It's Simply That I've Always Loved You

Chapter 5

“I was thinking about your offer.” Having a conversation like this is a strange experience but Byakuya does not like to beat around the bush if he can avoid doing so. The conversation might be a difficult one for him, but what excuse could he possibly have? He’s sitting astride Renji’s lap with Renji’s knot firmly inside of him, wedding their bodies together.

Renji opens his eyes slowly. With his back propped against several pillows and Byakuya heavy in his lap, he must be exhausted. The week has been exhausting and they still have a couple of days to go based on the way Byakuya’s body has slowly been letting up on desperation and need and desire. This is more like what a typical heat should feel like, Byakuya thinks, and he doesn’t mind it so much, the dull ache in his stomach that is easily sated by Renji’s hands and mouth and attention. It doesn’t… Quite feel like betrayal as much as it did.

“What offer?” Renji asks, voice soft and throaty, slurred from sleep. Byakuya savors the sound. There’s pride to be found in being able to tire out his alpha so much.

“About taking you on as my heat partner.” As soon as the words leave Byakuya’s lips, Renji’s eyes widen comically, his mouth falling open. “I’ve been considering it since you mentioned it to me, as such a topic would require serious thought.”

Slowly, Renji closes his mouth and swallows so hard Byakuya can hear his throat click. “Yeah.” he finally agrees. “So, you finally come to a conclusion on that thought process?”

“I did.” Byakuya runs his fingers over one of the tattoos on Renji’s chest, tracing the dark ink with the tips of his fingers. “I’ve decided there is not an alpha more suited to the position.”

“Oh. Shit.” Renji rubs a hand over his jaw and Byakuya cocks his head at him, not quite sure he understands the meaning of the words. “I just, I mean— I didn’t think you’d say yes. I know I’m the one who brought it up so don’t look at me like that, but I just… Wow.”

Byakuya resists the urge to roll his eyes. Such a childish response is unbecoming even if it is immediate. “You have taken ample care of me during this time. I don’t see why not.”

“I’ll take care of you through all your heats. Doesn’t bother me.” Renji’s hands come to rest on Byakuya’s hips, thumbs brushing over the tops of them carefully. “Like I said, this doesn’t necessarily have to be a two-way street. Alphas during ruts can be hard to handle—”

Leaning forward, Byakuya rests the pads of his fingers on top of Renji’s lips to silence him. “I assure you that I am more than capable. So I would like to reciprocate this offer. Would you like me to be your partner during your ruts?”

From the way Renji’s mouth gapes open beneath Byakuya’s touch and the way his eyes continue to widen, Byakuya wonders if his brain might have short-circuited. It takes him a moment to collect himself, spluttering softly, and Byakuya can’t help the very small, very fond smile that touches the corners of his lips at the sight. Once, Yoruichi told him that he could have had an alpha eating out of the palm of his hand if he was so inclined, but Byakuya only responded she should be careful of testing his power as an alpha herself. No part of him ever truly believed he would end up in a position such as this one.

“Okay.” Renji wets his lips and nods, a quick and jerky motion that is very unlike him. “I mean, if you’re offering, and you are, then I’d, uh, be an idiot to turn you down, huh?”

“I would agree with such a statement.” Byakuya says demurely, shifting his hips when he feels Renji’s knot starting to go down. “It would start rumors among the pack, more so than this already has, but I don’t think I mind that much. I don’t foresee you trying to use this to challenge my position as alpha. You already would have the moment you had the chance.”