Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 328
A Kiss for Shelter
Sought
Sun in his eyes he was blind to the path he paced. But after only one time walking this route his feet knew the way. Yet his mind like his sight was a blur.
His heartbeat was both steady and unsteady at the same time, seemed to fluctuate as he strode. His thoughts were likewise uneven- a constant buzz that became a hum that seemed to drown out the sounds around him.
There is no reason to venture there… It would be foolish to continue… Perhaps I might simply take a cup of tea – only a half hour might pass and I shall return home. There is no harm in paying a call… I am a fool.
Under the shade of the maple that spread its limbs beyond the wall of the river-house, he paused. He could see the path now- the gate only a few feet away. His hands became fists at his sides and he inhaled only to be bombarded by a citrusy scent.
His heart found its normal beat and he headed forward again.
He found her on her hands and knees beneath a fruit laden tree.
All activity around him had stopped, the backyard motionless but for the sway of the plantlife and the flutter of the colorful array of laundered sheets on the line.
She did not turn to him but he knew she felt him, her hands dirt dusted and trembling slightly around the tool she held.
The captain began to hear whispers, murmurs, but between them it was utterly still.
Finally after closing her eyes she asked stiffly, "What brings you here, my lord?"
He took a breath and that fragrance strengthened his resolve and eased his coiled nerves, "I wish to have tea."
Slowly she looked over her shoulder at him, plump lips parted just enough for her to look thoroughly innocent to him.
He did not expect her to be so blatantly unwelcoming however.
"This is not a teahouse."
AN: Uh oh- I sense sass!