A hell butterfly floated next to Byakuya's desk. He looked up from the report he was writing and waved to the butterfly to play its message. The message started to play and once he heard Rukia's voice his eyes widened. He was not the type to grumble, but if he was he would have been muttering about how long it's been since he had heard from her – and Renji, come to think of it.
"Brother, I apologize for not explaining my absence and my whereabouts sooner.
Renji and I were very concerned about Ichigo, and especially due to the fact that he hadn't returned from Hueco Mundo. We both felt that we couldn't wait any longer to find him, so we had left for Hueco Mundo without alerting anyone. I know that was wrong of us, and I'm sorry. We expected to find him quickly and then return to the Sereitei. We didn't expect to find what we did. Ichigo is alive and well – and he is a new father. He has three newborns! Renji and I are here with him, trying to help him out as much as possible with his new family. And, Brother, before you wonder who Ichigo's children's mother is – it's actually Ichigo who carried them. Apparently arrancars and visords can get pregnant regardless of gender. Renji is apologizing in the background over here for not telling you all of this himself. We should be returning soon. Thank you for your understanding."
Byakuya scowled as the butterfly disappeared after its message was complete. He didn't know if he was more shocked about Ichigo or upset with Renji and Rukia for not telling him sooner. But Ichigo a father? Three children at once? That poor boy.
"He thought about what to do for a few moments and then he stood from his desk and called for his attendant whom he spoke with briefly. Then he readied himself for travel.
➰➰➰➰➰➰➰
Rukia was on the floor with baby Masaki, changing her diaper and making silly faces at her. Masaki was smiling and waving her tiny arms about happily. Renji was next to them in one of the rocking chairs in the nursery with Yoshi who was cooing and wiggling in Renji's arms. Renji turned him so he was leaning against his chest and bounced him lightly.
Ichigo and Grimmjow were with Szayel and Ishiin, the new parents were learning how to properly feed Kohaku through his feeding tube, which left Renji and Rukia to babysit the other two babies. They didn't mind though, the ex-Rukon rats loved children and had such a way with them.
"I see you both have your hands full," said a flat, un-amused voice, causing everyone to freeze.
Both Rukia and Renji's heads shot up, their eyes wide and their mouths open in silent gasps.
"Brother!"
"Captain!" Renji sputtered and jumped to his feet, careful to keep a good hold on Yoshi at the same time. He bowed to his captain and began to apologize. "Sir, I apologize for running away without informing you first. I was worried for Ichigo, and I was upset that nobody was going after him or wanting to find him. And then when I found he was pregnant I didn't want to leave him even though he said he was fine. Plus there are a lot of arrancar around and I don't trust them."
"Renji," Byakuya tried to interject into Renji's rambling.
"I am sorry I didn't notify when we got here, either. We just got so distracted. We went to tell Ichigo's father and bring him here and then when we got back Ichigo had to have emergency surgery to deliver," Renji continued.
"Renji, stop," Byakuya tried again to interrupt.
"And we were gonna come back real soon! Ichigo is on his feet again and Grimmjow is really helping out-"
"Renji! Stop talking!" Byakuya commanded loudly. He watched Renji close his mouth abruptly and bow in respect. "I understand why you both left. And although I would have much preferred prior notice, I am not terribly upset. You are both good friends to come looking for him." He paused briefly. "The head captain will not be so lenient but you are not in trouble with me. I agree something should have been done sooner."
Rukia was shocked at Byakuya's words, but smiled and stood up, collecting the baby girl in her arms. "You're a great man, brother." She looked up into Byakuya's steel grey eyes and noticed they were fixated on Masaki. "Would you like to hold her? She is a sweet girl."
Byakuya nodded and held out his arms for the baby. "Yes, I should like that very much." Rukia gently handed her over and Byakuya accepted her and cradled her like an experienced father, rocking her gently and swiftly. A very rare, small smile touched his lips. It was not well known, but Byakuya Kuchki had a large soft spot for children. Masaki smiled and stared in wonder up at the beautiful man who was now holding her.
"Captain, you're really good with her," Renji said in awe. He'd never seen his captain look so pleased and gentle.
Byakuya looked at Renji with a furrowed brow. "You seem appalled, Renji."
