More of the most recent edited stuff.. No I was and am not doing them in any sort of order. But hey enjoy the improvements. Tito Kubo owns Bleach, he has all the power over this world, not me or there would be more sex after sword fights.
"Impudence and Obedience"
Byakuya stood in the training yard assessing the skills of the sixth division as Renji put its members through their patterns. Training had been escalated since the betrayal of Aizen. It was a merciless schedule but, they were facing a ruthless enemy. As he walked between the ranks of his division he noted those that needed correction. Slightly nodding his head, one of the seated officers would intervene. The methods of training would change, and the trainee would be faced with an unrelenting partner. Some would consider these methods harsh, but war by its very nature was barbarous.
A movement out of the corner of his eye caught the captains' attention. Yarinju unexpectedly stood at the rear of the training field. The Akarui appeared in a place that had been vacant moments ago. Byakuya noted that he was wearing a formal Kimono of red and gold with embroidered hawks on it. Once the grey eyes captured Byakuyas attention he disappeared again. The implication was clear he sought an audience with the captain. Without a word the Byakuya turned and headed to his study assuming that is where the man would be.
The discussion on noblewoman was long overdue but the Akarui had been busy with Rayna's care. Before Yarinju had completely recovered from his injuries he had taken charge of the noblewoman. The forceful man had rejected all assistance were she was concerned and had not left her side these past six days. Seeing to her every need, he even administered any healing Kido.
As best Byakuya could tell, the drug that he had initially given the noblewoman had been used to keep her sedated until her body could fully recover. Normally her wounds would have been cured instantly, but unfortunately Rayna was still very weak. That meant she could not control the power needed to instantly purge her system of the poison that had damaged her body. The wounds that were caused had to be repaired in stages as her Reiatsu purified itself. Healing Kido was a useful tool not a painless one, hence the use of the drugs.
Almost eager to see how Rayna faired the stoic captain headed for his Manor. Cool air welcomed him when he stepped inside his study. It was a refreshing contrast to the heat of midday. Yarinju stood near his desk waiting for him. Byakuya made his way in and stood facing the Akarui. "Has Lady Hirosasuke recovered?" he asked making his way further into the room and sitting behind his large desk.
"Mostly, but that is not why I am here," Yarinju said looking down at Byakuya. "Captain, I came to discuss Lady Rayna's future. I plan to seek asylum for her in the one place that I know for certain she will be safe," he said coming directly to his point. Raking a frustrated hand through his blond hair he assessed Byakuya with steady grey eyes. The look that came across his face was one that could not be interpreted. "The reason I came is because I have no choice but to leave the ladies care to you."
Byakuya was offended, Yarinjus tone made it sound as if he was a lower ranking Shinigami. "If it is a question of my ability then I should remind you I am Lord of my clan and a formidable captain of considerable power."
Recognizing the bristle of Byakuya's pride Yarinju carefully warned, "Captain, choose your words carefully, I am not here to insult your pride." There was no hint of malice or anger in his voice as he continued, "your reputation is well earned and your power is unmistakable. I will not consider matters of honor if anything happens to the lady. I will kill all those that cause her harm." The threat was delivered as fact.
Yarnjus manner was cool as he continued to explain. "I was once a captain of the third division. That is the minimum level for admittance as an Akarui. My commission started over three hundred years ago with the Lady Raynas mother. My allegiance is to that great lady and by order, to her daughter. I am not subject to the laws of Gotei 13 and owe no loyalty to it."
Curious, Byakuya continued to study the man. There was no mention of Yarinju Saenon in the Seireitei records, but then, Akarui were fables up until now. Ginrei had told him that some Kings Elite Guard had achieved levels that were equivalent to the head captain. They possessed mastery of all Kido as well as flawless use of their Zanpakato. Legends held if one ever saw even the hilt of their Zanpakato then the death had already come. The stoic captain had long ago noted that Yarinju had not openly displayed his. Deciding it was best to head the older man's words he conceded. "I am ordered to protect the lady and I will do so using all of my ability," he replied.
