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.

140. Chapter 140

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 337

AN: Some Ichiruki this chapter. Soon enough the brief convo will make sense. And the title gives a good deal away.

Yet again, I'm much obliged all!

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A Kiss for Shelter

Heir and Heiress

She hid her bright blush in his clothed side, as immediately after barreling into him, she felt silly. But his summertime smell eased her just enough for her to raise her head after a few moments.

He forgot about teasing her as he stared into the lapis lazuli pools alight with an expression he wasn't quite familiar with.

When she stiffened and drew back his brow quirked up in question.

"Ichigo… We should- talk." She said, avoiding his eyes now.

His frown morphed into a scowl.

She didn't protest when he led her to a small alcove where sunlight streamed in on a small reflecting pool riddled with floating lotuses. Like the garden-courtyard it was another of the Fourth's efforts to offer solace to the visiting and suffering alike.

Rukia perched on the edge of the stone lip of the pool, her small hands curling around the cool rock on either side of her.

Ichigo stood to her right quietly. He glanced at her finally, hands tightening in his sash about his waist, "What's there to talk about, Rukia?"

She answered instantly, "What we talked of before…"

He said nothing only staring at her as she in turn stared at the floor. Of course he knew what she was talking about. Yet…

"Yeah well, again, what's there to talk about?"

She flashed him a glare, but looked down quickly.

"Okay… This isn't how I wanted it. It's kinda a pain… I mean- just how it came about… But still…" His brow was furrowed and he combed a hand through his hair. Finally with a sigh he dropped next to her, leaving no space between them.

"But regardless- in the end- it'll be just how it should be…" A smile tugged at his lips as he nudged her, "You like to think you strong-armed me into it- but really, Rukia… I want this ending- or ugh- beginning I guess."

She opened her mouth to speak then, but his hand closed around hers and she simply leaned into him.