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.

45. Chapter 45

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 375

AN: Slow burn L.G. my dear- stay tuned for the next chapter…please?

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A Kiss for Shelter

Informant

She wasn't quite sure how to broach the topic, but her superior had made it clear that it was pertinent to ask after the patient's living situation. Isane now felt the same trepidation as Hanatarou might as she finished with the post-exam questions while the patient redressed.

Gathering her courage after a rousing inhale, she posed, "…And I imagine you are getting on well with Kuchiki-Taichou?"

Kuchiki. The name prickled along the courtesan's senses. Somehow she was sure she had heard it before in the Rukongai- perhaps whispered behind hands like some legend… But she had never inquired.

Xochitl realized she'd been silent for some time and she turned her dark eyes to meet those of the lieutenant whose grey eyes were pleasant- but not quite the same as…

"He's very polite." She answered and watched as the woman blinked. Even when he's being heavy-handed. She consciously added. For example: Despite her ability to walk, the young lord had insisted on her taking a palanquin into the Division Districts. She had done her best to argue about the frivolity of such a thing (talk about drawing attention to one's self), but in the end the man could not be swayed. He seemed to excel at the art of calm debate. Briefly she wondered if they were evenly matched in this respect… With a slight grimace she looked down at herself, the expensive fabric of the kimono shifting with a soft whisper as she sat straighter.

Isane hesitated, somehow the woman's answer was disconcerting- too careful to be completely honest.

"Polite yes… He is that… Though some find him a little… unapproachable?" She said slowly, gauging the woman's reaction.

"Mm." Xochitl looked away, hoping her response was noncommittal enough but fearing she was all too easy to read to this woman. And she had thought Unohana-san was perceptive.

A little smile banished the trace of unease that had edged Isane's features, "He can be a daunting individual that is true enough, but… I can't help but think of him as kind…" A rosy blush now accompanied her words, "I mean after all he did take in Kuchiki-Fuku-Taichou all those years ago."

Curiosity highlighted the sienna eyes now and Xochitl looked directly at the woman, "Lieutenant Kuchiki?"