Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 562
AN: Fluff… Fluff that will undoubtedly progress in coming chapters.
A Kiss for Shelter
Spiced Air
His chest rose and fell in a faithful rhythm she felt against her back. He kept his hold on her hand as the other stroked down her clothed stomach. He spoke softly near her ear and she tried not to shiver, "I take no offense to your liberties here. Your… happiness, pleases me."
While he had stretched the truth to a degree, he was not intentionally being deceitful. It was hard for him not to feel affronted by her independence at times, but he soon enough found he could not maintain his indignation.
She shifted and her pleased murmur spread warmth into his chest.
Byakuya could not say if it was the pleasant way she snuggled into him or the way she seemed to tease his palm with her fingers, but he felt wholly unburdened.
He smiled briefly against her neck as he chided, "Though perhaps you might leave the cooking to the staff? You were sincere about your culinary skills."
A sound of shock passed her lips before he felt her elbow poke at his abs.
She clicked her tongue, but he could hear the smile in her voice, "I simply require some practice."
He cleared his throat to disguise a chuckle as his thoughts drifted to his lieutenant's red and sweating face throughout dinner.
The way Xochitl had so earnestly been concerned as Renji's voice grew hoarse even as he tried to assure her he enjoyed her… meal- had been endearing. But ultimately the whole scene had been more amusing than anything as tears helplessly poured from Renji's eyes and Xochitl attempted to ply him with flatbread and coconut water.
Byakuya had endured the hot spices with natural aplomb, though he had reached for his cup of water more often (whether this was to soothe his own senses or to hide his laughter…).
"Thank you."
Xochitl startled slightly at the words breathed warmly against her skin. Abruptly she squirmed in his hold to turn to face him with a questioning expression.
As he ran his hand down her jaw, there was no disguising the fondness in his eyes even as his face held to its austere dimensions, "You are trying… and I'm more than appreciative for each concession."
Her lips parted, but she could think of nothing to say and it was just as well as his mouth descended upon hers.
It was a sweet, searching kind of kiss, but soon evolved as Byakuya felt her respond. Her hand pressed against his cheek, her lips sliding against his languidly. His tongue caught hers. He felt the softness of her breasts through the thin layers between them. Her nails tickled as they drew down his neck to pause beneath his yukata, hand splayed over where his heart thudded.
But she pushed lightly and he reluctantly pulled back from the tempting caress of her lips.
Despite how inviting she looked, her eyes heady brown-cinnamon, her cheeks dusted pink, the pressure of her hand dissuaded him from proving how hot his passion burned.
To keep her from seeing the disappointment in his eyes he tilted his head slightly to place a kiss on her forehead.
When she released a breath that sounded just a bit forlorn, he smirked realizing her modesty even burdened her at times.
He counseled himself in patience… and tried to think of the freezing pond water beyond the walls.