A Kiss for Shelter

by ArsinoetheXXVII

What if the courtesan was not the first to fall? One night is all it takes. And in Fate's hands a seed takes root. An honorable man will take responsibility and face the unexpected. Beyond passion, beyond possession and obligation he'll want for more, but find a soul unwilling to bow to him. Still with a little effort Byakuya might get what he'd forgotten he always wanted.

9. Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 346

---

A Kiss for Shelter

Courage

Ikarosu argued fervently with her outside the gate, his hands flying.

He was very young. Perhaps only ten both physically and in soul years. But despite this he was quick for his tender age. He knew very well the business that the mistress was in. And while he did not have anything against the noble- in fact grudgingly respected him- he did not like the idea of leaving this particular courtesan in his hands.

His scowl- pout- deepened as she tried to soothe him, he watched her lips, "It is only for the night. You need never bring me here again. And you need not frown at me like that." She smoothed her fingers along his jaw gently, "I'm in no danger."

It was not the reassuring words, but the feeling of her hand that melted him. He blushed and tossed his head- pulling his chin away from her. He crossed his arms over his chest and refused to meet her eyes, but she knew he had conceded.

Another smile for him and she boldly disappeared through the gate.

She knew her mission and while she glanced at the garden surrounding her she did not linger on the path.

Still she paused before the steps of the hidden guest house among the ancient trees, allowing herself a deep breath.

For some time now she had listened as the other women told stories of their patrons, of the tricks of their trade, but she herself was not experienced in that way. Her first year in the house she had lost her virginity to a man of her mistress choosing, but after that she had never entertained a client in such a way. It was her belief that from the very beginning her mistress had never intended for her to be a courtesan in the usual sense.

She earned her keep however, learned to dance and play the samisen, to sing traditional songs and perform a formal tea ceremony.

But though this newest enterprise was out of her expertise, she felt the pull of the kamis' hands and there was no ignoring that.

---

AN: Slow pace to begin with. And for those who followed Fulfillment you'll note that Ikarosu is younger and Xochitl is not so naïve- or new to the life of a courtesan.