Disclaimer: Bleach is the property of Kubo Tite-sensei. A brilliant mangaka. (smiles)

Notes: Bya/Renji is my Bleach OTP. (dances madly cuz she finally managed to write one)

-:- Questioning the Affair -:-

The final thrust came swiftly and deep, and his body arched with the immense pleasure that tore right through him. He was still gritting his teeth, jaw locking painfully, but it was a small price to pay for the blinding sensation that was propelling him high up to heights he never knew existed.

As remnants of the bliss slowly faded back into reality, Renji was aware then of the limp body over him, warm and slicked with sweat, mirroring his own. Damp strands of black hair were spread lazily across his face, tickling him slightly. A musky scent, one that he had grown accustomed to, breathed life back to his other senses then. But Renji remained still, only letting his hands slipped off the other's arms as carefully and gradually as possible.

Seconds that passed seemed like an eternity, but when the other slowly eased out of him, Renji immediately attuned himself into the usual protocol. He closed his eyes and turned his face away slightly. The other got off him in a languid manner, composed still as like he always was. Renji heard rustlings, silence, and then the faint sound of shower signaling for him to be at ease.

Almost automatically, Renji opened his eyes. He took in his surrounding then, a strange routine he often indulged in though he knew he was still – and would always be – in his room. Slowly he sat up, and cringed at the smell of lust that hung heavy in the air. He lowered his eyes to his abdomen and the sheets under him, staring blankly at the sticky mess that was theirs. He still felt the wetness in him, felt it sticking to his center of his being.

He reached for his flowery robe and donned it shoddily, not bothering to tie up. He got off the futon and headed towards the window. Upon opening it, a gentle breeze eagerly greeted him and Renji closed his eyes at its sweet perfume of flowers and grass.

The sky looked as if it was starting to clear, revealing the moon and stars that were in hiding before, ashamed perhaps, to witness the heated endeavor just now. But it was not like it was the first time anyway.

The first time. It seemed surreal that it was only less than a month ago. Yet he could not really remember what exactly happened. Perhaps he was just too traumatized; it was not everyday that one's normally cold and stoic captain advanced upon one like a hungry predator.

But what Renji could remember were his pleas for his captain to stop were promptly ignored and that he had then shamelessly given in to the other's fiery lips and nimble fingers. It had been an unforgettable experience.

But it was also an unforgettable mistake. For a week after that, they hardly crossed paths. The one time they did, his captain emitted a stronger spiritual pressure than usual and Renji felt as if he was physically choking. It was a silent warning, of course, but Renji had no intention of resorting to blackmailing or the sorts in the first place. It was nothing more than an isolated incident, one that they both were eager to forget.

Or so he thought. It was not long before the second time ensued and it was but another blurred memory. There was no mistaking the addiction, and an affair was born. They burned then in flames whose intensity only seemed to rage with every encounter.

Renji hated it. Hated being vulnerable, hated the anticipation that never failed to stir, hated how his body responded willingly despite how hard he suppressed back the moans and cries, not wanting to the other to revel in his weakness. Time and time again he often wondered what sorcery the cold noble had cast upon him. And time and time again he wondered why it had to be him.

The temptation to question was there, but Renji had his pride. He was not going to act the worried mistress or the hopeful lover. No, this whole affair was not founded on feelings in the first place. Feelings were perhaps only a liability in the eyes of Kuchiki Byakuya. Yet, the same could not be said for Abarai Renji. And it bothered him greatly that he was beginning to be affected as such.

He moved away from the window then and stopped short upon realizing the subdued presence of his captain, who was draped in a simple silk robe, long hair damp from shower. A neatly half-folded towel hung from one arm. Even without the kenseikan, the captain's nobility was unmistakable, embellishing him whole like a protective cocoon. Standing there with an unreadable expression on his face, Kuchiki-taichou seemed the perfect embodiment of an ethereal being detached of any emotions.

Renji hastily tied his robe then, covering his nakedness. He gave a slight bow in respect before making his way to the shower, carefully lowering his gaze as the distance between them truncated.

'What were you thinking about?"

The vice-captain stopped in his tracks, caught by surprise. It was not the question that had him, rather the implication behind it. Had Kuchiki-taichou been observing him? But he only felt the other's presence a few seconds ago… unless of course, his captain had masked it. Why?

Renji dared himself to glance at the captain, searching for a sort of answer behind that impassive mask. Kuchiki-taichou's soulless eyes remained fixed on him, expecting an answer. But Renji was not easily intimidated; he would not be standing in front of this person today if he was, this man whom he had swore to surpass.

"Nothing," was all he answered, straightening slightly as if in defiance.

Wrong answer. "I won't repeat myself twice, Renji," the noble said quietly, his spiritual pressure rising slightly to further emphasize his displeasure.

