Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 484
A Kiss for Shelter
Pushover
Finally Arashi lifted his hands in surrender with a smile, "Okay… so perhaps my intentions are not so altruistic… My father has been hinting- demanding rather- a legacy… But truly Xochitl- how could I leave you in the hands of a man I do not know? Most of my class would think nothing of casting you aside- hiding you- or worse- forcing your hand… You may not believe it but I have thought fondly of you these years."
At this point Xochitl had dropped her "weapon" and toed into. She cocked her head at him, admonishing gently now, "Arashi, you've misjudged the situation. And while I understand the pressure you might have felt, did you really need to go so far?"
He chuckled shaking his head slowly, "Well…Perhaps I've been hasty… And to dole out your ransom would be unfair- I am a gypsy of love- I can't be tied down."
There were a few heartbeats of hesitation as Arashi watched curiously as the woman went to stand at the elder noble's side. He stole a glance at the silent captain's face and noted the smallest softening to the man's intense gaze as Xochitl brushed against him.
The momentary flash of understanding was followed by a feeling of loss. He swiftly buried this under a crooked smile, "As for furthering the Ito line, well… I suppose I will just have to keep trying! But, I've caused you trouble… For that I apologize." He sketched a European-fashioned bow.
Xochitl placed her hand lightly atop Byakuya's on the sword hilt, "Then you will withdraw the claim you've placed with my mistress?"
Again the man found his gaze alighting on the other man, gauging his reaction to Xochitl taking charge. Soon he smiled fully and gave a nod, "I will."
"Then I will see you to the gate." Xochitl stepped forward. But there was a hand suddenly enclosing hers and she was gently tugged back.
She was not the only one startled by the action. Byakuya looked over her head to the look of shock gracing the Ito heir's face.
"I will escort you, Ito-san." The captain said evenly, ignoring Xochitl's expression.
A second passed and she bowed her head. She bobbed her head in Arashi's direction, but offered no parting but a light smile. She showed the slightest reluctance when untangling her hand from the other man's and this did not escape his notice.
Ito Arashi chuckled and turned his back as she departed.
His fears of her siding with the other man allayed, Byakuya took a breath and turned as well. Soon he was striding at the other noble's side toward the gate.
"You do realize what you've gotten yourself into with that woman, don't you?" A blonde brow lifted playfully.
Byakuya was quiet a moment before admitting, "I'm beginning to."
The brow rose further, "And you're okay…?"
The Kuchiki Head cast a cool glance at the man, "Very."
AN: Ahhh, see? This bump in the road was more like a pebble. But that's not the end of outside interference… In fact as the truth spreads the couple will face both encouragement and opposition.