It's Simply That I've Always Loved You

Chapter 13

There is a subtle edge of embarrassment in having their pack healer come to visit him in Renji’s bedroom because Renji will not let him leave the room long enough to go visit her.

The nauseas returned on the second day of Renji’s rut and rather than try to bear his way through it, Byakuya sent for Unohana with the request that she kindly bring him the medicine she had prescribed. What he had ran out, but was effective enough. He has no idea why it needs to be the special blend she claims is perfect for him, but he has no desire to spend most of the morning with his head hanging in the toilet bowl and Renji holding his hair back for him when he would much rather be curled up in bed in his alpha’s arms.

Considering the sharp turn-around his life has taken since allowing Renji to help him through his heat, Byakuya is rather grateful for the attention and affection. The coldness laced through his heart for so many years has melted away at Renji’s touch and he looks forward to when this illness abates for good, allowing Renji to court him properly. Yoruichi will never let him live this down but Byakuya finds he hardly minds as long as he has Renji in his life.

Unohana’s expression is kind as she kneels next to the bed, Renji pinning himself firmly in the corner to give her the space she needs. “I am sorry to have kept you waiting, Taicho. The lovely young woman you sent to apprentice with me has been a big help lately, though.”

“I’m glad. Orihime seems like she would make an excellent aide.” And that her healing powers have come into good use under Unohana is also a relief to him. Part of being a good pack alpha is ensuring that everyone’s skills and talents can be put to suitable use.

“How has the nausea been?” Unohana’s palm is cool against his forehead and Byakuya allows her to measure his temperature, trying not to let it bother him too much.

“I sent for you because it returned. It seems to be the same as it was the moment I stopped taking anything for it.” Which worries him. Getting sick is not something he can afford to do, not when there could be someone who might take advantage of such a thing. “I wouldn’t have sent for you so suddenly, but someone has been quite unbearable ever since I took ill again.”

His eyes slide to Renji, who lowers his head in admission of guilt.

Unohana only chuckles softly, her hand pressing against his cheek and the side of his neck in turn. “That is to be expected with protective alphas. Such a thing is very commonplace. Isane is much the same way when something happens to me. Have you noticed any other irregular changes to your body? Any tenderness or soreness anywhere?”

This is not the conversation Byakuya wants to be having in front of his worried and protective alpha. “A little, admittedly. Some soreness in my lower back and some light cramping in my stomach. I told myself I probably overdid it running the perimeter after we found out about Aizen’s pack, but then the nausea made me think it was something else.”

“You do overwork yourself, Taicho. Very often.” Unohana’s tone lets him know just how displeased she is with this. Renji makes an agreeable noise from the corner.

“It is necessary to maintain the pack and ensure the safety of all of the members.” Especially lately. Especially when they have definite enemies out there looking for a chance to hurt them.

Sighing softly, the healer nods. “I understand. I’m going to ask you to lie on your side so I can examine your back and make sure you haven’t strained any of the muscles.”

“That… Might be on me, if it happened.” Renji murmurs, and he sounds like he wants to die.

He also smells like he wants to die. “Renji, if this is difficult for you, I would advise that you sit in the hallway. Your scent is… Mildly difficult to focus around. I know you aren’t doing it on purpose, but it’s still there. Please be careful.”