Renji shook his head quickly. "No, no, I was just merely observing, captain. I did not mean to offend you!"
Turning his gaze back to Masaki he nodded. "I take no offense, Renji, it is fine. I suppose most do not know of my profound love for children."
Renji grinned widely. "Her name is Masaki. And this little guy here," he nodded down to the baby in his arms, "is Akiyoshi. He's kind of the loud one of the bunch. The other boy, Kohaku, is with Ichigo right now. They have to feed him special – through a tube – because he had some problems when he was born."
"That is terrible, I do wish the boy a speedy recovery," Byakuya frowned. Children were innocent and did not deserve to have to fight for their life."
"Oh, he's a fighter, that one! Don't you worry, he has improved so much in just the past few days." Rukia chimed in, grinning from ear to ear. She was so worried for Kohaku at first, and scared he would not make it. But his recovery was very reassuring.
Everyone was so busy with the two infants that they did not notice Ichigo hobble in to the room. He was still very sore from surgery, making him slow to get around. He looked at his two friends talking with Byakuya Kuchki who's back was to him.
"Hey, Byakuya," Ichigo said softly, as not to disturb the cubs. "When did you get here?"
Byakuya turned to face Ichigo, as did Renji and Rukia. "I arrived only a short while ago. It is a pleasure to meet your beautiful children. And I am glad to know you are well. My best wishes to your youngest son," he said bowing slightly.
"Ichigo chuckled. "You don't need to be so formal, Byakuya. But thanks for coming. I take it Rukia and Renji told you all about what happened."
Nodding, Byakuya replied, "Yes they have told me a lot of the story." He held out the baby girl to her father, who gladly accepted her.
"Well, I found out the hard way that arrancar and hollows can get pregnant – even guys! Visords apply to that because we are part hollow. And their cultures and customs are very animalistic. But somehow I fell in to Grimmjow's care and I fell for him, and then before I knew it I was pregnant with these three. It's sure been a few crazy months," Ichigo explained. "And of course Renji didn't believe I was pregnant at first, he just called me fat." Ichigo and Rukia burst into laughter while Renji turned a bright shade of red.
Byakuya frowned at his lieutenant. "How dare you, Renji, that was very rude." The comment only made Renji blush deeper and hang his head in embarrassment. He felt bad enough about it; he didn't need everyone to gang up on him.
"Well, to be fair, Shinigami and human men don't get pregnant so he probably thought Ichigo followed the same guidelines," Rukia explained. "Plus, Renji is just an idiot."
"Hey!" Renji barked with a scowl.
"Alright, alright," Ichigo chuckled. "Everyone calm down. I was just picking on you, Renji." He paused and smiled at his friends. "I think its time for these two to eat and then nap."
➰➰➰➰➰➰➰
Renji and Byakuya were out in the living room area at the Arrancar household by themselves while Ichigo and Grimmjow were both in the nursery feeding the cubs. Rukia and the others were in the kitchen preparing dinner. Renji looked up to Byakuya and smiled. "Thanks for coming out here, captain, I know it means a lot to Ichigo that you care enough for him to come visit." He pause and blushed. "And you're really good with the babies, its really cute."
Byakuya frowned at that comment. "I do not understand why it baffles you that I have a way with children, I always have."
Shaking his head, Renji explained, "I don't think its weird or unbelievable, captain, I just think its really adorable to see you with them. You seem so happy. I like it."
Byakuya's eyes widened and he looked away, slightly embarrassed. "I am not cute," he muttered.
"You're right, you're handsome," Renji replied before he could stop himself. "The most beautiful man I've ever met." As soon as he admitted that out loud he smacked his palm to his forehead, cursing himself for letting his emotions slip.
"What did you say, Renji?" Byakuya did not stutter, but his voice was very soft and quiet, almost unbelieving. His delicate eyebrows were raised in question, his eyes wider than normal.
"Uh," Renji was bright red at this point. "I, uh, said that you're the most handsome man I've ever met." He thought for a moment and then decided now was as good a time as any to confess since he already started to spill his guts. "Captain, I have been in love with you for a long time. I don't know exactly when my distaste for you, due to you stealing Rukia from me, turned in to affection. But, I know that my heart aches when I see you because I want to kiss you and hold you."