Renji's jaw clenched. Kuchiki-taichou never failed to make use of his spiritual pressure to make silent threats. The memory from over forty years ago was still fresh in his mind, in which Kuchiki-taichou had walked past him as if he did not exist, but the spiritual pressure that weighed upon him told a different story. He had been silently warned to keep his distance from Rukia.

It was one of the reasons why he was determined to defeat this cold noble; he wanted to get Rukia back. But more than anything, he wanted to prove that he was not someone who was easily daunted. He remembered how elated he was when he learnt that he was promoted to the post of vice-captain of the 6th division. His goal was finally within reach. And he made sure nothing could jeopardize it. So even if it meant giving satisfaction to this man, he would stand his ground still and not move.

"I was thinking about…," Renji faltered for a moment, wondering what word to use. "I was thinking about us." It sounded so wrong but at least it was straight to the point. Just like the taichou ordered.

The impassive mask remained flawless. "Interesting. Do elaborate."

Renji dared a frown. "With all due respect, Kuchiki-taichou, I do not think this subject is something that can be freely talked about."

A slender brow raised, the tiniest hint of amusement crossing that stoic face. "But it is something that can be freely thought about? Come now, Renji, tell me. I have a right to know, since it clearly involves me as well."

Something was wrong with Kuchiki-taichou. He was never this articulate before, at least not after their 'sessions'. And to push for answers for something so trivial, the noble was certainly out of character. But nonetheless, Renji knew he had not much of a choice.

"I was just wondering why… I mean, what is the basis for this… affair?"

Each word was pushing him closer to the abyss, his end looming and mocking him. But he was not easily daunted, remember? He kept his back straight, maintaining a level gaze with the man before him. If Kuchiki-taichou was surprised, he was doing a good job of hiding it. But then again, this was the infamous, icy noble.

"Acting the part of a hopeful lover… I have to admit you surprise me, Renji," Kuchiki-taichou said coolly. Renji did not know which was worst – to be called the hopeful lover or hearing that the taichou was actually surprised.

"I am not a hopeful lover," Renji managed to say, albeit through gritted teeth. "I do believe I have the right to know why I'm being violated as such."

Something flashed briefly across those dark eyes, but it was too quick for Renji to pinpoint it. But whatever it was, it seemed like his words hit a nerve with Kuchiki-taichou. And before he knew it, the noble's hand shot out to seize his throat, fingers digging painfully into his flesh. He was forcefully pulled forward then, and he had to grip at the other's arm for support.

"Tai – chou…"

The captain's face loomed before his and though it was aloof as ever, there was no mistaking the silent anger.

"That is a harsh accusation you've made, Renji, against your captain. Surely you know it is punishable by death."

A muffled groan escaped Renji when Kuchiki-taichou tightened his hold. It was getting difficult to breathe properly, and his eyes were getting moist. "Tai – chou…" he croaked out.

And he was suddenly on the floor then, pain pounding against his back. But he hardly paid attention to it as he slipped into a coughing fit while struggling to take in gulps of air. Straining to see past the thin wet layer that clouded his vision, he could make out his captain looking down at him.

"Be mindful of your words next time, Renji," he said with a deceiving calmness.

Although not entirely his fault, Renji knew that he had indeed crossed the line. Knowing Kuchiki-taichou, he should have been dead by now, but miraculously he still lived. "My humblest apologies, Kuchiki-taichou. Forgive me for my insolence," he managed to say then, holding to his neck as if it would break off from his shoulders.

His captain did nothing to acknowledge the apology, merely turned around and headed out of the small room. Renji watched the noble's retreating back, cursing himself for getting too carried away in the first place. Then again, he was not the only one acting weird. The pain at his throat throbbed, but it seemed that Kuchiki-taichou had been holding back somewhat. In the end, although he did not intend to ask, he received no answers. If any, he was left more confused than ever.

There was no point dwelling about it now. He clambered to his feet then, and slowly made his way to the shower.

: - : owari : - :

Extra Notes:
Hehe, so it's hanging. I leave it all up to guys to intrepret Byakuya-sama's real motive. Perhaps I will continue, perhaps I'll just leave it as a one-shot. Who knows... (insert slow laughter).

Lil' thankies for reviewers of Senbonzakura:
Elusia - I agree with ya! Bya-sama needs more loving! (huggles him tight). Thank you for your kind review ya!
tarexpanda - I don't know why but I strongly feel that Kaien is able to bring out emotions in our cold Bya-sama. But then again, so can Renji... though perhaps he keeps it locked in. (giggles). Thank you for your review!
neie - Hehe, you know what they say... great minds think alike. Glad you liked it. Thank you for your review!