's soft, wet hair, "Yeah…yeah…angel. Y-you do that."

He rocked his hips very slightly, moving with Tetsuya's up and down motion.

"Oh…oh gods…y'sure you're an angel?" Kenpachi laughed breathlessly, "cause right now? You're looking more like a little sweet devil."

Tetsuya ran his tongue very slowly along the bigger man's length, his blue eyes hazy and seductive.

"I told you before, that day when you were injured and I found you and cured your wounds for you. I will be whatever you need me to be, beast. Just…do not leave me."

"I ain't goin' nowhere, love. I'm stayin' right here with you."

Tetsuya's eyes saddened.

"You know you can't promise me something like that," he said softly.

"Don't worry," Kenpachi said, pulling him to his feet and giving him a tender kiss on the nose," I'm not leavin' here, unless it's with you."

"And," Tetsuya promised, "I will not leave this world, unless it's with you."

"Now, there's a promise that we can both make."

~X~

Renji watched as the injured noble sat up and pushed his covers back. Dressed in the thin white hospital yukata, the strong, slender body was as tempting as it had ever been. He forced himself to look away, mentally scolding himself. He's hurt and doesn't even remember your relationship! What is wrong with you?!

Memories came unbidden, Byakuya undressing seductively, welcoming Renji's touch. Joined, hot, writhing...

Renji quickly shook his head to dispel the images, noticing that Byakuya had slid out of the bed but was holding onto it as his legs trembled.

Renji's heart broke at the sight, and he stepped forward, keeping his tone respectful. "Easy there, Taicho. Unohana said you might have issues with coordination, balance, and strength due to your injury. I know you'd die before lowering your pride, but just while you're hurt, please let me help you?"

For several moments, there was no answer as the ravenette stood there shaking like a leaf. Finally, Byakuya nodded slowly, watching him with wary steel eyes. The noble looked as if he expected Renji to attack him.

He sighed as he stepped close and gently took Byakuya's arm. "I'm not gonna hurt you, ok?"

He guided his trembling superior into the bathroom and had him sit in a chair with his head leaned back on the edge of the tub.

Renji turned on the water and let it warm, then began carefully rinsing blood from Byakuya's skin and hair. He used his hands to guide the water around the head wound and gently stroked scalp and hair to make sure the blood was gone.

As he worked, he spoke softly. "Tetsuya came to see you while you were out. He sensed your energy drop and was worried."

The noble asked quietly, "Did I really give my blessing for him to be with that animal?"

Renji smiled. "Yeah, you did. But you did it because Kenpachi makes Tetsuya happy. You weren't thrilled, and you gave Kenpachi quite a lecture before giving them your approval. But once you did... Tetsuya's face lit up, Taicho. He is happy, and just as importantly, he feels safe with Kenpachi."

His superior groaned. "So if I rescinded my approval, it would upset my cousin?"

Renji shook his head, replying softly, "It'd break his heart, Taicho, and he'd probably keep seeing Kenpachi in private anyways. It'd really damage the trust you two share."

Byakuya let out a long sigh. "So, that...man is going to be my cousin-in-law?"

Renji choked back a chuckle at the almost pouting tone. "Yeah, one day. But it's not so bad, Taicho. You and Kenpachi have been getting along a bit better recently. He still calls you 'princess' and you call him a slew of insults. But he doesn't try to fight you as often and you can tolerate his presence a lot better than you used to."

There was a thoughtful silence as he grabbed a towel and carefully dried the long black mane. Finally, he spoke quietly. "I think that's enough for today - how about we have one subject we address each day concerning the time you're missing?"

Byakuya gave a small nod of agreement. Renji helped him to his feet, then followed closely as the older man made his unsteady way back to the bed.

Fighting his urge to tuck Byakuya in, Renji watched as the injured noble climbed into bed and covered up.

He glanced at the teacup and smiled. "Hey, I know you don't like cold tea, but it's probably cooled off enough where you can drink it yourself."

Byakuya hesitated, then nodded. Renji placed the cup in slightly-shaky hands and watched as the ravenette carefully sipped at the tea, then put the cup back.

Those enchanting silver-steel eyes met his as Byakuya spoke quietly.

"I thank you for your assistance, but I must admit that I cannot understand what has changed so drastically between us. It does not make sense to me why you are being so...caring towards me."

