Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 432
AN: This update totally alludes to how appealing the idea of ByaRen is… haha
A Kiss for Shelter
Two-Way Street
Trust was essential for a man of battle- he had to trust his comrades, his superiors, and his own judgement.
Byakuya- almost without thought- trusted Xochitl.
He trusted her in his home (he didn't so much mind her helping in the kitchen as long as she wasn't preparing a full meal).
He trusted her to keep her appointments (though he greatly wished he himself could attend each with her).
And he trusted that she was taking care of herself and thus his child (to be sure he often snuck more food into her bowl when she wasn't looking).
However, in the back of his mind was that nagging suspicion that she was a magnet for trouble (or perhaps just awkward situations).
He was never more certain of this than when he happened upon her encountering another.
The fact that Arashi Ito had somehow made it past his gates (he thought he had given the guards specific instructions) was further proof of the woman's uncanny ability to draw mischief (and unsavory characters).
He stealthily trailed them, listening as they walked the porch.
"That captain of yours is quite the beauty… A very tantalizing temptation… A challenge."
She laughed, "Your charm would be wasted I'm afraid. He is surrounded by handsome men on a daily basis and it does not seem he has succumbed to any hidden attractions… Though… I admit… He's close with his lieutenant… They might look cute together." Despite the musing look on her face, there was color in her cheeks as she bit at her finger tip.
Byakuya's feet felt like stone, suddenly anchored to the floor.
What in the Hollow were these two going on about?
"I must make a note to see this lieutenant." Arashi commented with a provocative smirk.
Xochitl stopped short then, one arm beneath her stomach.
"Oh Arashi," She sighed, "Must you make trouble? It's probably not prudent that you are here in the first place."
Cloaked in the shadows Byakuya found himself agreeing with a nod.
"Nonsense, Xo-chan!" Arashi insisted stepping in front of her. At his angle, the captain could just see the man's face.
The blonde pouted a little as he stooped to face Xochitl's burgeoning belly, "I'm just checking in! Making sure you and the little one are okay!" He reached his hand out then, "Right? You're going to be so lovely- what with your handsome papa and pretty mama-,"
Just as he was about to wrangle the bold interloper, Byakuya heard the satisfying sound of flesh hitting flesh, Arashi's yelp- double yelp, and a loud thud.
"The hell was that?"
AN: In honor of my 100th update for this fiction- next chapter: Bow-Chicka-Wow-Wow! And hella long…