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.

87. Chapter 87

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach

Word Count: 311

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A Kiss for Shelter

Temper Temper

"How could I possibly do so, Kuchiki-kun… when I am not certain of your intentions toward my dear Xochitl?"

"Arashi!" Xochitl protested.

But her voice barely rang in either man's ears at that point.

"You overstep your bounds," Byakuya's gaze was sharp, unforgiving, "You have neither the familial bonds nor the social standing to enforce such judgment."

"Ahhh, but I do have some legal foothold… I have been a silent patron for these past few years. My support might be considered toward paying her ransom." Arashi smiled, unruffled by the darkened gaze of the man before him.

Byakuya curled his hand around the hilt of Senbonzakura- not realizing until he felt the hum of his zanpaktou. The sword was in accord with him- desiring to be drawn. But before the flare of temper might manifest itself something astonishing happened.

It happened so fast, the captain was only left with the evidence of what had taken place to affirm.

The Ito heir stood cringing, a hand to his head. Next to him stood Xochitl, brandishing her silk slipper in further threat. The winter air meant nothing to her bare foot. In fact, if her lord had not insisted upon the footwear…

She looked intimidating to say the least as she stared at the man, her face flushed. "Are you out of your mind?"

Unwisely the young man muttered, "I could ask you the same."

Another smack resounded against the courtyard's walls. Arashi hissed in pain side-stepping to put distance between himself and the irate woman.

"Arashi Ito you don't care about legalities- ownership! Nor do you want me! What do you think you're doing coming here and pretending to be so honorable? Protecting me? No! I don't believe that for a moment you- selfish brat!"

The courtyard grew very silent then.

At this point, just beyond shock, Byakuya could process little but one tempting thought.

I wonder what she might do if given a sword…

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AN: I read somewhere that Japanese courtesans (Oirans- we will delve into this title in the future actually- I didn't use it for a reason) went barefoot- even in winter- as the naked foot was more sensual.