A Kiss for Shelter

by ArsinoetheXXVII

What if the courtesan was not the first to fall? One night is all it takes. And in Fate's hands a seed takes root. An honorable man will take responsibility and face the unexpected. Beyond passion, beyond possession and obligation he'll want for more, but find a soul unwilling to bow to him. Still with a little effort Byakuya might get what he'd forgotten he always wanted.

16. Chapter 16

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 248

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A Kiss for Shelter

Consequences

It had only been a week or so since the discovery, but she could already feel the change in her body. Xochitl could feel that the seed had indeed taken root and was altering her from the inside out. She was not showing of course- it was much too soon for that- but a restless sort of energy seemed to flow throughout her at odd times. Sleep alluded her often as understandable fears and uncertainties plagued her thoughts.

And of late she had started to feel her muscles flinch, and a dull ache thrum through her, stemming from her womb.

But another month passed and that ache had turned into a shooting pain that came and went throughout her days. The nausea was fierce at random moments.

She was relegated to household chores. The mistress was not willing to risk her health (or the reputation of her house) by allowing her to continue to entertain when she might wince and falter due to the new discomfort.

So she dutifully helped the servants in the kitchens or gathered laundry with the maids. Gardening, however was Xochitl's favorite menial task as it allowed her outside to sample the air and feel as though she were indeed a part of the world and not just a shame to be hidden.

It was on one of these days working under the afternoon sun, perhaps three months after that life-changing meeting that she found herself once more a mere pawn in Fate's hands.