A Kiss for Shelter

by ArsinoetheXXVII

What if the courtesan was not the first to fall? One night is all it takes. And in Fate's hands a seed takes root. An honorable man will take responsibility and face the unexpected. Beyond passion, beyond possession and obligation he'll want for more, but find a soul unwilling to bow to him. Still with a little effort Byakuya might get what he'd forgotten he always wanted.

73. Chapter 73

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach

Word Count: 373

---

A Kiss for Shelter

A Venture Beyond

Xochitl was in her sixth month when she saw Ikarosu again.

He stared at the small, but notable swell to her middle with wide jade eyes.

She had smiled warmly and invited him in, but when his eyes snapped up to hers he frowned and simply thrust a scroll into her hands.

After swiftly informing her that the message was for the noble and it was urgent, the boy had departed before she might stop him.

Her heart ached a bit as she was left on her own under the willow still stubbornly clinging to its leaves.

How I miss those I thought myself closest to.

It was that day that the young woman's stubborn streak reared once more and she managed to slip away from the manse under the guard's nose.

…

Unohana had said that regular walks would be helpful for her, provided she did not stray far from where someone might keep an eye out for her.

This impromptu journey was clearly against doctor's orders.

And she was somewhat regretting it as her feet grew heavier with every step.

In her eagerness to hand deliver the important message from her mistress she had not considered the consequences.

Not only did she risk garnering unwanted attention, but should something befall her here with no one around…

She paused as she reached the top of the stairs, trying to catch her breath.

To be safe she drew away from the last step and tried to breathe rhythmically to calm herself.

She did not notice the man approaching leisurely up the steps.

Nor did she realize that he hesitated a few steps away, considering her with a curious gaze.

Pregnant women were not a regular occurrence in sectors of the city relegated to the Gotei Thirteen's divisions- a complete anomaly in fact.

Was she a noble's wife that had wandered too far from the elegant estates on the eastern side of the Seireitei?- he mused.

It was obvious she was struggling due to the added weight she carried. She was a young thing and he watched her with a thoughtful smile a moment more before deciding to offer a helping hand.

He cleared his throat softly, not wishing to frighten the expectant mother.