Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 484
AN: Just a couple fun chapters. I haven't been in a very creative mood lately- but hopefully inspiration will alight once again. Hope you like!
A Kiss for Shelter
Smooth
Subtlety Byakuya had in spades. Suave, cool, collected, those were the words that came to mind when considering the enigma that was the Sixth Division's Captain.
His polished air gave him an unmistakable charm. It was no secret that he tended to inspire feelings of giddiness in women and men alike when simply gliding by.
For Xochitl, who was not easily impressed by gallantry or physical beauty, the master of the house was often frustratingly forward.
While everyone else awed over the man's unshakable demeanor she was astounded by the way he got away with his untamed advances.
His pewter eyes were expressive when one knew him well enough. So frequently now she could not stare into those metallic pools without blushing hotly.
Yet he never got caught.
When he stole a kiss, when he stood close and let his hand wander, when he gave her those devilish, hungry looks… He was always looking bland and uninterested as soon as anyone else looked his way.
"How is that fair, Layla?" She asked, arms settled lightly across her belly as she paced slowly, slippers crunching softly on the pebbled garden path blanketed in light snow.
The canine cocked her head at the woman, trotting a few steps behind.
Xochitl glanced at her companion and shook her head, shrugging her shawl back up her shoulders, "It isn't really. If I, a woman- and common naturally, were to be so bold why I'd be discovered and none would look at me the same!"
When she realized the dog had stopped, she paused and swung around, declaring "It's an awful double-standard!"
Her mouth pulled into a frown then as she noticed Layla's gaping jaw and lolling tongue, tail whipping back and forth excitedly.
Realization came too late and Xochitl only managed to turn back half way before hands were settled on her hips and she was forced to face forward again.
Her lip was in the grip of her teeth as a man's chest pressed into her back and one hand tickled through her hair along her neck pushing it back.
"An awful double-standard… hmm?" He purred, hand squeezing provocatively at her hip.
She could barely whisper a response, but bit out, "You're so… cheeky…"
His lips ghosted beneath her ear and his huff of a breath was surely accompanied by a smirk. She sucked in a breath.
"I have never been accused of such." His velvety voice breezed near her collar.
"I am accusing you now." She rejoined.
He let out a sound that rang suspiciously like a chuckle. Xochitl clicked her tongue and fully turned, but her expression of exasperation morphed into disbelief and then chagrin.
Takeda-san was approaching from the main house.
As for her impetuous noble, she could just see the hem of his haori disappearing around the fir tree at the path's bend.
"How does he do that?"
Layla gave a playful growl.