Renji's heart pounded, but he was saved from answering by a tap on the door.

Kenpachi stood in the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt, but I came to check on you, princess. Tetsuya's real worried about you, but he had duties to attend to, so he left."

Byakuya nodded slowly. The huge captain stepped into the room, looking uneasy. "Glad to see you're looking better. Look...I know you don't remember givin' us your blessing, and I know what you probably wanna hear – that I'll break things off with your cousin if you want. But...Tetsuya's the best thing to ever happen to me besides my Yachiru. So I'd like to ask if you'd give me a chance, even though you don't remember. I'll prove I can be good to my angel and earn your blessing again."

Surprised to hear Kenpachi being so polite and formal, Renji looked to Byakuya's face. The older man looked thoughtful.

"I appreciate you coming to me, Kenpachi. I may not remember, but it so happens that Renji just told me how Tetsuya is not only happy, but feels safe with you. He also informed me there is less animosity between you and I. I'm not sure about giving my blessing, but I will allow you this chance you ask for."

Kenpachi's face split with a grin that seemed less maniacal than usual. "Thanks, princess! I promise I won't let you or my angel down."

~X~

Tetsuya slowed his mount as the tall black stallion reached the Kuchiki council hall and came to a halt in front of the great marble steps at the entrance.

Wait here for me, Arashi, Tetsuya instructed the horse, using the mental pathway that the two shared, In case there is trouble, I want you to be close by.

Yes, master, the stallion thought back, Be careful in there. I sense…them.

Isas and Orochi, Tetsuya mused, and they aren't even the only ones we have to be wary of now. The others on the council who are more conservative will shift in their alliances if they become uncertain of Byakuya-sama's ability to lead effectively. Some of them would be very quick to take advantage.

I don't feel good about you going in there alone, the stallion sent worriedly.

Never you worry, Tetsuya reassured him, I am not alone. If there is treachery, then he will come for me. He is strong. He is relentless. He will never fail me.

Your beast.

Yes. Him.

Tetsuya took a steadying breath and slid down off the horse's back. He ascended the steps and entered the council hall, heading past security and into the main meeting chamber, where the family elders were already gathered.

It is like being in a room full of snakes that surround you, Tetsuya thought, Some are harmless, and some are venomous. But there are things that the snakes fear too. If they forget this, I will not hesitate to remind them. While he is in need, I will be my leader's shield and his sword.

I will not fail him.

Tetsuya moved forward and was quickly greeted by Head elder Nori, an aged man who had long been one of Kuchiki Ginrei's closest confidantes.

"Tetsuya," the stately man said, nodding, "we are anxious to hear your report. What is the news on Byakuya-sama's condition?"

"I have leave to pass on," Tetsuya said carefully, "that although a full analysis of all of Byakuya-sama's systems has yet to be completed, his condition is stable and improving."

"Hmm," Isas said, rubbing his chin and narrowing his eyes, "can you tell us what injuries he has sustained exactly?"

"Not at this time," Tetsuya said firmly, "As I said, assessment is still in progress. I will be returning to the fourth division and I will wait there until there is word, which I will bring to the council as soon as it is available."

"Thank you, Tetsuya," Nori said, "We…"

"I think we should send an agent of the council," Isas interrupted.

"But Tetsuya has already given us a report on Byakuya-sama's condition," Nori argued.

"Yes," the councilor agreed, exchanging glances with his black-eyed son, Orochi, "still, Tetsuya is…shall we say, biased? I am concerned that he may not be forthcoming if the news…"

"You question my loyalty?" Tetsuya asked sharply, glaring into Isas's stern grey eyes, "I assure you, it is where all of ours should be…I am loyal to Byakuya-sama, and to his leadership of this family. Anyone who is not, is not fit to sit in this hall."

"How dare you, you dirty little half-blood!" Isas hissed.

"Order!" Nori said sternly, "Tetsuya has our leader's confidence, and he is to be respected as Byakuya's voice and will until our leader can come to us and speak for himself."

Nori nodded briefly to Tetsuya, but his aged eyes bore a warning.

We need to have answers soon.

"Again," he said solemnly, "thank you, Tetsuya. We will await your next report."

"Hai, Nori-dono," Tetsuya said, bowing deeply, "I will return as soon as further information is available."