Warning! WARNING! Warning!
PURE CHEESY LEMON! Go back now if you don't want to read romantic dirtiness..
If you keep reading you cant say you were not warned.
Rayna forced her eyes open, even against the overpowering need to continue sleeping. Exhaustion ached in every limb, but her mind was racing and would not let her rest. It took a short moment to realize that she was in the room that had been given to her in Byakuyas' manor. And, someone had removed her clothing, dressing her in a fine green silk robe. Sitting up, she found the last of the late evening sun casting shadows onto her bed from the garden. When she threw back the soft blanket the cool night air rushed around her bare legs.
Jumbled thoughts began to take a clearer shape, and Rayna allowed herself a moment of contemplation. The agile and intelligent brain began to sort through all the new information she had gained. It did not take long for her thoughts to shift to the death of her father.
It felt as if he had just died moments ago, because the memory was still so new. Keigo Hirosasuke had sacrificed himself in order to save his daughter. Rayna loved him all the more for what he had done, only because, she shared his sentiment. There were many should gladly give her life for if it meant protecting them. It didn't make the loss any less painful. Mentally shaking herself, she forced her mind from the path of sorrow.
The memory played through her head again and she set her mind into viewing it from an analytical angle. The intelligent tactician was now able to see it was sabotage. It was a trap meant to ensnare her and her father had become its victim. There was only one answer to the many questions that now plagued her. Rayna had to find the traitor, she had to finish what her father stared. It was time to remove the malevolence from the Hirosasuke house.
After making up her mind Rayna looked up and scanned her surroundings. Unfortunately she was not the only occupant in the room. Byakuya stood facing away from her watching the shadows elongate in the garden. Wearing his shihakushō and green scarf, he made the redheads heart beat faster. The raven haired noble looked like the stony merciless captain that everyone feared, but to her he was inviting.
The man before her made her mind turn chaotic. The feelings she had for him threatened to sway her against her better judgment. Byakuya had become one of many she no longer trusted. There were several reasons for her distrust, but everyone she loved had either lied, or tried to control the power she carried. The raven haired noble before her was no exception. In fact he was guilty of both. Saving her from madness, did not excuse that he had placed a soul splitting device around her neck. As painful as it was she needed to rid herself of the man before her. Rayna stood up with leaving as her only thought.
"You should rest," Byakuya suggested through an order.
Rayna ignored his tone. "Your assistance is no longer required Captain," she said dismissively. "Nor will I need the protection of your house." Righting herself, she continued, "I will be taking my things and leaving."
"It is best you remain here." Byakuya said in a dry tone that was meant to subdue her.
"Careful Captain Kuchiki, I am armed with knowledge and now know you don't have the power to keep me. My title is above yours and I expect that to be honored." There was a bitter taste in Raynas mouth at using her higher rank against him. "I have duties that must be seen to. Tell the head captain that I will not be requiring the assistance of Gotei 13, or yourself."
"Matters have already been decided." Byakuya said in his usual monotone without even a backward glance.
"I will be choosing my own path and… you will have no influence on my decisions" Finally noticing the pile of her belongings she walked over to the dresser where they had been neatly placed. Exhaustion, confusion and pain fed off of one another and her temper started to flare. "I will not suffer your house or presence any longer."
"You are to remain here until the Akarui returns." Byakuya said still in his formal manor. The back to her was stiff and unrelenting.
"Remain here with a commoner, how insulting." Rayna threw at him, purposefully seeking to insult him. Any emotion from him would be better than the statue that stood before her. "I am not answerable to you, and do you truly think any of you can stop me?"
"I can," he said simply still looking away from her. The tone did not hold any signs of emotion but his Reiatsu began to increase at Raynas use of the word commoner.
Picking up her Zanpakuto she said angrily, "I would like to see you…" Before she could issue the challenge a strong hand gripped her wrist, whilst the other hand tore the katana from her and silently placed it back on the dresser. Rayna stood transfixed at the sensation of his touch. The contact with him sent a shockwave pulsing through her. Unable to control the tidal wave, she stood captivated. It was as if he had called it out. Stunned into silence, Rayna just stared into deep blue eyes. If Byakuya felt it he gave no outward sign that he did. Instead he said, "You still need rest."
