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.

51. Chapter 51

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 385

AN: This chapter is maybe a little angsty and long because I'm allowing B. to ruminate about his family's reactions to his current situation.

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A Kiss for Shelter

Alive

The whole manor was buzzing around him like a hive. Speculation abounded in the normally docile hallways and excitement seemed to hum in the whispered musings.

Byakuya listened as this steady flow of murmuring ebbed after a stern reprimand courtesy of the trusty Takeda-san.

As his estate grew quiet once more the noble gave a nod of approval with a quiet hum. His eyes trained themselves back on the paperwork before him. It was one of his few days of mandatory furlough. In all honesty, this time, he was grateful for the forced "vacation day". He admitted to himself that he might have been distracted if he had not been able to witness the girl's waking. By the time the light was high and bright he was normally at squad headquarters.

His eyes narrowed suddenly and he set his chin on his fist, one knuckle gliding back and forth beneath his lower lip pensively.

Family was suddenly at the forefront of his mind.

There was no doubt that his mother would have approved of his generosity. She'd been a good woman, even-tempered, cultured, and intuitive. She had always been very careful not to fawn over him as a boy, but her smiles had been warm and gestures of affection genuine. A voice of reason and practicality, she'd been a strong companion at his father's side. In his household her beauty and elegance were still spoken of in tones of reverent reflection.

No. His mother would have had no qualms with him taking the girl in. His father would have been more hesitant, but eventually his mother's calm sway would rule out any objections and he too would see the reasoning behind allowing Xochitl's stay.

His grandfather's stern countenance flashed behind his eyes. No doubt the Kuchiki Patriarch would have had several objections as well as a list of alternative solutions… He could just imagine the disapproval in the set of his grandsire's mouth and the slate eyes that mirrored his own.

Exhaling, the Head of the Kuchiki Clan closed his eyes and shook his head lightly.

They were long gone now. He honored their memories daily- lit candles and incense and prayed for their souls.

He was here. He was left. His future could only be determined by his own direction.

It was his life.