Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach
Word Count: 388
A Kiss for Shelter
Last Word
The young woman did not disappoint him. She shook her head of thick dark sienna hair in refusal.
But of course he was ready with sound argument.
"My duties keep me from the manse for a significant time on a daily basis. It's imperative someone here is aware of your needs."
"Such consideration my lord, while generous, is not necessary. I need no one to wait on me." She said, craning her head slightly to look up at him from her place on the floor. She sat seiza beside a small chest of folded clothing.
Upon brief inspection, Byakuya had made a mental note to have her fitted for suitable attire. While there were a few kimonos of decent quality the majority of her wardrobe consisted of simple plain-colored yukatas. He would have to rectify this; she was a guest of his house after all.
He shifted his gaze from her apparel to her face quickly, but she had noted his momentary attention.
"Takeda-san has served this house for some time. She will only do as requested. Nothing more." He informed her tonelessly.
There was a flicker in her eyes that spoke of suspicion. He had not said who might do the requesting.
To his credit he pretended not to have noticed and supplied smoothly, "In any case it is unwise to leave you unattended. It is for the best to assign someone to look in on you while I am away."
Her lips parted and he drew in a deep breath, preparing for another protest, but none came.
Instead she bowed her head to him and gave a single nod.
A slim midnight eyebrow rose at this and his lips twitched, his only sign of reveling in his triumph.
So, she can be practical. Good. The less opposition to my authority the better. I am always sensible in my decisions after all.
"I understand," She said softly, smoothing a pale yellow yukata in her lap, "But I would hope, my lord, you would understand I am used to being self-sufficient."
Why this simple insight upset him Byakuya could not say.
"You will allow her to tend to you." He said sternly before turning on his heel. He paused at the shoji to shoot one more low demand over his shoulder, "And you will instruct me in sign."
AN: Damn, what a brat... A sexy brat...