Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 319
AN: I gave Lil Sis an oblivious role the last time and this time she'll act as a mediator of sorts and likely get to the heart of the matter.
A Kiss for Shelter
Forthright
The time she spent at the manor now was few and far between- what with squad duties and her split assignment in the World of the Living. But when her brother made his request she could hardly refuse.
She always had a place in the manor, her rooms were cleaned and aired, always awaiting her too brief stays.
She didn't feel so guilty with her brother's blessing- being away from the Kuchiki estate despite her title as "heir apparent". Rukia still attended as many clan meetings as her schedule would allow and she tried her hardest not to miss any clan functions to celebrate births, marriages, or remembrance days. But she could hardly think about this as she progressed slowly toward her rooms.
"A young woman is presently staying with us, Rukia… She has taken up residence in the West Wing. Her stay is very likely indefinite…" Byakuya had informed her and then paused as though uncertain whether to divulge further details.
His uncertainty in itself was unnerving and Rukia's heart beat increased. When had she ever known her Nii-sama to falter?
He could practically see her anxiety- she was bursting at the seams with a need to know.
Delicately he cleared his throat and plunged on, "She is with child, Rukia… My child."
The earth stood still and the young Kuchiki's eyes grew impossibly wide.
Before she could censor herself she blinked, "Nani?"
Rukia found herself at a standstill. She stared at the painted doors before her and wondered if she would be welcome beyond them.
It would seem the woman had been avoiding her brother for days… He did not say so, but he was unsettled by this- Rukia could see it clearly.
It stood to reason that while she introduced herself, she might also coax the woman into abandoning her stubbornness- that is- if Rukia gaged her worthy of her brother's attention to begin with.