Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 388
A Kiss for Shelter
Gloves
"I was rather surprised at you today, Xochitl." He said. She was fitted against him warmly, his every word a slight vibration in her back.
"Oh?" She licked her lips.
"You were quite stern with that man." His breath tingled on her neck.
Her answer seemed rehearsed, as though the words were not her own, "Some men need a firm hand."
"Mmm… Is that so?" He purred at her, his hands rhythmically sliding up and down her clothed thighs.
The residual effect of watching her reprimand the upstart noble was taking its toll. Seeing her scold the man had been the highlight of his day… But as it was night now…
"I fear you have a negative impression of me now…" She confessed, worrying her lip with her teeth.
His lips briefly alighted on her neck, "On the contrary…"
She had taken his side- perhaps she had not declared for him in obvious terms, but she had not shied from taking a stand against the other man (which in his mind made him the winner).
Xochitl's eyes were closed when she felt the young lord take her hands. Her eyes opened only to watch speechlessly as a pair of cream-colored gloves was fitted onto her hand.
"They may be snug, they were Rukia's," He told her as he carefully tugged them down, "But I will have ones specially made for you soon."
She stared at the soft kid skin encasing her hands, flexing her fingers slowly. Resting her head back against his collar she released a breath.
He's being so kind… even though I keep inviting trouble…
An expression of worry crossed Byakuya's features as the woman kept silent. He encircled her right wrist with his hand and slowly slid it up until he reached her palm where he massaged gently with his thumb.
"Your hands were cold today." He explained quietly.
He stilled as her hand closed around his thumb, "Thank you."
"Mm." He hummed in response. She brought his hand to her belly then where he could feel the playful pattern of the baby's kicks.
As delighted as he was by his child's liveliness, he was momentarily distracted by a bothersome trace of frustration due to the last words Arashi Ito had offered:
"I shall take my leave… But, Kuchiki, Byakuya, I only surrendered to Xo…"
AN: Next couple chapters: Brief interlude- medical update, new canon characters, dinner- all before conflict strikes again as the news spreads.