Geez! I totally forgot to update this fiction…oh, well. The ending isn't astounding. Just a lil' ordinary romance (winks)

Dedicated to: the reviewers of Byakuya's part. I knew it didn't come out as good as the previous chapters, but two brave girls reviewed! Thank you "a is for action" and "random projects"! (hands cookies and Byakuya's plushie to snuggle into)

PART FOUR – Counterattack

It was late at night and the chaotic turmoil seemed to subside within the walls of the Sixth Division.

Doors were shut, people were sleeping, halls were silent.

Everything seemed to be normal, but it wasn't meant to last.

It was just a cruel deceit.

In a small chamber, two figures were sitting next to each other, their eyes distractedly gazing at the starry sky.

Hand in hand, one of the figures leant against the other's shoulder, smiling as he received a sweet, little kiss on his forehead and a loving hug.

"…nee, Byakuya?"

"What…?"

The older man snuggled closer to his lover as he replied, enjoying the feeling of being again in his arms after what seemed to be an eternity.

"Do you think it will end…? I mean…do you think everything will ever go back to normal?"

Kuchiki Byakuya didn't know. Maybe. Maybe not.

"It doesn't matter, Renji. You don't have to worry"

"But I do!" he replied, a pained expression on his sun-blessed face.

"You don't have to…We still have each other. That's what counts, right?"

Abarai Renji blushed madly as he nodded, tightening his hold on his Captain's shoulders.

The raven-haired nobleman faintly smiled "Do you still love me?" he added, tentatively.

There was no reply.

In the dim light of the stars, a figure bent down to capture the other's lips, slowly.

"Renji…"

"Shhhh…just…too many words. Too many comments and judgements and mocking…"

Kuchiki-taichou's breath caught in his throat. He was right. They didn't need words.

They sat there, in front of the window, all night long. Next to each other, hand in hand, their hearts beating as one. That was all they called for.

Maybe, if someone could have seen them like that the whole riot would have never existed.

Owari