Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 731
A Kiss for Shelter
… And Night I Think of You
With Takuma tired out by his exertions, the young woman slipped away for a bath, leaving her sleeping son to the watchful eye of Takeda-san.
Despite knowing her son was in good hands, Xochitl decided to make it a quick trip. So this is how she came to be sitting on the steps into the tub, only her ankles submerged as she used a wet cloth and a bucket to rinse the suds from her skin.
Beyond the shoji, masking his spiritual pressure, Byakuya hesitated no more than a few seconds.
She only had the warning flare of his reiatsu as notice before the door panel slid back and the lord of the manor stepped in.
Xochitl sucked in a breath, drawing the cloth in her hands over her breasts. She was turned just so that he could see the curved, naked line of her side from arm to hip as she looked at him over her shoulder.
He was sorely tempted to run a finger up her bare back, following her spine. Would she protest if he dug his hands into her wet hair?
Meanwhile Xochitl struggled for breath.
The man's hakama hung low on his hips, his kosode unfastened, and nothing beneath it to obscure the view of his beautiful chest and torso. The lustrous black locks of his hair hung about his face, his kenseiken put away.
Byakuya's mercury eyes looked dark as he stared unabashed at the woman only a few steps away.
When she saw his lips part she turned away blurting, "Don't say my name!" For some reason he heeded her and she sighed in relief. The heat burning throughout her body had nothing to do with the water- that now seemed cold in comparison.
She took an unsteady breath, keeping her regretful gaze turned aside, "You knew I was here…"
His eyes swept over each hint of bare flesh he could see, but said nothing- he knew she felt his appreciative perusal.
Shuddering at the feeling of his gaze, the woman closed her eyes, swallowing hard. Finally she said evenly, "Turn around." When she didn't hear any indication of movement she looked back over her shoulder to give him a pleading look.
His eyes simmered with emotion, narrowing as though he might refuse. Without a word he turned his back to her, staring at the nearest wall.
The sound of her rising from the water caused his throat to constrict. He could hear her wet footsteps as she tread to a bench where she dried herself and slipped on a simple yukata. Even the sound of the fabric whispering over her skin caused his stomach to clench in barely restrained longing.
He knew he shouldn't have stepped foot in the onsen while she was there. The yearning was just too strong.
And when her bare steps drew near (the little minx was without footwear yet again) he held his breath, unconsciously shutting his eyes. Her warmth was distinct when she slowly brushed by him.
He couldn't help himself, "Xo-,"
"No." She managed to cut him off, lingering on the edge of the porch outside, "I already want to just- I want-," She hissed in exasperation at herself. "But I can't… And if you say my name- honestly if you say anything then I will just lose every shred of restraint- damn the rules and all…" Her words were rushed and ended with clear frustration.
So his own thoughts were mirrored in her own mind, hmm? If he were a selfish man he might be contented by that. Should they not suffer equally?
But as he moved slightly to be able to watch her he saw her hand lift to settle between her breasts and knew she was in pain.
His brow furrowed minutely, a look of bereavement passing over his features for a heartbeat.
After a few moments she let her hand fall to her side in resignation however, and started down the steps and onto the path.
Byakuya felt his desire flagging to be replaced by a brief spark of anger. But an icy chill banked the fire and he stepped back to draw the shoji closed.
Time would assuage these emotions for him- for them. The thought was encouraging- if only for a moment.
Still the confrontation had been taxing.
The young captain rested his forehead against the closed doors, murmuring, "Xochitl."