Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 428
AN: Chapters do tend to burn a hole into my tablet.
A Kiss for Shelter
New Compartment
Once the evening meal was cleared from the table in the dining hall, Byakuya adjourned to his office. Every evening it was the same. He took a late meal after returning home from duty and then sought out his desk where work always awaited him. On occasion he would bring squad affairs home, but he much preferred to compartmentalize. As it was, there was a never ending surplus of paperwork pertaining to his role as Clan Head and Noble Ambassador.
All in all it made for late nights which he didn't necessarily mind.
Still, he felt an unanticipated sense of urgency as he seated himself behind his desk.
Yet ever disciplined he finished his affairs in the same amount of time as was customary.
A sigh escaped him as he looked down at the neat stack of parchment before him. He clasped his hands and rested his chin on his fingers, his elbows propped on the desk. In the candlelight his eyes gleamed like quicksilver.
…
The woman greeted him at the door. This time she was prepared for his arrival, wearing day clothes.
It seemed natural to him to eye her with consideration, noting the simple yukata and the tight bun her hair was pulled into.
As he had passed her, entering the quarters he had allowed his reiatsu to feather outward- to brush her lightly. Satisfied that there was no erratic energy emanating from her he seated himself at the table.
"I trust you are well." He said, as she moved to fetch tea.
"Quite, my lord." She agreed.
He patiently probed, "Takeda-san has made herself available to you."
There was the smallest hesitation, but Xochitl answered, "Yes."
A small nod of acknowledgement and Byakuya focused on the cup before him, leaving the woman to her thoughts.
Takeda-san had shown up on the doorstep of the guesthouse only moments after her master had left for the day- quite early in fact. The woman mirrored her master in the way her face claimed no emotion. She had the features of a middle-aged woman, her brown hair streaked with silver at the temples. She was every bit the proper servant, yet as she introduced herself, her keen brown eyes had been assessing and her tone held a trace of authority that assured Xochitl the woman held some rank within the household.
The meeting was brief- yet both women came to a rather quick and quiet understanding. All it took was a short stare-down and Takeda-san knew Xochitl's secret and Xochitl became aware that she had gained an ally.