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.

21. Chapter 21

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 371

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A Kiss for Shelter

Powerless

He was ushered out of the room rather quickly and he couldn't help the slight sneer that curled his lips at the abrupt dismissal.

Byakuya was not a man any should force to wait. His eyes narrowed at the closed doors and he let a large breath fill his lungs, expanding his broad chest.

He turned on his heel but only took perhaps two steps away before he stopped and cast a glance back.

If the Captain of the Fourth had been surprised by his arrival- seeking her out with a young woman in his arms no less- she had given no sign.

Placid smile in place she had welcomed them into an exam room and then after only perhaps a minute she had turned to him with that same smile and requested he wait without.

Naturally he had hesitated, but with Unohana-Taichou staring at him expectantly and the courtesan avoiding his gaze, he decided against any protest.

Still he was admittedly miffed when he was actually escorted out by none-other-than the Seventh Seat.

Before letting the swinging doors of the emergency wing close, Hanatarou had bowed stuttering nervously, "I-I-b-beg your p-pardon, Ku-chiki Taichou."

Byakuya tried not to let his frustration overwhelm him. It was to his benefit- this time was the perfect opportunity to analyze the situation at hand.

What had started as the intention for a frivolous visit had turned into an unexpected (to say the least) discovery.

He had a structured life, adhered to routine. It was odd to him now to consider how easily he had accepted the turn of events. And yet, as he stood in the hall of the Fourth he couldn't fathom the twist that his Fate had taken.

A part of him was refusing what he had already felt. I will wait for confirmation. It might not be as I have perceived. It is never wise to draw conclusions… It's impossible…

But the young woman had known. She had attempted to force his retreat. But in the end she could not hide her anxiety.

He was not sure what troubled him the most: that she had attempted to hide something from him or the very idea that he was now facing the unknown.