Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 273
A Kiss for Shelter
Unmistakable
She was in too much pain to protest when his arm rounded her waist. In trying to steady her his hand brushed her middle. The response to his touch was immediate.
The noble's eyes widened as power licked his palm.
It was strange to feel that faint pulse of reiatsu from her- to recognize it. It brushed along him- called to him. Yes- strange to feel his own energy emanating from someone else. But he could not deny that his spiritual pressure was buried within her. Even Senbonzakura recognized it- murmuring in his mind.
'Incredible! That energy- so small but… It is most certainly of your creation, Master.'
Byakuya gritted his teeth, inwardly silencing his zanpaktou. The sword spirit smirked behind his mask, but did not offer his opinion again.
The sound of distress that passed the woman's lips again drew his attention once more and he could feel his zanpaktou stiffen.
There was a thumping noise in his ears- his heart pulsing faster as he ran through every possibility that might explain away the strength now inside her.
But his soul already knew.
Byakuya looked down only to stare into pools dark with fear. It was all the admission he needed. Anxiety and confusion unmasked in her gaze assured him that she was at a loss- that this occurrence was more than unexpected.
His steely gaze grew soft, soothing, "Tell me-,"
"It is not yours!" She refuted in a last attempt to deny what they both knew to be true.
Before he could calmly coax her with argument her Mistress took things into her own hands, "She has been with no other."