Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach
Word Count: 560- because I had to throw in one of my favorite duos in the second half of this addition! Hope you like it!
A Kiss for Shelter
A Secret Shared
Suddenly the man's eyes widened in pure shock and she couldn't help but stare.
Just as suddenly though the man was beaming and she felt her cheeks warm. For an older man he had such an endearing and dare she think it?- cute smile.
She stepped back as she wondered, "Is something wrong?"
He chuckled sheepishly, "Oh no- not at all. Forgive me. I- was just a little surprised by the strength of the child's kick!"
The man watched as the woman smiled slowly her hand stroking her stomach unconsciously.
He felt a tug at his heart at the soft expression.
His smile widened as he assured, "I've no doubt your son or daughter will be quite the paragon- not to mention- fair in feature, if I may say so."
Again Xochitl knew her face must have flushed because he gave a soft laugh and she had to look away from his lovely green eyes.
Finally, when she could feel her cheeks cool, she offered him another smile, this time meeting his eyes, "I'm pleased to hear you say that."
He gave a nod in acknowledgement and guided her forward again.
Soon enough they had reached the back gates of the Sixth Division.
"Thank you." She turned to him and cradled her belly to sketch a small bow. This time she executed the gesture with grace, her center of balance found once more.
"Oh no, thank you! I'm always glad of the company on a walk!" The pale haired man replied sunnily.
He waved and she couldn't help but follow his progress as he walked away.
A frown came upon her slowly…
How did he know where I was headed?
…
It was nearing noon and the hazy yellow sunlight filtered into the open shoji of the First's meeting hall.
"Well, well, old friend, you look extremely pleased today."
Ukitake turned toward the familiar voice with a smile, "Do I?"
Shunsui Kyoraku chuckled, one dark eye a-twinkle, "You look like a man with a juicy secret…."
"Well, I have come across some wonderful news! But… I'm not at liberty to share it!" The white haired captain admitted spreading his hands in a helpless gesture.
The captain-commander tipped his hat back gazing toward the ceiling musingly as he rocked on his toes, "I see… It wouldn't have anything to do with a certain straight-laced noble captain, eh?"
Green eyes blinked in rapid succession, "How?"
Kyoraku shot his companion a glance as he shrugged, "Ah, a lovely little bird happened to spill the beans over tea the other day."
Ukitake sighed in surrender, folding his arms over his chest as he shook his head, "Trust you to know before me."
"So- care to tell me how you discovered this titillating bit of gossip?"
"Now now, Shunsui- don't heckle me about it. I doubt it's information the individuals involved would want divulged." The Head of the Thirteenth Division offered an apologetic smile.
"How boring, Juu." His friend pouted, pulling a flask from his extravagant robes.
"Perhaps," Ukitake gave a laugh, ignoring his companion's vice, "But… I'm really quite happy."
"Aa…"Kyoraku agreed after a quick swig. He grinned cheekily, "Say… I do hope it's a girl though… Another cute Kuchiki is just what we need."
Ukitake's smile faltered a bit as he scratched at his cheek, "My my, you really are a scoundrel, Shun."