Yarinju nodded and continued with what he had come to say. "I will be gone for several days, and there are things that you need to be aware of. I have kept Rayna well sedated, but her healing is complete so by this evening she will conscious. It is the Ladies tendency to seek nature for solace. I tell you this because it is best to be prepared. I assume you have felt the connection between the two of you." A white eyebrow raised in question.
Byakuya did feel a strange link to her Reiatsu. It told him exactly where she was, and if he plucked at the invisible golden cord he could almost feel the sensation of her presence. "It will make Lady Hirosasuke easier to safeguard," he replied, feeling he shouldn't be surprised by the man's knowledge but somehow was.
"You would think," Yarinju said sarcastically. "Shunpo is one of the few Shinigami skills Lady Rayna found useful. Her mastery of it is unparalleled. Remember she has an almost limitless supply of pure power to call upon. Preparation is your best tool, trying to pursue her will only drive her to foolishness."
The perceptive captain had already surmised that Rayna was somewhat untamed. That very nature had annoyed him on many occasions. It had also intrigued and confounded him. Byakuya had quickly learned that confronting the lady directly would be met with defiance.
"Also," Yarinju still continued. "The Lady has a belief that she has been stripped of name and title. Nothing could be further from the truth. The bloodline that she carries puts her class above your own. This means that all in her presence should respect that rank, including your lieutenant. I cannot ignore any more incidences of disrespect."
"Regarding Lady Raynas past," the Akarui went on. "It is not your place to reveal any truths to the Lady. The secrecy regarding her past is a binding order. If the lady chooses to divulge secrets to you, that is the past as she knows it." His tone was almost stern, "Lady Hiran herself was the one that altered that memory. It will be punishable by treason if you reveal anything else to her. For her the truth is dangerous."
Byakuya was almost shocked at how much he was learning about the Lady that resided in his house. "I am not aware of any truths beyond what I am told and my knowledge is limited where the lady is concerned." Byakuya replied not letting any of his surprise show in his voice.
"I apologize Captain, there is much I am just not permitted to reveal. I will tell you this, Raynas blood trait is rare even amongst the Kings descendants. The ability to heal the very soul of other beings is a skill few others posses. Besides the King himself, many are not capable of carrying such pure Reiatsu. I can tell Lady Hiran had great ability, her daughter far surpasses that. Unfortunately those that lust for power continually hunt their kind."
"Why does the Lady not reside at court?" Byakuya asked.
"Lady Hiran was banished from court for the love of Lord Hirosasuke. That banishment applies to any of her children. It is my intent to appeal to that decision. I am not certain they are aware of Lady Rayna's ability. I intend to seek audience with Lady Hiran's mother. Only she can go before the King."
Yarinju had a sincere look on his face. "Captain Kuchiki I believe you are one of the few who can protect my charge. Lady Rayna will not make it easy for you, but losing one such as her to death or Aizen would affect the balance. I would not ask if I did not have faith in your ability."
Byakuya simply nodded at the compliment. It gave more credence to the threat of death should he allow any harm to come to Rayna. The Akarui would not offer such courtesy or threat lightly.
Yarinjus look turned thoughtful as he folded his hands inside his sleeves. "Captain, some final instruction, the lady carries a ribbon with a crest on it and a pendant. Those are trinkets for her protection never separate her form them." Byakuya was aware of the ribbon but not the pendant. Now he wondered what they were and how they protected Rayna. The expression on his face changed to ominous as he ordered, "under no circumstances is Rayna allowed to have contact with her family. That is a direct order from Lady Hiran. I believe she correctly suspected a traitor in her house." The spiritual pressure in the room rose as he continued. "The proof of that suspicion was confirmed when I found her dead mere hours after leaving her to collect Lady Rayna from prison."
The tragedy of the Hirosasuke family was known to many. The rumor at the time was that Lady Hirosasuke died of a broken heart after her husband was killed in a battle against the Hollows. At the time it was announced they were succeeded by two sons, there was no mention of a daughter. Rayna must have been a well kept secret. The new information changed that story completely. There were yet more questions now. Why was Rayna placed in prison?