The hand that held her wrist was warm against her cool skin. It was a sensation Rayna had never felt before, because her power always made her skin warm to the touch. It took a moment for her to regain her senses. Snatching her hand away, Rayna felt an ache she had never felt. The spirit within her was painfully drawn to him. His betrayal forced her to deny that nature. Desperately wanting to give in only made the suffering harder to bear. "Any illusions I had about your concern for my being were broken the moment you put this seal around my neck." Tugging at the offensive collar, she could not keep the tears from forming at the corners of her eyes.
Stepping away from her he again offered her his back. "The order was valid and binding."
Looking down at her hands Rayna felt suddenly very alone, despite all those that she loved. Lies were told, secrets where kept, and her trust had been broken. Yarinju had lied, her family sought to control, or maybe even execute her, and the one person she would willingly submit her entire being had abandoned her for honor and duty.
"So that is how you justify it?" Rayna whispered blinking away the last of the tears. Her sadness had gone beyond crying and now she felt numb. "I will not stay here. I will keep trying until I finally escape you."
"I am not the one you should fear," Byakuya said.
"Distrust causes me to fear you." Rayna said half whispering to herself. "If ordered to do so your honor and pride will force you to commit treason against virtue." Staring hard into his back she could not keep the bitterness from her voice. "I genuinely hope that same honor and pride afford you the comfort that you truly deserve."
Without warning strong hands gripped Raynas shoulders on either side. Shaking her slightly, the redhead looked up into deep blue eyes. Midnight storms swirled within their depths. "Pride and honor had nothing to do with it. The seal was going to be placed no matter what anyone said or did." The usually stony expression was lost to something Rayna could not reed. "Musagai Hirosasuke offered the only solution. The seal could be weakened and then broken if I was the one that placed it…It is not my position to question orders."
The dark expression changed as the pools of blue stilled into deep waters of pain. "When your spirit faded into nothingness I was nearly undone." Byakuya seemed at a loss before he continued. "You were not the only one that suffered in that cell for those endless moments." Pushing himself away, he again turned toward the window and gave her his back.
Suddenly all the puzzle pieces that were missing fell into place. The seal was intended for her, that much Rayna knew. Musagai was right. No forced bond could be stronger than what she had felt for the captain. Thinking back on it the faces of everyone in the cell that day had some measure of sorrow. None of them wanted to place the seal. Whoever had betrayed her father was powerful enough to have influence over decisions that affected Rayna.
Something shifted inside the passionate noble allowing the floodgates to open. The feelings that she tried to deny consumed her. Fueled by love, she was about to do something she had never done before. Because he would not come to her, Rayna was going to willingly surrender herself to him.
The proud form in front of her still stood silently. Soft black hair rested against stiff unrelenting shoulders. Byakuyas hands were clenched in fists at his sides. That was the only outward sign of the inner turmoil she had just witnessed. Everything else about him was stony and distant.
Carefully, the noblewoman approached the stoic captain. From beside him, she reached out and smoothed her fingers over one of his clenched fists. Rayna heard a barely audible sharp intake of breath as she did so. "I did not see beyond my own pain. I am sorry. I should have not only trusted my heart but, I should have trusted you," she said quietly. There was no other response from him as she looked at him sideways. Dark eyes stared forward, jaw remained clenched and his lips wore their usual frown.
With purpose she released him and slid her hands over the statuesque captain. Soft fabric whispered against her touch as her fingers trembled over his toned chest. Rayna pulled her body to his as she wrapped her arms around Byakuya. Tilting up her head, the brazen noble brushed a soft kiss at the corner of his downturned mouth. "Musagai was right; the seal could not steal away what I had already given to you." Carefully, because the collar around her neck still tried to steal her power, she released her spiritual pressure into him.
