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.

144. Chapter 144

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 234

---

A Kiss for Shelter

Day

One day when there was sun and very little breeze, a day one might almost consider hot, the pleasant weather brought the whole manor outside. The maids aired linens and washed the stoneware in tubs of water warmed by the sun. The stewards opened the shoji and swept the rooms, arranging furniture as they went- storing away the last of the winter items to be used the following year.

And mother and son spent the day in one of the many gardens, soaking up the golden rays and enjoying the natural beauty of the grounds.

Xochitl put Takuma on a blanket on his belly and then sat a few spaces away to read. Takuma, already holding his head up well, would crane his neck to observe his surroundings, before he would focus on wriggling around to get into a better position. Out of the corner of her eye Xochitl would watch- the boy was infinitely close to rolling over.

She smiled.

But there was a twinge in her heart. Every moment her little one brought her joy- she couldn't help but ache for the boy's father. They should be sharing these moments…

Takuma let out a frustrated huff and mewl as he flopped back on his tummy.

"Keep at it, Ren," She encouraged gently, running a hand down his back, "Wouldn't it be nice to show your father how you've progressed? Come- try again."