Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 322
A Kiss for Shelter
Presence
She felt him everywhere. His energy was unmistakable- it infused everything- however subtly. It was settled over the manse and the grounds like an invisible blanket. His territory was thoroughly marked.
It stood to reason that she was able to be away from him for long periods without distress. With traces of his reiatsu layered lightly over the estate a balance had been established. She was grateful. The phantom pains had eased and while she could not forestall her nightly sickness, she did not feel her nerves strung tight as she had before.
Still…
Her gratitude was not so encompassing that it did not allow for a sliver of irritation at his presumptuousness.
This was quite clear to him when the shoji slid back and she looked him straight in the eye before bowing.
Takeda-san had checked in with him every day since the girl's arrival. He was aware that the maid left small portions of food with the girl and drew fresh water for her from the nearest well. The woman reported that the girl seemed to favor fruit and the occasional rice cracker.
This light faire was spread out in abundance on his dining table along with lightly steamed fish and rice. From what he understood, food should be subtle in flavor so as not to upset her delicate constitution.
She perched seiza across from him and he felt a certain contentment settle at her obedience. He watched as her eyes roved over the table and felt further mollified.
Yet he was rather thrown when she abruptly rose and stared down at him a moment before she rounded the table and took up a space at his left.
His eyes widened.
She reached out.
He reached out.
The room froze with his hand engulfing her small wrist, her hand hovering over a dish.
"If you insist on my presence," She murmured softly, refusing to look at him, "I will serve."