Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 299
A Kiss for Shelter
Good Evening
He had already decided that his forgiveness might be won, providing she was sufficiently contrite. But the woman was far too preoccupied to consider groveling.
After a brief welcome, Xochitl had muttered something to herself and turned on her heel away from him. Staggered by the rather flippant response to his arrival home, Byakuya found himself shadowing her almost unconsciously.
Soon he was hovering on the threshold of the kitchens, a myriad of smells assaulting his nose and smoke and steam floating into his vision, making his glimpses hazy. Xochitl, with obvious familiarity, made her way about the kitchen; he could see her ghosting between the staff, her hands busy and her smile warm.
With veiled curiosity his eyes trailed her, until Takeda-san appeared before him and politely, yet insistently ushered him away from the door.
A couple hours passed in which the captain consciously distracted himself and he then found himself seated in the formal dining room across from none-other-than his lieutenant.
With a sheepish look, leg bouncing nervously the red head leaned forward to confess, "Sir, really, I didn't know you'd be here-,"
Byakuya's gaze cut to him so quickly Renji choked. There was a slight twitch to the noble's brow as he queried, "You assumed you'd be alone with my… ward?"
Renji waved his hands, coughing out, "No! No! Not what I meant! Xochitl-san invited me, but- I knew you'd be here- I just- just thought-,"
Byakuya's brow winged higher and Renji again found a lump forming in his throat that seemed impossible to swallow.
Forestalling any further awkwardness, the shoji slid back and Xochitl bowed from her kneeling position on the floor.
While Renji was relieved by her appearance, he couldn't help but feel the ominous cloud haloing around his captain's head reaching toward him.