Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 306
Ookami Bound
Test
Only a few days after Byakuya's eye-opening conversation with Rukia's perhaps over-attentive maidservant, did the noble discover just how his bond had changed him.
The words the shapeshifter had spoken had been circling his mind- much to his irritation.
Impetuously had he tested the she-wolf's theory.
It had not been planned, but upon seeing Rukia traversing from the manor's library, an elementary kido book in hand, he found himself following her.
As she was about to step down into the yard, unaware of his presence behind her, he made a hasty grab for her. Pulling her back he drew her against his chest and ducked his head slightly to inhale deeply (her momentary disorientation allowing him to do so without notice).
Still she had been startled and she swung around wide-eyed. He had by that time released her and stepped back, looking as ridiculously nonplussed as always.
"Nii-sama!" She exclaimed, staring up at him.
"I thought I saw a snake coiled on the ground." He said by way of explanation.
The girl blinked several times before glancing back at the grass nervously, "Oh… I wasn't paying attention I guess." She released her lower lip that she had gripped between her teeth and sketched a proper bow.
"Thank you, Nii-sama."
He gave a nod and turned, striding away. Rukia smiled, watching as he went, missing the rhythmic clenching and unclenching of his fists at his sides.
…
The next day:
"Nii-sama! Have you seen Tsukiko? Ichigo's at the Fourth- he said she attacked him!"
"Attacked him?"
"Yes! She bit him right in the- umm… from behind…"
"I see… Perhaps Kurosaki did something she disapproved of."
"Hmm… I don't really know. But she's never been violent before!"
"You should ask the boy."
He tried not to smile as she cracked her knuckles and responded, "Oh I will."