Byakuya gasped at the sensation. The power Rayna now emitted had changed form. If at all possible it had become more pure and beautiful. Sensation paralyzed him even as soft lips pressed against his. Reiatsu held him captive until she pulled it back into herself. Finally able to look down at her, he stared into brilliant emerald eyes. It was a look he could drown in. Love reflected from deep within her soul. Able to move once again he wrapped his arms around her before his lips devoured hers.
The intensity of the kiss surprised Rayna momentarily but soon she responded with her own fervor. His mouth was warm, soft, and tasted of ginger and honey. Teasing and tasting his tongue with her own, the impassioned redhead allowed her emotions to spill out. The kiss they shared went beyond passion and need it was something that only the two of them could experience. As their tongues and mouths continued to entwine, she clung to him desperate and full of wanting.
Byakuya pulled away just as breathing became difficult. "You still bare the signs of exhaustion. Rayna, you need rest," he said brushing an errant strand of hair behind her ear.
Rayna tilted her face down and rested her forehead against the bottom of his throat. Byakuya was right and she was certain the ragged evidence of sleep deprivation was written on her face. She could feel it pulling at her every fiber. The only certain thing about her world was the man before her. Everything else was chaotic and frightening. A new need arose and she realized that there would be no peace for her without him. The raven haired noble was the only one that could give her the comfort she desperately craved. "What I need, is to be near you," she admitted in a whisper she was not sure he heard.
Strong arms tightened around her and he bent down and softly pressed his lips against the side of her neck. The sensation of his hot breath against her skin made something deep within her react and the need she felt consumed her. Shivering against the sensation, she tightened her arms around his neck and trailed her own lips along his jaw line. Finding his mouth, she molded her lips to his as he began to respond again.
Byakuya was beyond his capacity to resist her any longer. The kiss they shared was more explosive than the first and the captain was overcome with not only his need but hers. Tasting of fruit and honey he savored the soft moist cavern that was her mouth. His tongue continued to delve deeper as his lips started to bruise hers. Rayna simply pressed herself closer to him.
Another shiver racked her body when Byakuya gently bit at her lower lip. Tearing his mouth from her Byakuya looked down into her lustrous emerald eyes that were now tinged with amber. The look of love mixed with passion made Rayna beautiful beyond measure and he was not going to be able to stop himself. Bringing his mouth back to her hungry one he pulled at the silk robe she wore, it slid off without protest. The only barrier that had protected her from him had been removed leaving behind tantalizing skin.
Raynas response was to push her hands inside his Kosode separating it so that she could press her cool bare skin to him. A gasp escaped his lips as wondrous softness was caressed against him. The kiss they shared became more intense, only because it wasn't enough for either of them, they wanted more of each other.
With the loss of control gone Byakuyas passion was unleashed, and he was unable to constrain himself. In one swift motion he maneuvered them both to Raynas futon. The beautiful noble now sat naked and straddled across his lap. The evidence of his pleasure pressed against her through the fabric of his Hakama.
The thrill of finding herself on top of Byakuya was so intense Rayna could not help but wrap her legs around him. Pushing her center harder onto his, the craven redhead wound her hands in his hair and kissed him with every fiber of her being.
Byakuya had suspected that once Rayna truly unleashed her full passion it would be extraordinary. Nothing could have prepared him for the woman that was now on top of him. Soft lips, velvety skin, and subtle body were fueled by desire that was for him alone.
As much as Byakuya wanted to take her slowly he had long ago lost the ability to do so. Momentarily he pushed her away, so that he could remove the barrier that separated them. Quickly he released the center of his virility and positioned himself so that he could enter her. Slowly he slid into her and shuttered at the exquisite feeling of being sheathed within the folds of Raynas essence.
Barely stifling a moan, Rayna threw her had back in absolute bliss. Heat penetrated into her and was starting to spread. Moving against him, her lust drove her instinct to seek the pleasure he offered. To add to her excitement Byakuya trailed kisses down her chest. When he encircled her erect nipple in his hot mouth and gently bit at it, she exploded with pleasure. The moans that escaped her echoed against the walls of the room.
