Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.
Word Count: 557
AN: A bit of pregnancy banter- well one-sided... Chapters will stay long in consideration to the conflict building.
A Kiss for Shelter
The Last Easy Breath
Tea and charged silence. The hour was late. But the young woman didn't sleep well- it was hard to find a comfortable spot.
Still, the comfort she was used to in his presence, was lacking in the midnight shadows.
"You're doing that quiet routine again…"
Byakuya gave a noncommittal hum and she sucked in a calming breath through her teeth. After a moment she gave a brisk smile, "Fine. Then shall I tell you about my day?"
He shot her a brief glance, but again his gaze was shadowed and she had to brush off her apprehension.
"Well," She said in a light, airy tone, "I rose way after you- it might have been noon. Then I attempted to help the ladies in the kitchen, but I was, well, in-the-way," She gestured to her belly and then continued, "I took a walk with Layla, but we didn't get far before my feet started to hurt…" For a moment she paused to gauge his reaction, but there was none- not even the overprotective concern she might expect.
She barreled on, "Oh- and then the seamstress came by because I ripped a seam in another overcoat… I really should just wear rice sacks- I must look like an ox anyway." Still he was distant and she leaned a bit to coax, "Byakuya… please tell me I do not look like an ox…"
He shook his head distractedly- which was not an answer.
Xochitl's eyes narrowed. "It's likely my breasts that are the problem. They're so much bigger now…"
The man didn't flinch. In fact he gave no indication he had heard at all.
A long suffering sigh escaped the woman as she dropped her easy tone, "Byakuya-,"
"Your breasts are lovely." He spoke without looking at her and for a time all she could do was stare.
She huffed out a laugh, ignoring the warmth in her face, "There must be something wrong. That was too much." Her smile dimmed, her brows furrowing. She awkwardly crawled toward him to sit at his side. Touching his thigh lightly she reminded him of her support.
His jaw worked a moment before he admitted, "The Elders wish to assemble soon."
"Elders?" She frowned, "Oh- your clan's… Elders." The reason for his preoccupation settled on her and she felt a rush of unease- dread if truth be told.
She had forgotten- as he must have- the difference between nobles and free men.
Despite the growing feeling of Fate grabbing and yanking at her insides, Xochitl swallowed, "Should I-,"
"I do not want you to be concerned." Byakuya placed his hand over hers on his thigh and she startled slightly. The look he finally gave her seemed almost earnest and it only furthered the uncertainty within her. She watched as his broad chest swelled with a deep breath and he looked past her once more.
"We will be meeting for a few days… I apologize in advance- I will not have time for tea or meals with you." He squeezed her hand.
"Of course." She answered instantly and his eyes fell on her. She smiled, her eyes clear.
He kissed her forehead then, inhaling deeply of her soul-steadying scent.
But even as she allowed him to pull her close and leaned into his touch she felt uprooted, like the world was starting to tilt.