Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 250
A Kiss for Shelter
Heartbeat
"Good." Isane smiled and there was an edge of excitement and satisfaction to the expression. This was her first time examining a pregnant patient after all. It was perfect practice for all that she had learned- though belated- decades had passed since her initial instruction. But Captain Unohana had been adamant about passing on the knowledge.
"Hanatarou." The lieutenant called holding out the stethoscope in her hands.
The Seventh Seat's head shyly popped up from around the white curtain, his dark eyes wary and his pale face flushed and apprehensive. He visibly swallowed the lump in his throat and scuttled forward, wringing his small hands all the while.
"Go on." Isane prompted in that tone that could be called motherly- the suitable mingling of patience and authority.
Again Hanatarou gulped, but he took up the stethoscope in shaking hands and donned it appropriately (after a few fumbles). He inhaled deeply and slowly reached toward the exposed flesh, trying to avoid the sympathetic gaze of the woman he was about to examine.
"It's alright." The woman assured in that kind yet lilting voice with that pleasant accent.
"B-beg your pardon- m-m-miss." He stuttered in a near whisper before pressing the chestpiece to the tan belly. Immediately he set about to find what he was looking for and after a few moments of search he gasped.
A heartbeat.
A tiny, decidedly strong drum.
An unabashed look of surprise and delight crossed the boy's face as he exclaimed, "I hear it! A heartbeat!"