Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 248
A Kiss for Shelter
Collected
A stab of guilt indeed eased his grip on her, his breath no longer burning like fire in his chest.
"Forgive me." He said without hesitation, his hands sliding down her arms until they fell to his sides.
There was genuine surprise on her features for a moment at the ease in which he apologized, but this look was quickly put aside as she stepped back from him.
With a breath that swelled his broad chest he relaxed back into his expressionless mien and stated, "I take no affront lightly. I was hasty. But I shall deal with this accordingly. There will be no further question of parentage."
Xochitl couldn't help the wary look she settled upon him, cocking her head slightly, "What will you do?"
His chin lifted, confidence returned in full, "I will suffer no insults to my pride… I will silence these accusations. To slander me and mine will not go unpunished."
The young woman sucked in a breath, debating whether to protest his phrasing. But she settled for biting at her lip lightly. He had already shown such opposition to someone making false claims. Essentially he would be facing these lies on both of their behalves. The slight was not only against him, but her virtue as well.
"May I ask… who has made such claims?" She asked after a time.
There was a twitch to his brow, but he replied evenly, "A noble. The son of Katsurou Ito- the heir, Arashi Ito."
AN: You may recall a little blurb about the Ito Heir in Fulfillment. The observations made then will only be partially true now...