The smallest wave of Reiatsu exploded from Rayna as she reached her climax, but it was enough to drive Byakuya to animalistic frenzy. In one quick graceful movement he was on top of her penetrating deep into her. He held her tightly to him as he rhythmically plunged into her over and over again.
Once again Rayna was unable to stop herself from completely submitting to him and the delicious mind consuming sensation. Unable to do anything but follow the movements of his body she even lost her moans to his unrelenting kiss.
Intense pleasure began to build, this time it was unlike anything she had ever felt. When waves of euphoria seized her body, Rayna was unable to stop the deep scream that escaped her throat. Byakuya caught it in his mouth, and as she sucked air back into her lungs he supplied it from his own.
When Raynas body seized in elation, Byakuya thrust harder and deeper into her as he was overcome with his own climax. A low moan escaped him as every never in his body tingled with ecstasy. Entranced by the body and the woman underneath him he was unable to move because of the awe of it.
Their breathing didn't settle for some time, during which Byakuya remained enveloped inside her. Unable to pull himself away he nuzzled his face in her neck until his body had settled. Bringing his hand up, he wrapped it in her hair before brushing a kiss across her lips. Taking her in haste had not been his intention.
Finally able to pull himself from inside her he lifted himself up to look down into her face. Emerald eyes held him transfixed in deep and binding love. Moving so that he could lay next to her he pulled her body close to his. Soft breasts pressed to his chest and he had to fight to control himself. Still held mesmerized by her gaze he said, "I am so…"
"Don't apologize for something that I do not regret." Rayna said as she tilted her head up and kissed the corner of his mouth, stopping anything he had to say.
"I was hasty and you need rest," Byakuya offered.
Rayna kissed him again and stretched lazily before turning away and molding her back to him. "I like…hasty." Reaching around, she wove her fingers through his as she brought his hand around her waist. The contours of her stomach where soft and he gently brushed his thumb over her skin as she eased further into the futon. "But, you are right," a long sigh escaped her, "I am tired."
Having found the comfort she so desperately needed Rayna felt sleep begin to invade and take over her body. But she needed more from him and was almost afraid to ask. "Byakuya," she started to question with a tone of uncertainty.
The musical sound of his name delighted the nobleman. Rayna had only done so a handful of times. Byakuya had noticed she only called him thus when she felt her own strength weakening. Brushing a cheek against her soft hair he answered her unspoken question with his own. "What will put you at ease Lady?" The delicate hand that held his, tightened in response to his voice.
The uncertainty in her voice grew, "Please, can you stay?" Rayna was ashamed to tell him she didn't have the strength to be alone. The chaotic violent past and dubious future had made her anxious, and her inner strength was depleted.
"I would not leave even if you ordered me to do so," Byakuya reassured as he kissed the contour of her neck. "Go to sleep, I will be here when you wake."
The softness of the futon mixed with the security of the man that held her drove her exhaustion and she could feel sleep encroach. Soon Raynas breathing settled into deep long breaths and she was lost in a peaceful sleep.
Byakuya watched Rayna sleep until the early hours of the next morning. Moments with her would be few; even now he expected word of her departure. The feeling of the impending loss was one that he would welcome as long as he could be reassured of the precious life next to him. The upcoming war was no place for her. Reasoning with himself, he tried to justify the loss that he would be forced to endure. There was always hope that he would be allowed to visit the Kings court, after Aizen had been dealt with.
The Akarui had ordered him to keep Rayna in his house while the rest of them kept illusion of looking for her. The captain also suspected that the man was on a path of revenge but, he could not find fault with his endeavors. There were many willing to kill in order to protect the Tenshiawai. Finding the Hirosasuke traitor had now taken precedence and Yarinju and Musagai now looked for the evidence they needed. Byakuya suspected they knew exactly who had betrayed the clan but, were unwilling to come forward without proof.
