Standard disclaimers for Bleach and its characters apply.

Many thanks to Tora Macaw for being a faintful reader of my Bleach work. Nyaa... I'm really so touched. (sniffles) Thanks again, and may you have fun reading this.

- : Discovering his Captain : -

Ever since Renji became the 6th division vice-captain, there seemed to be one hot question people kept asking whenever they passed by him.

"How does it feel to work under Kuchiki Byakuya?"

Of course, there were numerous variations, ranging from the subtle ones ("I heard the 6th division is tough. Are you doing alright?") to the more brazen queries ("Kuchiki is an ass. He drilled you hard?"). Despite that, Renji always gave the same answer.

"It's a privilege to work under Kuchiki-taichou. He has been guiding me well."

It was a rather straightforward answer, Renji thought. It hinted at nothing more or nothing less. Yet still, people could draw conclusions to suit their whims.

"Oh dear, he's been tough on you, hasn't he? You poor thing! Maybe you ought to get a transfer. The 13th division is still without a vice-captain. I think you stand a good chance."

"What? So you mean that bastard isn't as cold as he seems to be? Damn it. Oh, I get it! You've got something on him, haven't you? That's why you got promoted in the first place, right? Damn it! That's brilliant!"

Renji learnt not to take what people say seriously. He would just nod in acknowledgement or politely refute if the comments were unsavory. Either way, people would still talk behind his back long after he excused himself. In a short while, he had become somewhat well-known, not for his strength or hard work but as the unfortunate guy who became Kuchiki Byakuya's vice-captain.

But seriously, Kuchiki-taichou was not that bad. Sure, he was strict and disciplined, and that he seemed to be a slave to rules. So he did not smile, or have any other expressions, but hey, not many could maintain a stoic face 24/7; it required a great amount of skill to be like that. People should really stop judging Kuchiki-taichou based on his outward appearances only.

Of course, Renji had not forgotten about his dream: to surpass Kuchiki Byakuya. In fact, this position he had attained was a stepping stone to achieving his dream. He still trained in secret, and he continued to observe the older man, learning the other's moves and tendencies. It got easier now since they were often in close company.

And in the course of observing, Renji discovered things about his taichou. Rather than illustrating his feelings through facial expressions, Kuchiki-taichou made use of his eyes. His eyes shone brightly when fueled by the proverbial fiery anger, or became glazed when he was sad or disappointed. If he was pleased, his lids eased halfway down, avoiding direct eye contact.

Kuchiki-taichou was also not entirely rigid. If he was dissatisfied with an order given, he offered alternatives. Usually his alternatives were accepted, but if not, he would back down accordingly, knowing that further negotiations were futile. He was not a heartless captain as people thought him to be; in his own quiet ways, he cared a great deal about his comrades.

"Taichou, the Hollow is too strong. Please, allow us to request for backup."

"You'll not do such things. This is your mission. Defeat it, or don't bother coming back alive."

"But taichou – "

"I'll not repeat myself twice. Do not disgrace the 6th division. Fight to the death, if you must, because as a shinigami, it is your responsibility."

Miraculously, the squad members managed to defeat the Hollow. They returned bloodied and battered, but they were still alive. Kuchiki-taichou's stubborn disposition was the hot topic for the next few days but people failed to notice what went on behind the scenes. Why did they not question about the medical team's impromptu appearance right after the Hollow was purified? Why were they blind to the fact that no one died and the injuries sustained only took a day to heal?

Truth was, Kuchiki-taichou had faith in the squad. He knew they could do it. They were just momentarily hesitant about their abilities. And Renji had been the one who requested for the medical team, under his taichou's direct orders.

"Renji?"

Renji started, his reverie broken. He turned to gaze at his captain who had just entered the office. Immediately, he straightened up and allowed a small smile to grace his lips. "Taichou, you're back early."

The noble said nothing, but Renji noted the lids easing down over those dark eyes slightly. Kuchiki-taichou joined him at the sofa, and for a while, they sat in companionable silence.

"You'll be heading the scouting of potential Hollow lairs later tonight." It was more of a question than a statement.

Renji nodded. "I'm prepared."

"You have to be."

The words were meant to be scathing but the tone used was ironically gentle. Rarely did Renji ever get to hear it. His captain was apprehensive, he realized. It irked him, because it seemed like Kuchiki-taichou had little faith in him.

"Shinigami have to be prepared to die because that is their responsibility," he could not resist throwing back the words. He turned his head towards the older man, but was only granted the side profile. He itched to see those dark eyes; he wondered what the other was feeling.

Kuchiki-taichou did turn to face Renji then, albeit slowly. Those eyes held an emotion Renji had never seen before. It was difficult to read; there was light in them but not so much of anger, and the effect was somewhat glassy. A mix of anger and displeasure then?

And then suddenly, his captain leaned forward. Renji's eyes widened at the proximity; they were literally face-to-face. Even this close, Kuchiki-taichou's impassive mask did not falter. He wanted to speak but he had somehow lost his voice. He even stopped breathing, and his heart was thumping wildly.

Kuchiki-taichou was apparently very unhappy.

"… taichou?" Renji managed to croak.

"The sixth division does not tolerate failures," Kuchiki-taichou spoke, warm breath whispering against Renji's skin, sending unexpected shivers down the spine.

Renji dared a nod, hoping his face was a convincing mask of determination. "I understand."

Kuchiki-taichou had made his point. Renji waited for the noble to pull back; he needed to breathe properly. It was getting warm too. He swallowed slightly, and unconsciously, his eyes dropped to the other's lips: full, beautifully-shaped and a delectable shade of pink. Definitely kissable lips.

Renji caught himself, and quickly tore his gaze away. His face felt hot. Damn it! Kuchiki-taichou would definitely notice he was blushing. He steadied himself for a level gaze, but Kuchiki-taichou's eyes were focused somewhere else. To be specific, they were focused… on his lips!

His heart raced again. Part of him wanted to stand up and leave. This situation was just too much. But part of him wanted something to happen, especially since it seemed his captain was slowly closing in. It was crazy but he had an overwhelming urge to feel the captain's lips against him, soft and yielding. There would be brilliant fireworks as their tongues learnt sweet secrets, and their hands would explore feverishly. And perhaps they would then melt into one, sweat-slicked bodies moving against each other to the erotic rhythm of primitive pleasures…

A sudden pardon for intrusion was heard then. A messenger with a deep voice was asking for the 6th division captain. Renji realized he had unconsciously closed his eyes, and when he opened them, Kuchiki-taichou was nowhere before him. The noble was already at the door, talking to the messenger. And without a word or a backward glance, he exited the office, with the messenger trotting behind.

Renji had no idea how long he sat staring at the door, replaying what had happened over and over again in his mind. There was no mistaking the fact that they would have kissed if they had not been interrupted. Why was that? Why would Kuchiki-taichou want to kiss him? He recalled the unreadable expression in the noble's eyes earlier. It was the first time he had seen his captain in a somewhat vulnerable position. He badly wanted to see it again and discover what it meant. Perhaps that near-kiss experience would incite once more, and maybe it would lead to what he had audaciously envisioned.

No other way around it then; he would have to come back alive. Obviously, there was still much he needed to discover about his captain.

- : owari : -

Heee, before anyone could ask, this remains a one-shot. Deal with the unresolved sexual tension, ya? (giggles)