As dark as his manner had turned, Yarinjus tone held sorrow as he continued. "My lady knew," he paused looking at Byakuya heavy emotion written on his face. "She knew that it was either her or Rayna and she chose her daughter. As you must obey your orders, I must obey mine," again he paused almost overcome. "Ordering me to protect her child was a death sentence for Lady Hiran. I tell you this so that you can understand the price that was paid and that I expect the same from you."
The study was so heavy with unreleased spiritual pressure no one but a captain could have stood it. "There will come a day when Rayna can openly declare who and what she is but until that day comes her secret must be kept."
Yarinju paused and a strange look crossed his face. "The hunters are getting closer, be vigilant Captain Kuchiki." Yarinju had finished what he had to say and turned to leave.
Byakuya asked to his back. "The Kuchiki clan kills such traitors to retain the honor of the family. Is the Hirosasuke family different?"
The blond man stopped and looked over his shoulder a murderous glare sparked in his eyes. "I have no proof only motive. What I said earlier is truth. I carry the Kings authority to execute. When I can offer more than supposition, my blade will sing with the traitors' blood." Yarinju left leaving Byakuya much to contemplate.
Rayna flash stepped her way through the soul society, reveling in the exercise and the night air. The Kuchiki estate felt like an ornamented prison that she needed to escape, so she left it without a backwards glance. Unsettled by recent events, she searched for the perfect spot to truly rest and be alone.
When she came across a large winding oak tree, she took up the offer of haven. Its twisting branches reached high, wide, and were a solitary temple of peace. Finding a sturdy thick branch that offered a view of the sparkling sky, she settled in. The cool night air was fragrant with fall scents and the soft trickle of water could be heard off in the distance. Taking a deep breath, she rested her head on the strong torso of the tree and let her mind roam.
Earlier in the day, the afternoon sun's brilliance welcomed her back to the world. Blinking herself awake her vision slowly focused. Unfamiliar surroundings alarmed her and she sat up in an overly large futon, trying to figure out exactly where she was. Finding Rukia sitting next to her on a mat, settled the alarm bells. "Nii-sama thought the this room would be better," she offered by way of explanation before offering Rayna a cool glass of water.
Still weak from days of immobility she reached for the water. Rukia gently placed the glass in her hand. Curving her fingers around Rayna's shaky ones, she waited until they steadied before she let go. "There is plenty of food if you're hungry, and a private bathroom when ever your strong enough." Concerned purple eyes blinked at clearing hazel ones.
"That sounds marvelous," Rayna said after she had downed the contents of the glass. While she assessed the wounds and body aches, she took in her new surroundings. The rooms she had been given were a testimony to simple elagence. Even though the furniture was sparce, it was opulent and obviously handed down through generations. The bed chamber was much larger than the one she had been given before, and the added feature of a private bath would be appreciated. But, the most glorious part of the room was the large open doors that led to a beautiful garden highlighted by golden rays of the setting sun.
Surprised by the generosity of her new home, Rayna turned wide eyes to Rukia. "Yarinju told Nii-sama you liked to watch the sun set. So, he chose a room facing the west gardens," she explained with a slight grin.
"I will have to thank Lord Kuchiki," Rayna said as she pulled back the covers and stood up testing out her legs. Feeling better than she expected, the redhead made her way to a small table laden with food. Hours later when the drugs she had been given finally wore off, she felt closer to her normal self. Bathed, and fed, she dressed herself in a clean cotton button down dress with short sleeves. The fitted dress hugged her curves and stretched down to her ankles. Underneath she wore a soft full skirt for added warmth. Silently she thanked Yarinju for retrieving her things as she finished off the outfit with a pair of comfortable velvet slippers. By the time she started combing and taming her overly long hair, she felt most of her strength had returned.
Soon restlessness started to plague her. It felt as if she had been unconscious for years instead of days and her spirit needed to be free of worry and anxiety. Nature offered the relief she desperately wanted. The view in her room did little to abate the longing, and even seemed to be tempting her. Outside, the night invited with a star filled playground. Taking advantage of one of Rukia's short absences, she disappeared into velvety darkness.
