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.

61. Chapter 61

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 374

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A Kiss for Shelter

Heart of the Matter

Rukia considered this with a serious look on her face. After a time she decided she could relate.

"Being part of a noble family can be… daunting." She admitted with a quiet sigh. Conviction clear in her voice she looked the woman straight in the eye, chin raised. "But to be at Nii-sama's side- to make him proud- the price is not so steep."

The woman watched her with those dark eyes, rather impressed by the lieutenant's simple faith. She gave her a small smile in acknowledgement, but did not comment and Rukia's frown grew somewhat dark.

"You do not find any redeeming qualities in him?" She asked slowly, suspicion creeping into her tone.

Taken aback by these words Xochitl immediately shook her head, "No- no! That is not it in the slightest! I…" She looked away in thought before returning her gaze to that of the young Kuchiki.

"I know that he's a good man. I can't deny how… surprising it is to meet a noble so honest… He has this unconscious charm…" Her face was growing flushed and she bit at her lip nervously, darting her eyes away, "Or perhaps that's just my perception because he's not exactly flattering or suave- he just…"

Rukia felt, her lips starting to twitch- threatening a smile at the sudden embarrassment plain in the woman's features.

The Mother-to-be was now staring hard into the water, rambling without realization, "Without a doubt his courage is obvious and he doesn't seem to always adhere to convention… Still he-"

A gentle hand on her shoulder drew Xochitl to a halt in her stuttering.

A gracious smile lit Rukia's face now and she gave the woman's arm an encouraging squeeze, "Don't worry. He'll understand in time."

After a deep breath the other woman nodded with a helpless smile.

However Rukia's expression clouded and her sapphire eyes turned away.

"Xochitl," Rukia began, and the woman started at the use of her full name. She was unable to look away as the shorter girl stared at her now without remorse, "Nii-sama will come around…But you too must take care to think of him. The child should know their father. My brother deserves a chance in this respect. Promise me you'll be fair."