Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 674
AN: 2nd to last chapter! Woohoo! Eventually, I'll probably offer a few extras- things I wrote that didn't make the cut so to speak.
Thank you Kairi-senpai for the very kind review last chapter. A big thanks to all my reviewers, followers, and favoriters.
A Kiss for Shelter
Not a Castle-Kept Maiden
The Rukon streets were bustling with trade, clouds of icy breath drifting over the heads of the thoroughfare.
Takuma's head moved left to right, trying to take in every little detail, frowning in irritation from time to time at the fur of his collar that partially obscured his view.
Xochitl too wore heavier clothing, this winter being slightly colder than last. The emerald green yukata looked favorable against her sunny skin and dark hair. Byakuya would cast a discreet glance at her now and then, admiring the easy way in which she walked and smiled without hesitation.
He had to force himself not to scan farther than her ankles however, as tabi were absent on her sandal-clad feet. They'd briefly argued about this before they had left the manor, but Xochitl had ended the spat by challenging, "You are lucky I am wearing sandals."
Entirely too independent. He inwardly grumbled.
Still he was grateful that she didn't seem inclined to stray from his side as they walked the busy market. As they passed the storefronts and erected stalls they were both recognized. After offering the captain a reverent bow, many of the vendors would call pleasant greetings to Xochitl who would return them in kind. They were often halted altogether as those acquainted with the woman (and even some who were not) were eager to see the boy in her arms.
Admittedly, the favorable attention paid to Xochitl and his son especially stroked his ego, but Byakuya was still not quite comfortable with being surrounded by strangers. Often he kept one hand in his sash near the hilt of his zanpaktou and kept a protective stance just behind the former courtesan.
The crowds thinned as they traversed toward the edge of the district. Suddenly, Xochitl stopped and turned to her left to face a row of what seemed to abandoned stores and homes.
"Here!" She said with a satisfied sigh.
Standing to her left he scanned the row of buildings. Finally he paused on the structure before them. He was thoroughly unprepared for the boarded up building of wood. Xochitl had not hinted at what her 'surprise' might be so indeed he was quite confused. As Byakuya continued to go over the surroundings with a critical eye, determined to discover what the woman was so enthusiastic about, she chatted with their son.
"Maybe I'm optimistic, but perhaps six months and renovations can be planned… I already have some ideas."
Finally, Byakuya consciously admitted defeat and looked over at the pair, "Perhaps you could… explain."
Takuma, who was starting to look heavy-eyed, was offered and taken by his father.
Xochitl stepped towards the shabby structure before them with confidence. She turned to face them, with an animated smile, "My meetings… While you've been working- I have been discussing a… business venture with some friends." She spread her hands, "I have all these recipes- not only for teas, but lotions and perfumes, hair creams and some healing salves… Midoriko-san is willing to feature them in her shop and if all goes well…" She made a sweeping gesture behind her.
Understanding dawned on him and for a moment the captain was speechless. His fiancé (for lack of a better word) wished to take on this sort of endeavor- here of all places?
His disapproval must have shown on his face, however momentarily, because Xochitl's expression fell.
Damn… She's become entirely too good at reading me… Did she perhaps not propose this idea before because she had a feeling I would not approve? He shifted a fraction as the woman continued to stare at him, now with an unfathomable look.
His son was resting heavily against him now, his breaths starting to form a deeper rhythm. Xochitl noticed and drew a small blanket from the satchel at her side. She approached and with Byakuya's help they carefully swaddled the boy in the cloth.
As she smoothed her hand down her son's back Xochitl looked up at the noble and he met her gaze.
Without exchanging any words both began to tread side-by-side back down the street toward home.