Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 330
AN: Waving swords around seems to prompt a bit of reflection.
A Kiss for Shelter
Seeing Red
The metallic clang was constant, each strike one after another in a series of merciless blows.
Renji pushed and jumped back (always grateful for the "sprung" flooring) to put distance between him and his rather intense opponent.
He could see the tension in the man's jaw, and the grey eyes normally cool and impassive were dark like gathering storm clouds. It was obvious the other man was not simply viewing this morning spar as routine, but perhaps as a way to relieve his frustration?
The red-head swallowed, as a bead of sweat trickled down his throat over his Adam's apple and disappeared beneath his damp shihakusho.
Eyes narrowed, Byakuya side-stepped with predatory grace, one hand on his blade as his other pushed back the silken onyx hair from his face. He might look relaxed, unconcerned to just any observer, but Renji could clearly see that the muscles beneath the impeccable haori were corded.
Yes. His captain was in a foul mood and this never did bode well for him as his Second-In-Command.
The noble's eyes flashed his mind helplessly replaying the evening before.
The flesh beneath his hand was silky and the pulse beneath that, steady. He could smell bergamot and verbena. His reiatsu housed within her stroked tentatively at his palm, a childlike prodding, light and almost undetectable.
With utter slowness did he release his hold and he heard her take a breath. She sat back, resting her palms flat on her thighs, her gaze still carefully averted.
"It makes sense, does it not? To allow me this small task?"
Renji's whole body went rigid as he thought he heard a growl coming from the man across the room.
It was only moments later that the poor lieutenant was sprawled on his back, several meters from where he had been standing.
Slightly dazed, the man sat up with a wince just in time to see his captain sheath his blade and turn on his heel to stride out the shoji.