A Kiss for Shelter

by ArsinoetheXXVII

What if the courtesan was not the first to fall? One night is all it takes. And in Fate's hands a seed takes root. An honorable man will take responsibility and face the unexpected. Beyond passion, beyond possession and obligation he'll want for more, but find a soul unwilling to bow to him. Still with a little effort Byakuya might get what he'd forgotten he always wanted.

111. Chapter 111

Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach.

Word Count: 246

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A Kiss for Shelter

The Calm Before

Setting a brisk pace towards her room, Xochitl sucked in the cool air greedily. Her heart was already beating out-of-time and she could feel the burning of tears at her eyes.

A woman should be elated when a man admits his regard, but in her mind Byakuya had only revealed his selfishness. It was natural to want to cling to the small hope that his choices had been spontaneous acts prompted by his feelings for her, but she was too hurt. As it was, her fears had surfaced; she had blurted out her doubts.

In the back of her mind she had always agonized over the possibility of her child being treated unkindly because of her origins. And of course she couldn't help but feel guilty for the ridicule her lord might endure as well.

Xochitl slowed, wiping at the tears that escaped with the back of her hand. She stopped to take a breath, sniffing loudly as she attempted to rein in her tears.

"Why are you crying?" She admonished herself.

As the baby began to kick she was forced to breathe rhythmically. The kicks seemed anxious- confused perhaps.

"It's alright." She soothed softly. After a few more minutes the child settled as she allowed herself to draw forth her own calm. Once again she moved forward and took the steps up to the outside veranda.

She turned a corner only to freeze.

Down the way, facing her was a woman, hair a deep scarlet fire.