Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 316
*Hinted Ichiruki if you squint
A Kiss for Shelter
Not Yet
It had been a false alarm, but Byakuya had been quite alarmed, especially when he realized who had rushed Xochitl to the Fourth.
He'd given Ichigo a withering glance before staring intently at Xochitl lying in a cot in the Emergency Ward. The captain grilled the young woman for details, glancing up every now and then at the boy to confirm with a nasty glare.
Ichigo for his part had only rolled his eyes and scoffed every once and while- though he looked contrite enough when Byakuya's eyes settled on him again.
"Not like I knocked her up." The boy had dared to mutter at one point. Had Xochitl not placed a hand on her noble's arm there might have been a real emergency in the Emergency Ward.
She was still holding onto him when she began to politely ask after Rukia. The daiko's lips had quirked a little- almost smiling as he replied. He completely ignored the Shinigami captain who fingered the hilt of his sword.
When Unohana as well as her lieutenant had entered Byakuya had turned his unwavering attention upon them. Isane shrunk slightly under the steely gaze, but Unohana bore her fellow captain's intense questioning with her enviable calm.
...
After being assured it was safe to take the pregnant woman back to the manor, Byakuya spared the Shinigami-daiko one more glower, then escorted Xochitl to the Fourth's garden. He helped her to a bench. Once he felt certain she would not stray from the spot he went back to consult with Unohana, ever the worried Father-to-be.
Before he could get far she had called to him, "Make sure if you see Kurosaki-san you thank him this time."
"For what exactly?" He lifted one imperious brow.
Graciously she answered, "For taking care of me."
He stiffened momentarily before he became a blur.
"And your sister…" She whispered into the air with a smile.