Feeling slightly guilty for abandoning her friend, Rayna stretched out her legs in front of her on the overly large branch. Hoping Rukia would understand, her thoughts turned to her constant older companion. For a moment when she had awoken she questioned his absence but then she vaguely remembered him waking her earlier in the day. Yarinju had forced her to conciousness this morning to tell her that he would be leaving her in the care of Captain Kuchiki for several days. Clever man, she thought. If she had been any less sedated she would have followed him in whatever his endeavors were. The blond companion had also made her promise to head the captain's orders. Reluctantly she agreed she would try. But, only because she wanted to go back to sleep, and he would not let her until she gave her word.
Rayna had also asked about the wound he sustained but he remained quiet about it. Before she closed her eyes again she reached out and touched his hand filling him with Reiatsu. A brilliant loving smile was her reward, and she was reassured.
Sadness entered her. So many people placed themselves in danger for her. Even when they helped her they had to fight against her. Shaditsukaya could rarely communicate with her because she had to keep such tight control over her Reiatsu. It was uncomfortable for both of them at times, but she could sense her voice at those times when she lost control over her spiritual pressure. The Zanpakato had invaded her thoughts the night the captain had controlled portions of her Reiatsu. The Qirin stayed with her in dreams. That was how she learned of Yarinju's injuries. There were other images but Rayna was too drugged to fully understand them.
Without wanting them to, Rayna's thoughts turned to powerful captain that had allowed her the comfort of communicating with her Zanpakuto. Even though she slept most of the time Byakuya was with her, she was very aware of his presence. She knew it was him that had carried her through the Senkaimon, and was even aware he had been the one to gently lay her on the futon once back in the soul society. When he left and never came back the read head missed his presence.
Despite being sedated, memoires of being held by him were vivid. The touch of his skin and the sound of his rushing breath haunted her with ghost sensation whenever she thought of it. His soft kiss had left a permanent impression on her forehead. Rubbing at the imagination, she closed her eyes. A sharp clear image of violet irises met her. Sighing heavily, she wondered at her conflicting feelings. The captain was distant, prideful, abrasive, and hard to deal with. Every time she was around him she felt at odds with the noble. That did not stop her from losing herself in the feelings he had awakened.
A familiar Reiatsu approaching intruded into her thoughts and for reasons she could not fathom her heart started to beat faster, and blood rushed to her face. The man himself was coming toward her. Rayna remained quit trying to think of a way to stifle her feelings and keep the heat from her cheeks. For a split second she considered running away but she had a feeling he would only pursue her.
"I assume you are completely healed," Byakuya questioned without asking as he came to a stop underneath the enormous tree.
"Yes," Rayna lied. There was a lingering ache and soreness that would take more time to heal, but she didn't want to be confined. Afraid that Byakuya would see the thoughts written on her face, she chose to stay on her perch in the tree.
"I assume your accommodations are suitable," Byakuya questioned.
"Yes, thank you, Captain Kuchiki." Rayna answered simply, feeling as if her personal space had been invaded.
A short silence lapsed before Byakuya explained,"Yarinju Saenon will be gone for some days. I am to see to your safety until his return."
"I have been told," Rayna said.
"Then it is best that you return." Byakuya quietly ordered, wondering at her strange tone. Every time he encountered Rayna he found a new facet of her personality. Tonight she seemed distant and distracted.
"I am fine here," Rayna offered. The beautiful night welcomed her and she wanted to be left alone to enjoy it.
"While you are under my protection, you should confine yourself to my estate," Byakuya ordered more staunchly.
"So being under your care means imprisonment?" Rayna confronted him, feeling irked by his presence.
"You are not a prisoner," Byakuya said simply.
"Then we agree on something," Rayna conceded, trying hard to ignore the timultouis feelings that were stirring. Caught somewhere between attraction, confusing, and denial, her anger began to spark for reasons she could not explain. "Your house is not the jail that will keep me," she warned.
