Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 375
AN: This is the last chapter- for now! You may be wondering why- oh why I don't just do long chapters considering how I get several smaller chapters out at once… Well while that may seem logical- the pressure of putting together longer chapters tends to stretch me thin and I end up procrastinating so yeah… this works for now. Thanks very much for your patience- indulgence really.
A Kiss for Shelter
Reira
The afternoon after Rukia's departure a strange sound startled Xochitl from the work at hand and she lifted her head with a frown, brush poised over paper.
Again that noise rang out in the courtyard and she slowly set the brush aside. After glancing at her recipe once more she rose from the table and readjusted her attire out of habit.
Tentatively did she peak out the open window of her room into the yard and instantly froze in awe.
Dashing across the lawn with all the grace of a gazelle was a lavender greyhound. The canine was eagerly bounding after a leather ball, long slender legs pumping in an almost artful rhythm. Once the ball was between her jaws, with splendid elegance did she trot back to her master to deposit it in his waiting hand.
Xochitl watched as Byakuya rewarded the dog's efforts with a light caress behind the ears before he stood to his full height and launched the ball farther than she could follow with her eyes.
The dog darted away with another joyous bark and Xochitl couldn't help but marvel at the powerful yet smooth strides of the lovely animal.
Her movements were unconscious and she soon found herself padding through the grass, approaching the noble whose gaze was set in the distance.
"My lord." She bowed to him but her distraction was obvious as she then turned in the direction the creature had taken.
Byakuya just barely forestalled a smirk, watching the woman out of the corner of his eye as she stood a space away at his side.
The sun was pleasant the air just warding of the chill.
"I was unaware that you had any pets, my lord." Xochitl commented, a smile threatening her lips as she focused on the returning figure, prancing forward proudly with her prize in her mouth.
"Hn." He did smirk this time as he squatted down to yet again congratulate the dog with a fond pat and take the proffered toy. The ball left his hands in a blur and like lightning the dog was in pursuit.
After a few moments Byakuya offered, "Her name is Reira. And she is more a companion than a pet."
Now the woman smiled, "I see."
AN: Hope you liked this one! I couldn't help but picture B. with a sleek- regal breed of dog and my brain going 'AWWWWWWWW!'