Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
AN: I keep getting scolded about my chapter length. *Sighs* But because I got love for ya 6-10 are comin at ya. Thanks and enjoy!
Word Count: 270
A Kiss for Shelter
On the Riverbank
The boy led him deep into the Rukongai, to a home situated on the edge of the river, secluded from the rest.
He did not have to say a word. The boy seemed to know his intentions. He bowed before leaving the noble to his own devises outside the retaining wall surrounding the residence.
Byakuya had circled around the area, hoping he was being surreptitious in doing so. He wasn't sure why his mind would not allow him to leave all together. Surely this was a fool's venture. Yet…
The boy had written out the word "companion", and thus the house could only be home to others like her. One wooden door of the gate-entrance was open and he could just see the house beyond. It was large, old, and had a peaceful air about it; if he didn't know better he might have assumed it was a hideaway for some noble or another.
A frown tugged at Byakuya's mouth even as his conscience protested his being there.
There was no turning back when a screen drew open to reveal a servant bowing to him in invitation.
He breathed deeply, hesitating a moment before he moved through the gate and strode forward down the walk made of smoothed round stones of varying sizes. There were flowers blooming along the path and he caught the distinct smell of herbs when the wind shifted, sweeping toward him.
At the steps up to the front of the house he again paused, eying what he could of the hall beyond the door.
Finally he climbed the stairs and stepped over the threshold of the courtesans den.
AN: Boldness suits our fella, yeah?