A Kiss for Shelter

by ArsinoetheXXVII

What if the courtesan was not the first to fall? One night is all it takes. And in Fate's hands a seed takes root. An honorable man will take responsibility and face the unexpected. Beyond passion, beyond possession and obligation he'll want for more, but find a soul unwilling to bow to him. Still with a little effort Byakuya might get what he'd forgotten he always wanted.

117. Chapter 117

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 296

AN: TY kindly for the follows and favs!

*Previously: Xochitl came up with a way to assure both Byakuya and herself could act as parents to their unborn child without provoking the Elders. However submitting to this plan would mean that they essentially had to pretend, going forward, there was nothing more than a professional relationship between them. Byakuya, backed into a corner, sent the Elders terms according to Xochitl's plans.

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A Kiss for Shelter

Fray

The Elders agreed, with stipulations, obviously. And to his further chagrin they sent a new "attendant" into his household.

The woman was noble, the daughter of one of the oldest branch's leaders.

It wasn't uncommon for a woman with pure blood to serve in the clan head's household. It was traditionally a sign of great favor for a young woman and the house in turn.

But Byakuya was not prone to naivety.

The woman was attractive, silky black hair, light eyes, and fair skin, peppered with pale freckles that added to her charm. And of course she was educated to perfection in all that was considered enviable for her standing.

In coming she served a dual-purpose. There was no doubt her pleasant blue-grey eyes observed everything.

Strange that though he was completely aware of what the Elders were scheming, he accepted the new woman's presence without argument.

It was as though he didn't care…

Even when she appeared to start serving the evening meal the protest died on his tongue, the momentary dimming of his eyes the only indication that he was discomfited by the arrangement.

He could say this much for her: she was not the simpering, demanding sort that might stir his agitation. Sushiko was too clever to send a woman who might be dismissed immediately because of her ability to try his patience.

While he forbid himself certain lines of thought, he was still too vigilant not to assess the attendant's character and mannerisms. He knew she might be considered worthy, a tribute to any noble house. But he viewed her in a rather detached way. He treated her politely enough, was not purposely cold or overly warm, but there was always a noticeable distance in his gaze when it passed over her.