Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 479
AN: I really think Kubo has cornered the market on hot characters- don't you think? Some of them really can't be replicated- take Renji for example… Tattoos are sexy. Random, I know- but true.
A Kiss for Shelter
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It was hard to show restraint, but…
Byakuya left the young woman to sleep as per usual. He never stayed in her rooms- even though it might be considered practical in regards to the often late hours in which he kept her company.
It wasn't just her opposition, it was his. While there was a zealous portion of him that never wanted her to be out of his sight, there was stronger resistance to being too overbearing. And of course- there was something holding him back- something reluctant -maybe guilty?
But as of now his retreat was simply the need for distance.
He took a shower- a cold shower. And because his agitation was not so easily dispatched he dressed in his shinigami robes and captain's haori and left the manse.
Being somewhat territorial was in a man's nature. He told himself as he treaded the dark streets.
But the thought of someone else touching her- even once- made me feel like a child- adamantly denying another a toy that belongs to me...
He let out a huff of breath.
Ahead of him was the gate to his division.
Past the gate he paused, eyes zeroing in on the light that shown from his office.
…
"Renji."
His lieutenant swung around and fumbled- near comically with his armful of scrolls. Some of the paperwork dropped and rolled on the floor despite the man's efforts to recover from his startled stumble.
"Taichou! Something happen?" The redhead questioned anxiously, holding tight to what was left of his light burden.
Grey eyes narrowed in suspicion, before Byakuya arched one brow coolly, "Something concerns you, Lieutenant?"
Renji shifted his weight a moment before his gaze dropped to the scattered scrolls. With a sigh he carefully placed what was left in his arms on the desk he stood behind and began to stoop for the wayward missives.
"I was just curious is all- as to why you're here so late." Renji offered his eyes darting up to his captain each time he lifted enough to shuffle forward only to reach again.
"I could say the same." Was the instant reply.
The lieutenant's shoulders slumped as he sighed again, standing to deposit the last of the paperwork with its fellows.
As he surveyed the pile he'd made with a grimace, Renji scratched at the back of his neck, "Aa… Well, just thought it might be helpful to get a leg-up on some of this paperwork… Save ya some trouble, Taichou."
Again Byakuya could not help but eye his Second-in-Command with wariness. "Do I seem troubled, Renji?"
Regret lit the other man's features as he looked at his captain. Suddenly the itch spread to the side of his head and his fingers dug hard into his hair as he hedged, "Ugh- no- it's not that. I just- think you- you deserve some time to yourself, ne?"