"My home is not a jail, nor will it be addressed as such. I allow you the comforts and generosity of nobility." Byakuya corrected without letting his annoyance show in his tone.
"And, I let you think you have the ability to allow me anything. I have little use for nobility and even less use for arrogant captains." Rayna said as her annoyance started to grow.
"It is foolish impudence to display such disrespectful behavior. It seems you have forgotten your manners," Byakuya admonished.
"And, you have forgotten that street trash has no use for such things," Rayna cut in. Anger was boiling up to the surface. "I will return when I am ready," she said trying to end any further conversation, hoping he would take the hint and leave her alone.
"I will not be disregarded so easily," Byakuya informed her in his usual monotone.
"No one can disregard you easily. Especially when your intruding," Rayna countered.
"Why do you seek to defy my orders?" Byakuya asked trying to understand her mood and why she was more defiant than usual.
"The same reason you are so intent on forcing them. It is part of my nature." Rayna answered almost truthfully.
"It is part of your nature to be selfish and ungrateful," he said trying to appeal to her honor. For an instant he was met with silence, then there was a rustle of fabric just before Rayna landed on the ground in front of him. Stumbling she stepped sideways to try and steady herself. Silently he watched her struggle with obvious pain. The noble woman had lied she was not completely recovered. Byakuya involuntarily reached out a hand to steady her, but she snatched away from him as if insulted by the gesture.
The moon had risen and her fair skin glowed with its light. The soft green dress hugged her curves exquisitely and untamed hair added to the moonlit visage. For an instant Byakuya questioned how he could not have seen something so beautiful earlier. Then his attention was captured by the look on her face, he had provoked the noblewoman. Yellow eyes flashed sparks of anger at him, and Rayna was about to unleash her temper.
Finally regaining her composure Rayna stepped away from the tree and faced the captain. It was hard not to notice how devastatingly attractive he was in his uniform and Haori, despite the disdainful look he wore. Again, her heart started racing, which only caused her temper to spiral out of control. "Selfish and ungrateful is it? That is far better than being blinded by pride. You are so bound to your duty that you have exposed your house to a threat you are to foolish to fully comprehend."
The final insult incited Byakuya's anger even though it did not reflect in his voice. "If you wish to insult my honor and disrespect my generosity then the 6th division prison might prove more suitable," he threatened. "Do you know who you are talking to?"
"I know exactly who you are, but title and rank will not be enough to save you. Do you even know what I am and how perilous it is being in my presence?" Rayna said taking a step back. Prison was not a pleasant thought even if she could easily escape.
"Perhaps it is because you act like a petulant child who foolishly seeks the danger of solitude, unarmed and unprotected," Byakuya answered maneuvering so he could look down at her.
"Then you're the fool here for not seeing beyond your own assumptions. The past events should have made you aware of what I am. But since you are at a loss I will explain it to you." Rayna started taking a step forward, challenging him. "The spiritual pressure you felt in the living world was only a portion of its strength. Had I not been near to death there would have been no way you could have contained it. I am certain by now you now you have been told what would happen if my Reiatsu goes beyond my control. The term frenzy doesn't even begin to describe it. Or, did you think it was conjecture? Because I can promise it is not, and there are no words to describe the horror if it."
Taking a breath Rayna genuinely tried to control her temper but it was too late all her emotions had started to mix and spill out. "Do you think I don't know the risk that surrounds me? Or what people will do to protect the power I carry? I am a danger to everyone around me, EVERYONE! Because of a blood trait I can never hope to fully control. I seek solitude because it is one of the rare instances that I can feel peace."
Rayna stood in front of Byakuya facing him with more honor and presence than he had seen in most nobility. She saw herself as a threat to those around her. Seeking solitude not only alleviated the worry she felt, but also removed the risk. It was a sad truth for someone so pure, and unfortunately she wasn't entirely wrong. Anger and insults forgotten he desired to comfort and protect the impetuous woman.
