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.

20. Chapter 20

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 339

---

A Kiss for Shelter

Charge

Lilith stood in an unrepentant posture on the porch beneath the overhang. Her blue eyes dark with knowledge.

"Mistress." Xochitl spoke in soft protest, though she knew it was futile.

"We have already discussed the situation. She will remain here until a more appropriate lodging can be decided upon." Lilith lifted her chin.

Byakuya locked eyes with the unforgiving Mistress a moment. He drew in a breath, quelling the indignation that rose upon thinking of the girl being cast out by the cold woman.

Finally he looked back down, aware that he could not ignore the young woman's obvious discomfort. "I know a healer-,"

Xochitl pulled away, wrapping her arms around herself, "It's not necessary. I…"

He heard the desperation in her voice, the uncertainty.

Her hesitation was understandable. A noble's whim would be seen as a command and this was doubly so for a shinigami captain. If he thought as most men in his position the situation coming to light demanded the utmost expediency in remedying.

"I do employ healers when necessary, Sir," Lilith sniffed, eyeing her nails with a look of boredom, "But none were sure how to ease her… symptoms."

Yet again the noble's eyes narrowed, the offhand comment sounding offensive to his ears.

His mind ticked away for a few moments as he considered possible interpretations- but then it went blank as he saw the girl bite down on her lip in pain.

She glanced at him from under her lashes warily, hugging her middle tightly-protectively.

He caught her eye, approaching cautiously.

"Come," He insisted, "To the Seireitei. I will assure she sees you at once."

She shifted, leaning away from him as she gritted her teeth trying to breathe steadily through the strong waves of power cramping her muscles. He met her stubborn gaze calmly.

"Come." His tone had lost its hardness, offering as opposed to ordering.

What was she to do? Finally she closed her eyes in surrender.

Without hesitation he swept her up fully and she felt the wind rush their bodies.