Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 540
AN: Longer chapter and one to follow- though shorter- with familiar faces. Thanks all!
A Kiss for Shelter
Reservations for Two
He would give it to her- she was fiercely determined. And despite this tenacity she managed to maintain that demure aura. Still he thought there was a stubborn cast to her features when he gazed at her pointedly (attempting to silently convey his displeasure).
Byakuya was purposely quiet.
At least having her so near as she served him allowed him to observe her more easily. A quick and simple probe assured him that the reiatsu within her was stable for the time. The energy had not waned nor grown in the last week, but this was no cause for alarm. What he did find strange however, was that even allowing for a space between them he could feel her body heat. He wondered if she had always been so warm…
He also noticed that she didn't tie her obi so tightly around her waist. There were no signs just yet of her belly expanding, but then perhaps she was good at hiding it.
Realizing his gaze had strayed- perhaps inappropriately- he snapped his head up and stared straight ahead.
She eyed him a moment but having finished her task she rose and resumed her own seat.
As she picked up her ceramic cup of lemon water he thought it time he address a few things.
"Is what has been provided not your liking?" He questioned evenly, casting his eyes about the full table.
"No," She rushed to answer, and then took a breath, "It's very… generous."
"That does not answer my question." He replied patiently. The noble watched as one finger idly traced the rim of her cup.
Finally noting her unmannerly actions, she folded her hands in her lap and looked up. There was intended assurance in her eyes as she met his at last, "Everything is pleasing."
"Yet," He said, "You do not partake."
Her sigh in response prompted a frown, but Byakuya kept his face blank.
"My lord," She began with a degree of forbearance in her tone, "I only know one way to be….And… I know my place."
He very nearly scoffed. She was carrying a child of Kuchiki blood- did she not realize what this meant? But then… did he really understand what this meant? The noble captain couldn't help, but release a breath, feeling his impatience filter away as he simply reasoned, "That is all well and good. But can you not… indulge me?"
His almost humble request clearly surprised her and he noted again how candid her emotions were at times.
For a moment her hesitation was obvious and then he watched as she tentatively picked up her chopsticks. There was color in her cheeks as his eyes followed her movement, looking on as she carefully selected a piece of fruit and brought it to her lips.
With as much subtlety as he could manage the young lord quickly looked away, shifting his eyes to his own bowl.
Somehow I am not quite satisfied… He mused as with a brief glance upward he could see her plump lips close around a red grape.
With urgency he shook off the strange sensation that observing her eat caused and cleared his throat, "Now, regarding your attire…"