Rising spiritual pressure warned him that Rayna was about to try and leave. Byakuya reached out a hand and grasped her wrist. Warm beautiful Reiatsu flooded into him as he held her in place. "I did not intend to engage you in a battle of wills Lady Rayna."
Rayna nearly gasped in surprise when cool strong fingers clamped around her wrist. Looking down at the strong hand that kept her immobile, she fought hard to think clearly. "I told you that title no longer applies," was all she could manage to say.
"I have observed differently," Byakuya responded. Gently he rubbed his thumb over the inside of Rayna's wrist trying to calm her. he wanted to end the conflict between them. More than that he wanted to be near her. That was why he had chosen to make his presence know, unfortunately his presence seemed to irritate the noblewoman.
Finding her strength Rayna turned away from the noble, despite being grappled by him. The anger she felt had melted into something else and she felt the overwhelming need to run fast and far. Before she could step forward another hand wrapped itself around her waist and splayed fingers gently pressed against her stomach holding her captive. The feel of Byakuya's touch was familiar, exciting, and strange all at once. Emotions she could not understand, froze her in place.
Taking her silence as acquiescence, Byakuya involuntarily pulled her closer to him. When the length of her body molded perfectly into his, he was unprepared for the pleasure it caused. Slightly bending his head he breathed in the clean scent of her hair before he quietly asked, "what if I offered a compromise?"
The warmth of his breath caused ripples of sensation to surge through her. "What wold I have to sacrifice?" Rayna asked in return trying to find her resolve. There were many reasons why she should stay away from him, but for the life of her she couldn't remember any of them. Captivated and held captive by the dark haired lord was something she had no will to fight. Resistance was lost to something she did not recognize.
"A sacrifice is not always required, see what I offer first," Byakuya said allowing both arms to wind around Rayna's waist. Impulsively he pulled her further into him. This woman held strength beyond comprehending. Not in the power she carried but in her passions. There were times when he was nearly driven to murder, and other times he was stunned by reverence. Now, compelled by ardor, he was unable to keep himself from savoring her.
"I think it is best if I voice my objections," Rayna said fighting her way past the fog of sensation, as Byakuya's scent surrounded her. He smelled of cool fresh water on a summer night.
"I will grant them, as long as they are not objections to my presence," Byakuya said imposing his will. In a quick fluid movement he turned her to face him. One arm still held her, while the other brushed unruly strands of hair away from her face.
Finding some of her resolve Rayna reached up and grasped the fingers that threatened to distract her. Trying to break free from the trance, she said, "I will listen to your offer but that is not a promise of agreement."
Moonlight reflected hazel eyes that were now clouded and hazy. "I can offer many gardens on my estate. Even to the extent of sharing my own if you give your word not to leave it without myself as an escort." Byakuya said as he pulled his fingers from her graceful ones. Wrapping his hand around hers he held it against his chest.
Feeling his slowly beating heart seemed in direct contrast to her heavily pounding one. Then his words sunk in and Rayna found her resistance. Stiffening against Byakuya she confirmed, "so it is a gilded cage then." When she tried to pull away, the arm around her waist tightened.
Seeing the doubt and distrust reflected in Rayna's eyes felt like rejection, but Byakuya was not going to give up. Barely brushing his cheek against her warm one, he brought his lips to her ear. "I offer you my home, and the security it can offer. Your apprehension causes you to distrust not only my ability but my intention. My concern is not for the power you carry, but for the pure soul that it is housed within. Honor my ability by allowing me to protect that soul."
When he pulled away from her, Rayna was memorized by the dark gaze that held hers. None of her fears or distrust were alleviated, just momentarily stifled. Spellbound and unable to break free she said, "very well then, Captain Kuchiki. Until circumstances change I will abide by your wishes."
Aware that in her agreement she had also given herself a way out, Byakuya was surprised by how easily she had conceded. A compliant Rayna is something he had never encountered before, but he was certain that did not mean things would go easier for him. Doubt and worry were mixed within the depths of her sultry expression. The battle for her trust had just been declared. For reasons he didn't want to analyze, he knew that much rested on his winning.