Yarinju could not execute unless Rayna was directly threatened but he would put her in harms way in order to draw out the traitor. Musagai had the authority to press charges and even seek an execution, but he would need irrefutable proof.
In the mean time Rayna had become Byakuyas responsibility. Trailing fingers over the alabaster velvet that covered her shoulder, he was certain he would relish every moment of her presence.
An approaching spiritual pressure drew his attention. Quickly standing he began to right himself. Just after he adjusted his hakama and tied his Obi a black cat sauntered into the room from the garden entrance. Uncaring of his disheveled state and bared chest he faced the former captain.
The cat strode across the floor and casually sat in front of him. The intelligent yellow eyes surveyed the room and came to the correct conclusion. "I thought you were ordered to protect the girl?" she questioned unable to keep the humor from her voice. "There was no mention of…"
"State your purpose," Byakuya said in his usual stony tone.
Unfettered by his demeanor Yoruichi continued. "That is one way to make sure she stays put. Hmmm, I never thought of that." The cat padded its way to the futon and gracefully sat on the edge of it. Mischievousness flashed in yellow eyes and she continued. "Imagine what people would say if they found out Lord Kuchiki had two noble women in the same bed. You know cats don't wear clothes."
"Demon cat," Byakuya interrupted her to keep the conversation from going any further. At that moment Rayna rolled toward them and exposed a great deal of skin in a very tantalizing and inappropriate manner. Byakuya quickly moved next to her and pulled the soft sheets up to cover her. Unconcerned about the perceptive yellow eyes that watched him, he silently stood and faced the feline.
"I would have never guessed that you would find such a willful female appealing. Or, is it her power you desire?" Yoruichis tail twitched in warning as her manner changed from playful to protective.
Byakuya was insulted at her question. It did not merit a response but for Raynas sake he said. "I am lord of the Kuchiki clan and a captain of Gotei 13. I have no use to seek power or title."
"Then Rayna has chosen well. But as long as Aizen seeks her power she will not be safe, even in a house as powerful as yours. Do not let your pride fool you into thinking otherwise," Yoruichi admonished. "It is almost time for her to leave. The head captain has returned and Raynas grandmother will be here soon to retrieve her. They are bringing a contingent of Akarui to protect her and they will consider any opposition a threat."
Byakuya did feel at a loss for a brief moment. But, he would send her away with the hope of reunion. If the woman sleeping soundly a few feet away where to die, there would be no hope left for him. "I am aware of what needs to be done," he said solemnly
"Are you?" the black cat questioned as she sat looking at him. "What will you do if she resists her family? The Lady has the will of a noble, the unbridled nature of a child, and the cunning of a thief. From the moment you met Rayna you encountered her defiance. How do you intend to overcome it if her wish is to stay with you?"
Byakuya had no answer he had not considered that Rayna would risk her own life to stay with him. There would be no question of sending her away; the question was how he did it with her agreement?
"I was sent to inform you that her grandmother is expected by dusk tonight. Preparations are being made." Standing, Yoruichi gracefully walked to the garden door. "I was supposed to relieve you of your duty but I can see you will not allow that to happen. I will leave you alone to settle the matter. Prepare your Lady, Lord Kuchiki, her future has already been decided."
Yoruichi finished what she had to say and silently left. Staring after her Byakuya was left deep in thought. Walking back over to the futon he knelt beside it, staring at the beautiful form lying covered in white sheets. The mattress shifted lightly as she turned to face him. Emerald eyes were tinged with a defiant yellow and Rayna said, "I won't go."
Sometimes it is just hard keeping up with someone elses' creation. Byakuya is hard to write because he is so... stoic. I hope I stayed with his personality on this one.. next time.. I am falling for the Spike Spiegel type... still tragic but chaotic..
Todays background noise was Sia, 'Breathe Me' and of course Lifehouse...
I do not own Bleach Tite Kubo does.. I don't seek profit. I do wish I had my own Manga but I can't even trace other peoples work...