Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach
Word Count: 293
A Kiss for Shelter
Nurse
"Yamada."
Hanatarou visibly startled, spine going rigid as his whole body seemed to jump as though his bones were trying to leap from his skin. His thin knuckles were white as a sheet, his hands gripping a folder of papers tight to his chest.
"K-k-kuchiki-Taichou!" The boy stuttered as he tried to recover from the surprise encounter just outside the exam room that had his heart beating wildly in his chest.
Nonplussed, the grey-eyed captain stared down at the young man seemingly expecting the boy to respond to his implied inquiry.
Taking a deep breath that only caused his slim shoulders to slump as he exhaled, Hanatarou pouted, "Kuchiki-Taichou you know I can't discuss a patient's exam with you."
Byakuya's eyes darted to the side as he inwardly counseled patience. "I require no details. I simply wish to know if all is well."
Uncertainty flickered in the boy's eyes as he contemplated the floor a moment, clearly caught up in an ethical debate.
That inscrutable gaze was retrained on him again, and the seventh seat squirmed, "Ano…" Why is he asking me? How unlucky! Finally, knowing the captain's intense stare would not abate Hanatarou sighed.
"Xochitl-san is doing well…" He hedged and then paused. Warmth flooded his chest as he recalled the steady thump pulsing through the stethoscope and he suddenly looked up with a helpless smile, "And the baby is undoubtedly strong Taichou!"
Gun metal orbs flashed with an unknowable emotion for a moment before the noble looked merely thoughtful. After a few more seconds the man gave a nod and pivoted on his heel, heading down the hallway to return to his division.
Hanatarou frowned at the man's back mumbling, "Honestly, Kuchiki-Taichou, why didn't you just wait to ask your girlfriend?"