Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 1153

A Kiss for Shelter

The Re-connect

"Will you allow me to answer your question now?" He asked softly, lips moving against the flesh of her neck as he spoke.

Her mind couldn't fully form the protests she knew she should be making. Instead she felt the greatest relief in his arms.

It's too hard. It's too hard to deny how much I want this.

Xochitl took a breath, but only managed to mutter, "Fine. Tell me."

"Rukia has asked for Kurosaki's hand in marriage. He has accepted."

Those were not the words the young woman had expected. She pulled back from his chest and he stood upright so that she might study his face.

Her lips parted in shock and then she flashed her teeth in a grin. A grin that quickly fell as she studied his face.

"Oh gods- you've killed him- haven't you? That's why you look so pleased!"

At the accusation his brow twitched before he fixed her with a cool gaze, "Woman, have you no faith in my self-control?"

She bit her lip considering him and he inhaled deeply.

Byakuya touched her chin and ran his thumb beneath her lip watching as she released it, "I've done nothing… uncalled for to Kurosaki… Incidentally, by agreeing, he has done something worthwhile… for the clan, my sister… And for us."

Xochitl looked dubious.

"It was Rukia who approached this strategy… However, I would not have consented had I not been sure of Kurosaki's loyalty…" The noble murmured more to himself than to the woman before him.

She shifted to get his attention, her gaze impatient.

The corner of his mouth quirked up.

"From what I surmise Rukia has negotiated a… trade of sorts. Sushiko-san would not confirm. But it stands to reason that the clan would greatly value an alliance with the resurging Shiba clan, given that the boy is an acclaimed hero… Sushiko-san admitted no wrong, yet proclaimed that the contract- forbidding our relationship was not in the best interests of our clan- that the restrictions made familial obligations seem unimportant. She was adamant that instilling the value of filial piety in the next generation must be enforced by both parents." He watched her carefully for a reaction.

Xochitl sucked in a slow breath, discovery alighting in her far-off gaze, "Rukia… offered them something she knew they would not scoff at in exchange for… Oh, that's…" She looked up swiftly then to meet his eyes, "She- does love him- doesn't she?"

A soft light made Byakuya's eyes glow a muted silver, "Aa… While I have been reluctant to acknowledge it- I've known perhaps before either realized." His gaze was direct as he assured, "It is no sacrifice for them."

The clan will certainly capitalize on the prestige afforded with associating the name of Kurosaki with our own. How clever of my younger sister to use their greed against them.

Rukia's motivation was crystal clear. The captain knew she had been thinking solely of him when first she had contemplated her scheme. But he also knew she wasn't so callous as to disregard her own feelings- or those of her partner. It happened faster than he would have liked (for all involved he imagined). Yet, he would not overlook Rukia's pragmatism or the fact that it was eventual. His younger sister was always meant for the Shiba heir.

Still a helpless moue of distaste pulled at his mouth- a reflexive response to thinking of giving his sibling over to the once troublesome ryoka.

When he looked down at Xochitl once more she was smiling as though she knew his thoughts. She gasped suddenly, eyes darkening in decision, "I must be sure." But even as she turned to rush away he snatched at her arm, whirling her around to face him once more.

Xochitl found herself with her back pressed against the wall, her noble holding her arm aloft above her head as their gazes locked.

"It can wait." He all, but growled.

He swallowed the breath she took to speak, pressing firmly against her, his lips sealed to her own. He fisted the fabric at her hip in his right hand as he kissed her thoroughly and she sighed wrapping one hand in his haori.

When he released her mouth it was only to draw back perhaps an inch and breathe his words against face gently, "I should never have let the Elders dictate my actions toward you. Nor should I have made that agreement with Lilith without consulting you. I've been impetuous in many ways… But I know what I want." He listened to her slightly labored breathing, slowly sliding his hand down her raised arm only to let it rest against the throbbing pulse in her neck, "Be with me. Be only mine."

She studied his face, licking and biting at her bottom lip in characteristic anxiety. "Yours," She finally whispered, "You forget I already belong to you…" Her eyes fell shut a moment. When she opened her eyes and shook her head he thought his heart had ceased to beat. "Paying my ransom made it so…But despite that, while I would never- ever- admit to being this type of woman- or want to be this type-" Her eyes were dark, her cheeks flushed, "I'm pretty well- addicted- to being with you."

The girl looked embarrassed by the confession, but the truth is often awkward.

Byakuya considered her silently. His eyes sparkled mischievously for a moment before the slate depths veiled his thoughts. He gave a firm nod, "Good."

Any talk of heirs or succession would likely be another battle- but for now the troublesome contract's cancellation was victory enough.

Suddenly he wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her up so that their faces were level. She did not shy from him when he slanted his lips against hers.

"Come to my rooms." He murmured between kisses.

Arms settled around his neck, Xochitl drew back to smile, "Ren will be waking from his nap soon. I'll fetch him."

For a moment he seemed to hesitate, but he gave an austere nod, slowly placing her on her feet, "Mm. We will take tea together."

"Yes." She replied an almost childish excitement in her voice and eyes. Her renewed happiness radiated from her like rays of sunlight and he felt the urge to return the warm smile she cast on him.

Admittedly as she slipped out of his hold and he watched the unconscious sway of her hips as she moved away, he was disappointed that she had not accepted his invitation solely on her own behalf. It was a selfish thought, but holding her body against his, her shapely curves stirred his most base desires. He closed his eyes for a breath to clear his mind. There would be time enough to re-discover the dancer's supple assets…

Now was the time to consider the hopeful future- to define themselves as a family.

AN: Well that was a breeze- huh? Look at Rukia saving the day!

Thoughts: Does it seem odd that Byakuya would let Rukia be his champion in the struggle against the Elders? My thought is that since he already made Rukia heir (before he considered ever considered it possible to have his own child) that he wouldn't contest her decision of marriage- even if it was at first to allow him to have what he wanted. Byakuya would have to show his support or discredit his decision of making her heir in the first place. Plus- don't you think big bro would want his sister happy- it's essentially killing two birds w/ one stone… Not to say that Byakuya wouldn't have interrogated his sister thoroughly to be sure… Which I could have added but chose not to… And there's no question that Bya would have changed upon becoming a child- so I think he'd let his little sister save him in this instance for his new family's sake.