Staring at Renji, Byakuya couldn't believe what he just heard. His lieutenant just admitted he had romantic feelings for him. How was he supposed to respond to this information? Renji did seem like he was being truthful, and it would be rude to accuse him of lying or exaggerating. However, he had not considered anyone feeling love for him since Hisana. "I do not know what to say, Renji." And that was the truth. He did not like to let himself think too much about his personal desires; it would only lead to senseless decisions and actions. But even Byakuya had to admit, if he really thought about it, his relationship with Renji was very deep and more profound than a regular military hierarchy relationship.
"That's okay, I just really felt like I needed to get that out," Renji sighed, running a hand through his red ponytail. "But now you know how I feel. And I really hope this won't change anything between us."
Shaking his head, Byakuya looked at Renji in the eyes, rusty reddish brown meeting dark steel grey. "I admire your honesty, Renji. And our relationship will not change because of this confession." He paused to think. "I just cannot understand my own feelings for you."
"What does that mean?"
"I feel something for you, too, Renji. I just do not know what those feelings mean, yet. And I cannot say what the future will bring for us. I do know that the Clan has been pressuring me to find someone to bear an heir for me. And I do know that I am uninterested in any women they have to suggest for me, or any other woman. I loved Hisana, but I am not entirely sure if it was romantic love or if it was more of a deep platonic bond. She was so ill and frail that we could not express love to each other often." He paused and looked lost in his thoughts. "Renji, you do mean a lot to me. And I always treasure what we have." He looked slightly pink in the cheeks as he said, "And I do find you attractive."
Renji's mouth dropped open. "Are you saying we might have a shot – you and me?"
"I do not know, Renji," Byakuya sighed. "The Clan will not be happy if I were to engage in a relationship with another man. Though, I suppose it is none of their business, as long as I do my duty to them and provide an heir at some point and do not embarrass or slander our family name."
Jumping to his feet, Renji was too excited and happy that his feet moved without thinking. Suddenly he was in front of his captain, and he reached forward and placed both hands on either side of Byakuya's face. For a moment he just gazed in to Byakuya's deep eyes and then he took the plunge. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against Byakuya's. The kiss was light and soft, a perfect first kiss. When he pulled back, Renji noticed Byakuya's eyes had been closed. They fluttered open and looked up to Renji with a look of innocence and vulnerability that Renji had never seen before.
"I'm sorry, Captain," Renji blurted. "I don't know what came over me, I just had to kiss you, I couldn't hold back."
"Do not apologize," Byakuya replied quietly. "That was the passion that only you could have Renji. You are a wonderful person, and your compassion and honesty is beautiful." He curled his finger and beckoned Renji back to his lips. Renji's hands slipped in to his silky black hair and pulled him closer, the kiss deepening and blossoming into a very heated moment.
This kiss was harder and lasted much longer. Pulling back from Byakuya's mouth, Renji sighed. "Byakuya," he whispered, not caring that he did not use honorifics to address his leader. "You're perfect."
Byakuya flashed a small smile to Renji and replied, "I am hardly perfect. But I accept your compliment."
Renji chuckled. "You're always so stubborn. But that's one of the reasons why I love you so much." He kissed Byakuya's forehead sweetly. "Please tell me we can try this, give me a chance to show you how much I love you. A chance to treasure and spoil you with all the affection and attention you deserve."
Byakuya blinked quickly and then his eyes darted away as he mulled over his thoughts, his cheeks a lovely shade of pink. Finally he looked back to Renji. "I will agree to try this with you. But, as I have said, the Clan will not appreciate or support it, so we must keep this quiet and to ourselves. Also, I will be required to provide an heir, and I do not want you to be hurt or upset that I will have to lie with a woman to accomplish that. Perhaps more than once."
Renji shook his head. "We will cross that road when we get there. For now, we keep this simple. Just you and me. Nobody has to know, nobody should be a part of this except us." He pulled Byakuya into his arms and held him close. "I will not disappoint you, Byakuya."
Byakuya smiled against Renji's chest and then wrapped his arms around Renji's waist, holding on to him tightly. He took a deep breath, inhaling Renji's dark, masculine scent, which tickled his nostrils so sweetly. "I do not doubt that, Renji."