Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 406
A Kiss for Shelter
Tea for Two?
A few days passed and the Kuchiki Lord adjusted admirably to his new routine.
She had not expected him to be so pliant regarding the change of schedule. She had expected some indignation on his part. Thought for certain he would at least scoff at being asked to start his education in Sign so simply. But he took everything in stride and he absorbed her teachings rapidly. He formed words with elegant precision, his noble hands seemingly made for the silent communication.
Secretly Xochitl had been surprised by his interest. When she thought on it she could not recall using Sign in his presence. How had he known she was proficient?
Did my mistress perhaps tell him at some point?
"I will take tea now." Byakuya's voice broke through her thoughts and she realized she had not been assessing his translation.
The young lord had chosen to break routine and dispense with lessons first before his nightly cup.
His pewter eyes trailed her as she rose to her feet to obey, though he had noted the momentary frown prompted by his demand.
Byakuya's eyes narrowed as she sat down without preparing herself a cup which had been her habit since her arrival.
Schooling his speculative expression, he watched her carefully, "You are not joining me?"
She looked startled by his attention, before she recovered, "Thank you, no… Please."
Looking her in the eye he insisted, "It would please me if you were to partake as well, Xochitl."
Her stomach twisted slightly and she could not be certain if it was dread or the way he unconsciously purred her name.
Her teeth stabbed into her inner lip a moment before she calmed herself with a slow intake of breath.
An almost smug expression graced the noble's face as she again differed to him.
Yet she stared at the cup she'd made for herself she could not mask her trepidation. Byakuya again gazed at her with misgiving.
Perhaps it will not affect me. She chided herself before lifting her chin and drawing the cup toward her lips.
The moment the tea's fragrance hit her nose the young woman winced. She set the cup down so fast the beverage sloshed down the sides.
Byakuya's eyes reflected his shock as he watched her stand only to dash toward the shoji. Kneeling on the porch, hands pressed to the wood as she leaned out over the yard, she was promptly sick.
AN: The term "morning sickness" can be misleading.