Disclaimer: I do now own Bleach.
Word Count: 540
AN: This chapter is from Xo's perspective- set after two days of waiting out the meetings of the Elders and being unable to see Byakuya.
A Kiss for Shelter
Knowing You
It had been but two days, yet the hours stretched like eternity. The manse was particularly quiet, the staff cautious of offending their blue-blooded guests. A chilly cloud hung over everything, one the encroaching warmth of a new season could not alleviate.
Byakuya did not seek out his ward.
And Xochitl steered clear of any place she might cross paths with one of the clan's Elders.
Admittedly, she was curious about these prestigious politicians, but she had better sense than to flaunt her presence. There was no doubt in her mind that whispers had reached their noble ears and they were not merely meeting with her lord to take tea and discuss mundane affairs.
She was good at being invisible when she had to. In the Rukon one learned such a skill early on, or one did not survive.
So Xochitl spent her time in her chambers, experimenting with her herbs for teas and cosmetics or reading books snuck from the library. Layla's company was greatly appreciated in these times, but still the young woman found herself in quiet reflection often.
He was never far from her thoughts.
At times he spoke so offhandedly- with no intonation- she was momentarily waylaid, thinking that the words he uttered were placation instead of a compliment. But then she had started recognizes the subtle nuances of his character- indicators of his thoughts- only a few weeks after settling in the guest house.
Now, months having slid by, encounter after encounter having played out between them, she felt fairly confident of his moods. Then again, the man was an enigma; he couldn't be easily pigeon-holed or generalized. Perhaps that was what she found endearing. Sometimes, even the noble lord let impulse reign which might shock the masses.
She smiled a little to herself. Certainly her stay here was a rather large impulse on his part. In a sense he might be considered an eccentric man for his invitation. Or maybe… a fool.
A gusty sigh escaped her, her eyes dimming in the lantern light. The Elders were surely intent on convincing her lord of his madness.
I warned him and yet somehow I'm the one who forgot how my profession might impact him in staying here. I know he's utterly unmovable at times… She made a face. Bullheaded comes to mind… It was always more practical to send me away, quell the rumors by any means, and ignore my existence. Harsh, yet practical for a man with a reputation to protect.
"Ow." She gasped, pressing her hand below her left breast. Xochitl clicked her tongue and rubbed lightly at the spot the baby had struck, "Don't you start. It's true. Your father is… a very great man." She sighed again, feeling the child squirm within her, a sensation like gentle waves roiling.
With a weak smile she murmured softly, "Little One, he has kept you safe- kept us safe. I'm sure he will continue to do so." The child seemed contented by this; what she knew was reiatsu, creating a toasty warmth across her belly.
Still there was a pinch of uncertainty within her mind.
It was then that she heard the sound of the shoji sliding in its frame and looked up.
"Come."