Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach
Word Count: 434
AN:
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A Kiss for Shelter
Picture
Xochitl cringed slightly at the cold feeling, the gel slathering her belly creating a particularly odd feeling.
"I apologize." Isane murmured softly, glancing at her superior who was watching the monitor expectantly. The lieutenant offered a reassuring smile to the woman propped on the exam table before focusing solely on the transducer in her hand.
The monitor thrummed to life as the flat of the wand touched Xochitl's stomach, a clearer picture taking over the screen as the transducer was moved slowly.
"Good position, plenty of fluid… Excellent… It is a shame we did not have access to this technology before, but everything looks good." Unohana's warm voice was positive and comforting.
Meanwhile Xochitl's eyes traced the screen, eager to see for herself the truth of the woman's words- that indeed everything was well.
Isane's gasp made the mother-to-be jolt, but before the patient could panic Unohana pointed to the screen, tracing a shape.
"There. That's your child, Xochitl-san… Lovely…" Unohana smiled looking from the screen to the young woman and back, "Now… Would you like to know the baby's sex?"
…
With the sonogram in her gloved hand Xochitl couldn't help but smile. Her steps even felt lighter- she could almost ignore the tingling of ache as she walked.
According to Unohana-san the next few months were critical and would likely be somewhat difficult. Not simply because the baby was developing steadily, but because its reiatsu was also increasing.
But she wouldn't let the pressure of the final months unnerve her.
At Division Six's gates she stopped to look up at its high walls with another smile. She asked the guard trailing her to wait and he gave a brisk nod.
Not far down the path to the main building did the division's lieutenant appear.
"Xochitl-san," Renji came up short, eyes wide with immediate apprehension, "Whatcha doing here? Everything okay?"
She stopped in front of him to bow.
Xochitl's eyes danced with warmth, "Abarai-san. Everything is… very good. Is your captain available?"
The redhead stared, scanning her from head to toe, before he allowed his concern to fall away. "Ugh, no. He was called to a meeting… Sorry. Is it important?" He found his eyes naturally drawn to the round impression in the blue cloak.
Her smile faltered just a fraction, but she shook her head, "It can wait."
"Aa," He responded, brushing a hand down his long red tail of hair. After a moment he lifted a brow at her, "Guard?"
She pointed toward the gate with a wry look.
He gave an approving nod and flashed his lopsided grin, "Good deal!"