Rayna had expected him to release her after he had gotten her consent but the strong captain continued to hold her in place. Cool fingers imprisoned hers next to his beating heart, while the other hand held her next to him. Rayna was so close she could feel every toned muscle up the length of his body. Heart pounding in her ears she parted her lips and inhaled, nearly gasping.
Time nearly stood still when he released his grasp on her and brought his hand up to trail it over the skin at her neck and gently cradled her jaw. Rayna could not look away. Dark eyes continued to hold her spellbound as he moved in closer. Half closing her eyes she focused on his lips as they made a slow decent. When his mouth brushed against hers she was surprised by the delicate touch. Pulling away, he looked down at her, for an endless instant before he closed the gap between them again.
Byakuya's lips were soft and Rayna lost any resistance she had left. Without realizing it she closed her eyes and molded her mouth to his. For several long enjoyable moments he fondled, tempted and teased her lips with his own. Then an agile tongue whispered across her lips seeking invitation. Without thinking she opened her mouth allowing him access. Velvety sensation consumed her when he invaded.
Their mouths melded together as the kiss continued to deepen. Byakuya caressed and explored the moist cavern with gentle purpose. Rayna was sweet, warm, and inviting. Maintaining control of his own desire had become a struggle. The feel of her body and taste of her mouth drove him on and suddenly he started to take without asking.
Rayna was not afraid of his sudden aggression or the change of the kiss they shared. When his assault turned ferocious and devastating she submitted willingly to him and the tumultuous feelings. Desire consumed her and she pressed her mouth harder against his delighting in his masculine power. Suddenly Byakuya tore his mouth away from hers, and she would have crumpled if he wasn't holding her.
The tiny chord that connected them was humming with Reiatsu. When he looked down at Rayna she was slightly glowing with unreleased power and on the verge of losing control. Byakuya could have easily lent additional control but, she did not trust him. Until the noblewoman did, he was going to have to be careful with her.
"It is going to be difficult with you," he said as he lightly rubbed the pad of his thumb over her swollen lips. In the moonlight her eyes sparkled green with passion and she trembled against him. Still holding her close he softly ordered, "control your spiritual pressure," as he allowed his fingers to brush over the warm ivory skin of her cheek.
Lost in the tidal wave of emotions, Rayna had not noticed the dangerous rise in her Reiatsu. Looking down at the hands that had clutched at his Haori, she concentrated with every fiber of her being. Soon her spiritual pressure rescinded back within her. Byakuya's sure fingers tangled themselves into her hair and rested against the back of her neck. Despite the shakiness of her legs she tried to push herself away, but his grasp on her was firm. "Perhaps it is best to return," she offered conceding trying to escape.
"It would be best since you have not fully recovered," Byakuya said with a mild tone of authority. Wondering if Rayna was aware she was shivering, he found himself enthralled by glistening green eyes. Carefully, he loosened his hold on the uneasy noble woman so that he could once again capture her hand. "But, as I am your escort, it is safe to remain a little longer."
Rayna never thought to object when he maneuvered the two of the toward the large tree. Silently, she fallowed Byakuya's direction as he pulled her down to the soft grass. Without the slightest trace of hesitation she allowed herself to be settled into his lap with her back cradled against him. Deciding his embrace was more welcoming than the large tree that sheltered them, she eased into him. "I suppose I would be a fool to say no to such an offer," she admitted quietly as she relaxed head against his shoulder.
Toned arms slid around the redhead in a tender embrace as soft breath tickled down the side of her neck. Without thinking she began to slide her hands over the hard muscle of his forearms. Nimble fingers entwined themselves into the hands that where resting against her abdomen. Unabashed, Rayna turned her head grazed her lips against the corner of his jaw. "Thank you," she whispered, grateful for the strength that now comforted her.
The moon continued to make its nightly pilgrimage against a back drop of twinkling stars. But, the two beneath the oak tree barely noticed. Wrapped in the sanctity of one another, Byakuya and Rayna sat together in silence. When the twilight of dawn fallowed the moon it found the two of them still enraptured in a blissful peace.